Important Updates
Important Updates
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
October 21, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: New Online System for Foreign Service Providers’ Requirements Forthcoming
October 21, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK
October 21, 2025 | GeorgiaGeorgia: Authorities Request Police Clearances on Ad Hoc Basis 
October 21, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Easier Process for Study/Research Residence Permit Holders to Convert to EU Blue Card
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
October 21, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: New Online System for Foreign Service Providers’ Requirements Forthcoming
October 21, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK
October 21, 2025 | GeorgiaGeorgia: Authorities Request Police Clearances on Ad Hoc Basis 
October 21, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Easier Process for Study/Research Residence Permit Holders to Convert to EU Blue Card
October 21, 2025 | SingaporeSingapore: Permanent Residents Will Need to Apply for a Re-Entry Permit to Maintain Permanent Residence Status
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Comparative Immigration Law: The Similarities

August 9, 2016

janis-bailey

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Janis M. Bailey

I have just returned home to London from back-to-back trips to the United States. The first trip was work related and the second was a visit to see family.  During both trips, I was struck again at how inward-facing much of the thinking is in the U.S. The news, of course, is dominated by the U.S. elections and even world events are viewed through the prism of the U.S. elections.  With work and more related to the purpose of this blog, the focus was understandably very much on U.S. immigration. When discussions turned to “global” immigration, there was often wonderment about what this involved and how it was different from U.S. immigration. The answer is that while every country has a different immigration system, laws, and terminology, there some important commonalities. It starts with the question of “What is immigration law?”

When we talk about immigration law, we are normally talking about three entitlements that would be granted by the host country to the foreign national. Specifically, we would be talking about rights to work, to reside, and to travel into and out of the country. Related subjects around tax, shipment of goods, social security and other areas of law encountered by people moving between countries would not be included.

Right to Work

The right to work in a host country is usually given in the form of a “work permit” or “employment pass” but may also be bundled up with other rights in a separate document or a combination of documents. For example, in some countries the right to work is not granted until there is both a work permit and a residence permit granted, or alternatively a visa, or all three. In each country, it is vital to understand what document or combination of documents grant the right to work.

Right to Reside

The right to reside, or to live in a country, is often adjudicated as a separate issue from the right to work. In other words, the granting of work permit approval does not necessarily mean that the individual foreign national has a right to remain in the country. As such, it is often the case that an individual cannot begin his or her assignment in the host country until both the work permit and residence permit has been granted. In other countries, the assignment may begin before the residence permit is secured so long as it is applied for within a suitable period of time.  In still other countries, the right to work and reside may be granted in one single document.

Right to Travel (Entry & Exit)

In addition to the in-country rights of working and residing, there is a separate right involving the ability to travel into and out of a country.  Normally, this right is granted through the issuance of a visa (unless the requirement for a visa is “waived” for certain nationalities). In most countries, a visa can be used to travel both into and out of a country. In other countries, a separate exit visa must be obtained which is distinct from the entry visa.  Visas may be for different travel purposes, including business, work, or tourism, among others. Each country will have specific rules on visa types and application procedures.

To give my fellow citizens in the United States  a sense of these rights in U.S. immigration terminology, the right to work would normally be granted in most cases through an I-797 petition approval, the right to remain/reside through the CBP arrival record (I-94), and the right to travel for a particular purpose through the visa stamp.  In other countries, this combination might be a work permit, residence permit, and visa, or an employment pass and visa, or a combined work/residence permit. The terminology and documentation required may differ but the rights granted will be consistent with the purpose of the visit, assignment or move to the new country no matter where in the world that may be.

Read all of the blogs written by Janis. 

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.