Tag Archive
Costa Rica: New Immigration Law Takes Effect
The new Costa Rican immigration law came into effect on March 1, 2010. Among other changes, the new law requires all residence and work permit applicants to submit proof that they have registered with the Costa Rican Social Security Administration, imposes new penalties on foreign nationals who remain in Costa Rica beyond their authorized... »
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,... »
India: Foreign Nationals Face New Procedures and Increased Waiting Times
Foreign nationals residing within the jurisdiction of the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO) in Bangalore now must follow new registration procedures due to the elevation of the FRO to the status of Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on January 11. As an FRRO, the office will provide an increased immigration enforcement presence in the city.... »
India: New Limitations on Issuance and Use of Tourist Visas
Holders of Indian tourist visas are now required to wait at least two months from their last departure from India before re-entering the country for tourism. Exceptions may be available under certain circumstances. »
Czech Republic: New Medical Insurance Requirements for Foreign Nationals
Effective January 1, 2010, foreign short-term visitors and long-term residents must meet new health insurance requirements. Foreign nationals already living in the Czech Republic will have until March 31, 2010 to obtain the necessary insurance. Czech authorities have instituted new health insurance requirements for foreign nationals, including both short-term visitors staying in Czech Republic for... »
United States: New USCIS Guidance Imposes Enhanced H-1B Evidence Requirements and Eligibility Standards
Under new guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, H-1B petitioners will need to demonstrate that they have the right to control the foreign beneficiary’s work. This means that petitioners will have to provide extensive documentation of their employer-employee relationship with H-1B beneficiaries and may see stricter agency adjudications where the necessary relationship and... »
Philippines: New Special Work Permits Now Required For Each Entry; Alien Certificate of Registration Card to be Required for Additional Categories of Foreign Nationals
Effective immediately, Special Work Permits (SWPs) are valid only for the duration of the holder’s current stay and are automatically cancelled upon departure from the Philippines. Individuals returning either to resume an assignment, or to start a new one, must apply for a new SWP after re-entry, provided that the total project or assignment... »
United States: More on What Employers Need to Know about the New DOL Prevailing Wage Process
The United States Department of Labor (DOL) formally announced on Friday December 4, 2009 that it is opening its national prevailing wage center in Washington, DC. DOL is opening the new center with the goal of centralizing prevailing wage determinations and providing more uniformity. However, employers have expressed a great deal of concern about... »
United States: DOL Publishes Notice on New Prevailing Wage Process
The Department of Labor (DOL) is announcing today in the Federal Register that it is opening its National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC) in Washington, DC and will begin centralized processing of prevailing wage determinations on January 1, 2010. The processing of prevailing wage determinations for the permanent labor certification program and for... »
New Zealand: New Minimum Salary Requirement for Certain Work Permit Holders; Visa Waiver for Taiwanese Visitors; New Immigration Law Passed
New Zealand is introducing a new minimum salary requirement under the Essential Skills policy for work permit applicants with dependent children on November 30, 2009. In addition, visa-free travel for Taiwanese passport holders will take effect on the same day. Finally, New Zealand recently signed into law a new Immigration Act that will introduce... »