
Executive Summary
The work permit quotas numbers for 2018 have been released. A number of quota categories have increased numbers as compared to 2017.
The situation
Quota numbers for 2018 have increased.
A closer look
Quota numbers will be as follows as of January 1, 2018:
- Non-EU/European Economic Area nationals, issued annually:
- 4,500 short-term L permits (unchanged); and
- 3,500 long-term B permits (up from 3,000);
- EU/European Economic Area nationals, issued quarterly:
- 3,000 short-term L permits (up from 2,000);
- 500 long-term B permits (up from 250).
- Croatian nationals: 450 short-term L Permits, 50 long-term B permits (unchanged).
- Romanian and Bulgarian nationals: 996 long-term B permits (unchanged). This quota was recently introduced; it is released on a quarterly basis and will apply until May 2018.
What this means for employers
Though employers should benefit from the increased quota numbers, they should submit work permit applications early to avoid rejections due to the quotas.
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
Senior Client Services Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa explores how global talent shortages and workforce mobility are shaping the future of critical minerals and the energy transition.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills explains that treating compliance as a strategic function helps organisations anticipate risk, manage costs and strengthen workforce planning.
Awards
Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.
Media mentions
Manager Karnig Dukmajian
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.
Video
Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.
Blog post
Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
Blog post
Senior Client Services Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa explores how global talent shortages and workforce mobility are shaping the future of critical minerals and the energy transition.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills explains that treating compliance as a strategic function helps organisations anticipate risk, manage costs and strengthen workforce planning.
Awards
Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.
Media mentions
Manager Karnig Dukmajian
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.
Video
Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.
Blog post
Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.
Blog post
Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.
Awards
Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Media mentions
Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.
