Executive Summary
Visa invitation letters issued after December 19, 2017 will have a validity period of 90 days. Foreign nationals will need to obtain their entry visa while their invitation letter is valid. Previously, the validity of the invitation letter corresponded to the foreign national’s pre-approved entry visa, which could have been longer than 90 days.
The situation
Visa invitation letters issued after December 19, 2017 will have a validity period of 90 days.
- Impact on foreign nationals. Foreign nationals must obtain their entry visa at an Iraqi consular post abroad within the validity of the invitation letter. Those who cannot avail themselves of the consular process, such as foreign nationals who collect their entry visa upon arrival, must enter Iraq before the expiration date of their invitation letter.
- Impact on employers. Employers should ensure that foreign nationals travel to Iraq within 90 days of the issuance of the invitation letter.
- Failure to comply. Foreign nationals who do not use their invitation letters within 90 days of issuance will have their letters deemed cancelled and their sponsoring company will have to obtain a new authorization. Foreign nationals travelling with an expired invitation letter will be denied entry to Iraq.
- Background. Previously, the validity of the invitation letter corresponded to the foreign national’s pre-approved entry visa, which could have been longer than 90 days.
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
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
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.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
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.
Video
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.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
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.
Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.
Blog post
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.
Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
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.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
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.
Video
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.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
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.
Video
Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.
Blog post
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.
Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".