Global Immigration Alerts
August 20, 2010
INDIA | New Guidelines for Employment and Business Visas
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has issued a new set of guidelines for employment and business visas, in the form of a "Frequently Asked Questions" or "FAQ" sheet. The main points of the new guidelines are summarized below.
INDIA | New Guidelines for Employment and Business Visas
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has issued a new set of guidelines for employment and business visas, in the form of a "Frequently Asked Questions" or "FAQ" sheet. The main points of the new guidelines are summarized below.
August 20, 2010
CANADA | Changes from April 2011 Limit Work Permit Duration & Emphasize Employer Compliance | REMINDER: End to Facilitated Process for IT Workers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has recently announced important amendments, to take effect from 1 Apirl 2011, to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These changes will have a significant effect on both employers and foreign workers currently accessing the program. The changes will not take effect until 1 April immigration compliance years.
CANADA | Changes from April 2011 Limit Work Permit Duration & Emphasize Employer Compliance | REMINDER: End to Facilitated Process for IT Workers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has recently announced important amendments, to take effect from 1 Apirl 2011, to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These changes will have a significant effect on both employers and foreign workers currently accessing the program. The changes will not take effect until 1 April immigration compliance years.
July 22, 2010
UNITED KINGDOM | Further Details on Interim Cap and Changes to Tiers 1 and 2
As Pro-Link GLOBAL clients know, from our Global Brief of 29 June 2010, the UK government has introduced caps, or quotas, for UK immigration approvals. Full details of the cap will not be announced until September 2011, but in the meantime, an interim cap for Tier 1 and Tier 2 (General) has been introduced, effective 19 July 2010 until 31 March 2011.
UNITED KINGDOM | Further Details on Interim Cap and Changes to Tiers 1 and 2
As Pro-Link GLOBAL clients know, from our Global Brief of 29 June 2010, the UK government has introduced caps, or quotas, for UK immigration approvals. Full details of the cap will not be announced until September 2011, but in the meantime, an interim cap for Tier 1 and Tier 2 (General) has been introduced, effective 19 July 2010 until 31 March 2011.
July 16, 2010
SWITZERLAND | Quota in Schaffhausen Closed for EU17/EFTA Workers
Pro-Link GLOBAL has received information today from the Swiss authorities that quotas for EU17/EFTA nationals in the canton of Schaffhausen are closed until the end of this year. The canton will not issue any more approvals until 2011 for EU17/EFTA nationals on long term (longer than four months) assignment to Switzerland.
SWITZERLAND | Quota in Schaffhausen Closed for EU17/EFTA Workers
Pro-Link GLOBAL has received information today from the Swiss authorities that quotas for EU17/EFTA nationals in the canton of Schaffhausen are closed until the end of this year. The canton will not issue any more approvals until 2011 for EU17/EFTA nationals on long term (longer than four months) assignment to Switzerland.
July 16, 2010
MALAYSIA | Letter of Undertaking: New Requirement for High Earners
Effective 12 July, the Malaysian immigration authorities require a signed Letter of Undertaking in support of first time and renewal Employment Pass applications for those earning salary (excluding allowances) of 8000MYR (ringgits) or over per month (8000MYR = approximately $2495USD or €1930EUR).
MALAYSIA | Letter of Undertaking: New Requirement for High Earners
Effective 12 July, the Malaysian immigration authorities require a signed Letter of Undertaking in support of first time and renewal Employment Pass applications for those earning salary (excluding allowances) of 8000MYR (ringgits) or over per month (8000MYR = approximately $2495USD or €1930EUR).
July 9, 2010
INDIA | Quota Removed | Improved Renewal Process | New F(R)RO Requirements
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has backtracked on its quota system. The ceiling on employment visa applications for companies hiring foreign nationals in India has been removed for all industry sectors. Additionally, the renewal process in major cities has been simplified. However, some new requirements have been introduced for F(R)RO registrations.
INDIA | Quota Removed | Improved Renewal Process | New F(R)RO Requirements
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has backtracked on its quota system. The ceiling on employment visa applications for companies hiring foreign nationals in India has been removed for all industry sectors. Additionally, the renewal process in major cities has been simplified. However, some new requirements have been introduced for F(R)RO registrations.
June 30, 2010
CANADA | Restrictions to Federal Skilled Worker Route
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced a number of changes to one of its routes to permanent residency, the Federal Skilled Worker class. The changes, which are effective immediately, include limiting qualifying experience to 29 specific, in-demand occupations, capping applications at 20,000 per year, and tightening the language fluency requirement by making language tests mandatory.
CANADA | Restrictions to Federal Skilled Worker Route
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced a number of changes to one of its routes to permanent residency, the Federal Skilled Worker class. The changes, which are effective immediately, include limiting qualifying experience to 29 specific, in-demand occupations, capping applications at 20,000 per year, and tightening the language fluency requirement by making language tests mandatory.
June 30, 2010
AUSTRALIA | July 1 Changes
The Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship is introducing several important corporate immigration changes effective July 1, 2010. These include increased salary requirements, a change in how occupations are classed (and therefore skills assessed), and increased government fees. A summary of the changes follows.
AUSTRALIA | July 1 Changes
The Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship is introducing several important corporate immigration changes effective July 1, 2010. These include increased salary requirements, a change in how occupations are classed (and therefore skills assessed), and increased government fees. A summary of the changes follows.
June 29, 2010
UNITED KINGDOM | Quotas Introduced
Just six weeks after the UK elected a new coalition government on 6 May 2010, significant changes to the UK's immigration system, which will affect corporate employers, have been announced. The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has announced a cap on the number of non European Union workers permitted to enter the UK. This will affect both Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Points Based System.
UNITED KINGDOM | Quotas Introduced
Just six weeks after the UK elected a new coalition government on 6 May 2010, significant changes to the UK's immigration system, which will affect corporate employers, have been announced. The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has announced a cap on the number of non European Union workers permitted to enter the UK. This will affect both Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the Points Based System.
June 17, 2010
INDIA | Bangladesh Removed from Prior Reference Category
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has removed Bangladesh from the Prior Reference Category List, effective immediately.
INDIA | Bangladesh Removed from Prior Reference Category
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has removed Bangladesh from the Prior Reference Category List, effective immediately.
June 8, 2010
HONG KONG | Limited Same Day Approval for In Country Applications
Effective 1 June 2010, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) has introduced a cap on the number of in-country applications, including extension of stay applications, that it will process on a same day basis.
HONG KONG | Limited Same Day Approval for In Country Applications
Effective 1 June 2010, the Hong Kong Immigration Department (HKID) has introduced a cap on the number of in-country applications, including extension of stay applications, that it will process on a same day basis.
June 4, 2010
SOUTH AFRICA | Applications Centralized | South African Police Clearance Required
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has announced two key changes for temporary residence applications: 1) all in-country applications for temporary residence permits must be routed through Pretoria, and 2) all temporary residence permit applicants who have lived in South Africa for 12 months or more since the age of 18 must submit a South African police clearance.
SOUTH AFRICA | Applications Centralized | South African Police Clearance Required
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has announced two key changes for temporary residence applications: 1) all in-country applications for temporary residence permits must be routed through Pretoria, and 2) all temporary residence permit applicants who have lived in South Africa for 12 months or more since the age of 18 must submit a South African police clearance.
June 1, 2010
CANADA | End to Facilitated Processing for IT Workers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced an end, effective 30 September 2010, in all provinces of Canada other than Quebec, to the facilitated processing that has been in place to date for workers in the Information Technology (IT) industry
CANADA | End to Facilitated Processing for IT Workers
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced an end, effective 30 September 2010, in all provinces of Canada other than Quebec, to the facilitated processing that has been in place to date for workers in the Information Technology (IT) industry
May 31, 2010
INDIA | Preferential Criteria for IT Industry Employment Visas
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has issued an announcement that gives preferential treatment to Information Technology (IT) and IT enabled services (ITes) industries wishing to bring foreign nationals to India on employment visas.
INDIA | Preferential Criteria for IT Industry Employment Visas
The Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi has issued an announcement that gives preferential treatment to Information Technology (IT) and IT enabled services (ITes) industries wishing to bring foreign nationals to India on employment visas.
May 28, 2010
UNITED KINGDOM | Priority Processing for Visa Applications from the U.S.
From next Tuesday, June 1, British Consulates in the U.S. are introducing a "priority processing" route for visa applications. Detailed information is yet to be announced, but Pro-Link GLOBAL has worked directly with the UK Consulate in Los Angeles to provide you with this advance alert.
UNITED KINGDOM | Priority Processing for Visa Applications from the U.S.
From next Tuesday, June 1, British Consulates in the U.S. are introducing a "priority processing" route for visa applications. Detailed information is yet to be announced, but Pro-Link GLOBAL has worked directly with the UK Consulate in Los Angeles to provide you with this advance alert.
May 27, 2010
RUSSIA | Simplified Procedures for Highly Skilled Workers
The Russian parliament has approved a new decree that promises significant and positive change for companies bringing foreign nationals into Russia. Immigration procedures for foreign nationals earning over 2 million rubles (approximately $65,000USD or €53,000EUR) a year will be significantly quicker and less administratively burdensome for the employer.
RUSSIA | Simplified Procedures for Highly Skilled Workers
The Russian parliament has approved a new decree that promises significant and positive change for companies bringing foreign nationals into Russia. Immigration procedures for foreign nationals earning over 2 million rubles (approximately $65,000USD or €53,000EUR) a year will be significantly quicker and less administratively burdensome for the employer.
May 19, 2010
AUSTRALIA | New Skills Occupation List (SOL) Announced | Temporary Skilled Migration Categories Suspended | Re-Jig of Permanent Migration Planning Lev
The Migration Institute of Australia announced the long-awaited new Skills Occupation List (SOL) for General Skilled Migration (GSM) this week. The new SOL takes effect from 1 July 2010. The 457 list and the ENS (company sponsored migration) list have not changed and therefore the majority of our corporate clients will not be affected. A summary of the changes follows.
AUSTRALIA | New Skills Occupation List (SOL) Announced | Temporary Skilled Migration Categories Suspended | Re-Jig of Permanent Migration Planning Lev
The Migration Institute of Australia announced the long-awaited new Skills Occupation List (SOL) for General Skilled Migration (GSM) this week. The new SOL takes effect from 1 July 2010. The 457 list and the ENS (company sponsored migration) list have not changed and therefore the majority of our corporate clients will not be affected. A summary of the changes follows.
May 5, 2010
SWITZERLAND | Delays Likely in Zürich
Zürich's immigration authorities (Migrationsamt) made the headlines this week after a story regarding unprofessional behavior by senior staff within the authority was leaked. The matter is being investigated and, since the accusations have been made not only against the head of the authority but also his ten most senior staff, we expect significant delays in processing time in Zürich.
SWITZERLAND | Delays Likely in Zürich
Zürich's immigration authorities (Migrationsamt) made the headlines this week after a story regarding unprofessional behavior by senior staff within the authority was leaked. The matter is being investigated and, since the accusations have been made not only against the head of the authority but also his ten most senior staff, we expect significant delays in processing time in Zürich.
May 3, 2010
MEXICO | New Immigration System
Today is the first business day since Mexico's new Visa Manual took effect on 1 May 2010. The new Visa Manual sees significant changes to Mexico's immigration processes which Pro-Link GLOBAL anticipates will take some time to implement fully. At the time of writing this Global Brief, Mexican diplomatic posts in the U.S. and elsewhere were not yet uniformly applying the new regulations.
MEXICO | New Immigration System
Today is the first business day since Mexico's new Visa Manual took effect on 1 May 2010. The new Visa Manual sees significant changes to Mexico's immigration processes which Pro-Link GLOBAL anticipates will take some time to implement fully. At the time of writing this Global Brief, Mexican diplomatic posts in the U.S. and elsewhere were not yet uniformly applying the new regulations.
April 28, 2010
SWITZERLAND | New Quotas Available From 1 July 2010
The Swiss government has announced the opening of new federal quotas for foreign nationals employed or on assignment in Switzerland. An additional 4500 spaces for short term ("L") permits have been approved, and an additional 1000 spaces for long term ("B") permits.
SWITZERLAND | New Quotas Available From 1 July 2010
The Swiss government has announced the opening of new federal quotas for foreign nationals employed or on assignment in Switzerland. An additional 4500 spaces for short term ("L") permits have been approved, and an additional 1000 spaces for long term ("B") permits.
April 28, 2010
INDIA | Justification Letter Requirement
Effective immediately, all applications for employment visas to India must be supported by a "justification letter" from the Indian employer.
INDIA | Justification Letter Requirement
Effective immediately, all applications for employment visas to India must be supported by a "justification letter" from the Indian employer.
April 22, 2010
WORLDWIDE | Volcano Ash - Visa Impact
How a volcano in Iceland can impact your visa status across the world.
WORLDWIDE | Volcano Ash - Visa Impact
How a volcano in Iceland can impact your visa status across the world.
January 16, 2010
CZECH REPUBLIC: March 01, 2010 is THE deadline
Czech authorities have instituted new health insurance requirements for foreign nationals, including both short-term visitors staying in Czech Republic for 90 days or less and long-term residents. The new requirements took effect on January 1, 2010 and apply to foreign nationals seeking entry and those who already reside in Czech Republic.
CZECH REPUBLIC: March 01, 2010 is THE deadline
Czech authorities have instituted new health insurance requirements for foreign nationals, including both short-term visitors staying in Czech Republic for 90 days or less and long-term residents. The new requirements took effect on January 1, 2010 and apply to foreign nationals seeking entry and those who already reside in Czech Republic.
January 14, 2010
INDIA: "E" Visa Consular Process Changes
Indian Employment Visa applications continue to become increasingly complex, as the India Consulate in the U.S.A adds more forms to an already convoluted process.
INDIA: "E" Visa Consular Process Changes
Indian Employment Visa applications continue to become increasingly complex, as the India Consulate in the U.S.A adds more forms to an already convoluted process.
January 1, 2010
SWITZERLAND: Slashes "B" Quota for 2010
Each year, the Schweizerischer Bundesratil or Swiss Federal Council which is is the seven-member executive council which constitutes the federal government of Switzerland, fixes work permit quotas for the following year
SWITZERLAND: Slashes "B" Quota for 2010
Each year, the Schweizerischer Bundesratil or Swiss Federal Council which is is the seven-member executive council which constitutes the federal government of Switzerland, fixes work permit quotas for the following year
