Tag Archive
Australia: Visa Application Charges
Australian Visa Application Charges (VACs) are set to increase on July 1, 2010. The new VACs will apply to all applications received by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on or after that date, including those for many employer-sponsored applications. The new fees for many of the employment-related visa categories are provided in the... »
India: Simplified Visa Renewal
Employment visa holders in India may now obtain a first-time visa renewal of up to one year directly from their local Foreigners Regional Registration Office, rather than the three-month preliminary extension that was previously granted. Applicants may be required to provide a police clearance proving that they have not been convicted of any crime... »
Russia: New Streamlined Work Permit Procedure
Russia is introducing a new streamlined work permit program for highly qualified foreign specialists on July 1, 2010. Under the new program, eligible organizations seeking to hire these specialists will be exempt from Russia’s work permit quota and employment permit regimes, though they will be subject to a variety of safeguards and reporting requirements.... »
United States: June Visa Bulletin
Priority date cut-offs for the third preference employment-based immigrant visa subcategory for professionals and skilled workers will advance by three weeks for India, and by two months for China and all other countries except Mexico, which is unavailable. The cut-off date for the second employment-based preference category will advance by two months for China.... »
Brazil: São Paulo Returns to Same-Day Registration Procedure
The Foreign Division of the Federal Police Department of São Paulo has eliminated the multi-step, password-based appointment system for local registrations and reverted to a same-day appointment system. This means that foreign nationals working in São Paulo are again able to complete necessary registration procedures in one day and will no longer be subject... »
European Union: Potential Impact of Volcanic Ash on European Travel
Travelers who are affected by flight cancellations resulting from the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland and have to remain in their host destination beyond their authorized period of stay are urged, at a minimum, to retain proof of their planned travel and contact their Fragomen global advisor with any queries or concerns. »
United States: March 2010 Visa Bulletin Reveals Minor Advancements
According to the latest Department of State Visa Bulletin, employment-based immigrant visa cut-off dates will move ahead by several weeks in the second preference category (EB-2) for China and just over one week for EB-2 India. The third preference (EB-3) professional and skilled worker subcategory will advance for all countries except Mexico. »
Sweden: New Work Permit Exemptions for Certain Short Stays
As of January 1, 2010, work permits will no longer be required for certain foreign nationals coming to Sweden for short stays (1) to participate in practical training, internal training, or other educational development activities at an affiliated entity in Sweden; or (2) to participate in educational programs, conduct tests, prepare or finish deliveries,... »
United Arab Emirates: Guarantee Deposits to be Required by Dubai International Financial Centre
Effective January 24, 2010, employers operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of the United Arab Emirates’ Free Trade Zones, must submit a refundable guarantee deposit of AED 2,500 (approximately US $680) with each new work permit application for a foreign national or permit renewal application. »
United Kingdom: Upcoming Immigration Changes in 2010
This spring, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) is expected to introduce more stringent overseas employment requirements for new intracompany transferees and limit their ability to apply for permanent residence. The UKBA will also introduce new internship and work experience categories for foreign nationals and is also expected to loosen compliance requirements for foreign nationals... »