The situation
Applications for quota numbers, allowing employers to sponsor foreign workers in 2019, must be submitted by August 1, 2018.
A closer look
- Application process. Quota applications must be filed with the Department of Labor Office in the local region where the foreign national will be working. Applications cannot be changed or corrected once filed.
- Information required. The application must outline the reason for the need for foreign workers and the number of foreign workers the employer expects to sponsor throughout 2019. The application must include both initial applications and renewals, and must detail the position of each foreign worker. Applications must be filed on a standard form and must meet strict requirements.
- Filing deadline. While applications must officially be filed by August 1, 2018, it is advisable to file before July 27, 2018 at the latest. Regional authorities are already accepting applications.
Impact
Employers can only sponsor initial and renewal applications for work permits in 2019 in accordance with the numbers and positions specified in the quota application.
Employers that do not follow the correct quota application procedure or do not file on time may receive reduced quota numbers.
Employers are advised to start preparing support documents and to contact their immigration professional for support with their regional quota application.
Background
The Ministry of Labor sets a general annual national quota based on the combined approval numbers. This national quota is then allocated among the regions and broken down by economic activity.
Sponsoring a foreign worker is generally more difficult, and for some regions impossible, if the employer has not filed a quota request in the previous year.
The quota application procedure changed considerably over 2017 and authorities are still extremely strict in reviewing applications.
Looking ahead
Quota applications will be processed and approved by the responsible Committee within the regional Department of Labor Office. Approvals are sent to the Ministry of Labor.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.
Blog post
This blog discusses the complexities individuals face when navigating international travel while awaiting their residence permit in France.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Blog post
Partner Rahul Soni and Senior Associate Xiaodan (Susan) Song help international commercial enterprise investors make informed decisions by explaining the differences between EB-5 rural projects and high unemployment projects.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia discusses how those planning to attend the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics Games in Paris can prepare for their trip from an immigration perspective.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of immigration programs and relief options by USCIS for Venezuelan nationals amidst the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.
Media mentions
Partner Ángel Bello Cortés shares why Ireland needs a standardised visa system that’s faster and more consistent.
Blog post
This blog discusses Australia's Resident Return visa and its associated "compelling reasons" criteria.
Blog post
Senior Associate Sarah Melnick discusses the available immigration options for individuals not selected in this year's H-1B Cap Lottery.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha dados recentes sobre o aumento de vistos de trabalho para profissionais da produção de proteína halal.
Fragomen news
Silicon Valley Managing Partner Kristi Nevarez is recognized as an honoree in the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2024 Latinx Business Leadership Awards.
Blog post
This blog discusses the complexities individuals face when navigating international travel while awaiting their residence permit in France.