Fragomen Immigration Update: May 20 - 26, 2016
May 27, 2016
In United States immigration news this week, foreign nationals planning to travel internationally this summer should make sure that they have all necessary documents to reenter the United States and be aware of what to expect at U.S. consulates and ports of entry.
Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced several potential immigration policy changes, including Express Entry reforms and an expedited work permit processing option.
Foreign nationals in the United Kingdom are likely to be charged for most medical treatment received in the country, according to a forthcoming law.
In Switzerland, the second-quarter quota for L-permits for EU nationals on assignments lasting more than four months has been exhausted.
In Malaysia, Employment Pass, Dependent Pass and Social Visit Pass applications submitted through the Expatriates Service Division portal will require additional fees starting June 1.
These items and other news from Italy, Macau, Malaysia and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important Updates in Immigration This Week
United States, May 20, 2016
Summer Travel Planning for Foreign Nationals
If you will be traveling internationally during the summer, make sure that you have all the necessary documents before you depart, including a passport with sufficient remaining validity, a valid visa in the appropriate classification, and advance permission to travel where necessary. If you will need to apply for a visa while you are abroad, be prepared for possible delays in visa issuance. On reentry to the United States, expect thorough screening at the port of entry.
To view entire article, click here.
Canada, May 26, 2016
Potential Express Entry Reforms and Expedited Work Permit Processing Option Announced
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced several government intentions at the Immigration and the Economy for Tomorrow event in Toronto, including facilitating foreign students' applications to qualify for permanent residence via the Express Entry program; the government's continued commitment to reduce processing times for sponsored family members' permanent residence applications; and reforms to increase economic immigration into Canada.
To view entire article, click here.
Malaysia, May 24, 2016
Employment Pass Applicants to be Subject to Additional Fees
MYXpats Centre will be introducing non-refundable application fees for Employment Pass, Dependant Pass and Social Visit Pass applications submitted through the Expatriates Service Division (ESD) portal on or after June 1, 2016.
To view entire article, click here.
Malaysia, May 24, 2016
Application Submission Prior to Hari Raya Holiday Closures is Recommended
Due to the observance of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the eXpats Service Centre will be closed July 6 and July 7 and the front counter will be closed July 5 and July 8. MSC-Malaysia status and ICT Sector companies should submit applications early to ensure that applications are approved prior to the closure period.
To view entire article, click here.
Macau, May 20, 2016
Labour Affairs Bureau and Human Resources Office to Merge
The Labour Affairs Bureau and the Human Resources Office are merging May 28, 2016. The work permit application process is not expected to change, however this remains subject to change.
To view entire article, click here.
United Kingdom, May 20, 2016
Forthcoming Law to Exclude Foreign Nationals from National Health Service Coverage
Foreign nationals will soon be more likely to be charged for most medical treatment received in the United Kingdom, according to a forthcoming law that is yet to be published. Foreign nationals who have already paid the Immigration Health Surcharge will likely be exempt from the provisions of the new law, however this is subject to change. The bill will also likely introduce new residency rules that would restrict free medical services for European Economic Area visitors, who are currently exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
To view entire article, click here.
Switzerland, May 20, 2016
Second Quarter L-Permit Quota Exhausted
The second-quarter quota for L-permits for EU nationals on assignments lasting more than four months has been exhausted. Employers seeking to send EU nationals on assignment to Switzerland will need to wait until July 1, 2016, when third-quarter quotas become available.
To view entire article, click here.
Other Immigration News This Week
United States: AIC and AILA File FOIA Lawsuit on H-1B Lottery – The American Immigration Council (AIC) and American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) jointly filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) seeking information about the government's administration of the H-1B lottery. The lawsuit, filed on May 20, was brought forward under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). AIC and AILA seek to compel USCIS to reveal how the H-1B selection process functions and to learn whether the system is operating fairly.
United States: Visa Delays at U.S. Embassy in Caracas – The U.S. embassy in Caracas, Venezuela has suspended scheduling new visa appointments for first-time B-1/B-2 visa applicants and has only limited visa appointments available for foreign nationals applying for other types of nonimmigrant visas.
Foreign nationals who paid the application fee for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa on or before May 18, 2016 will be offered an appointment at a later date. Applicants for immigrant visas are not affected by the suspension.
Italy: Milan Police Office Disallows Application Submission by Third Parties – Effective immediately, third parties such as counsel or representatives can no longer accompany foreign nationals at the point of submission of their police registration applications at the police clerk's office in Milan. Third parties must wait in the waiting room while the applicant hands off the application to the clerk.
Additionally, there have been fingerprinting request delays at the Milan police station. Applicants should expect one to two month-long delays until further notice.
Global Immigration News Links
Foreign-born workers account for a rising share of the U.S. labor force, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The European Union is creating a mechanism that will allow for visa waiver suspension with any of its partner countries if certain conditions are met.
Switzerland is preparing for a final round of negotiations with the European Union on immigration.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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