Fragomen Immigration Update: September 18 - 24, 2015
September 25, 2015
In United States immigration news this week, employers should be prepared for the possibility of a government shutdown and the delay or suspension of some immigration operations, particularly at the Department of Labor, in the event that Congress cannot reach an agreement on the FY 2016 federal budget by September 30.
In Nigeria, most foreign nationals holding entry visas, including business visitors and tourists, are now subject to an extension fee if they stay past 56 days cumulatively in a twelve-month period, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Interior. Nationals of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are not subject to the fee.
In Ireland, a new Passport Card will soon be available to Irish nationals over the age of 18 who hold a valid Irish passport. The card will allow eligible Irish nationals to travel throughout the EU and EEA while passport books are held for visa processing. Also in Ireland, due to prolonged employment permit processing and additional evidentiary requirements, more foreign workers must now apply for a temporary extension of their Garda National Immigration Bureau residency card while their renewal permit is processing.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada conducted its seventeenth Express Entry, offering 1,545 candidates to apply for permanent residence, including candidates who had not obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment or Provincial Sponsorship.
In Australia, certain Chinese passport holders between the ages of 18 and 31 are eligible to reside and work in Australia for up to twelve months under the Work and Holiday visa arrangement.
These items and other news from Ireland and Sweden follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important Updates in Immigration This Week
United States, September 18, 2015
Preparing for a Possible Federal Government Shutdown
In the event that Congress cannot reach agreement on the FY 2016 federal budget by September 30, employers should be prepared for the possibility of a government shutdown and the delay or suspension of some immigration operations, particularly at the Department of Labor.
To view entire article, click here.
Ireland, September 24, 2015
Additional Requirements to Obtain Temporary Residency Card Extensions
Due to prolonged employment permit processing times at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, more foreign workers must now apply for a temporary extension of their Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) residency card while their renewal permit is processing. The GNIB has also introduced additional evidentiary requirements to obtain this temporary extension.
To view entire article, click here.
Ireland, September 23, 2015
New Irish Passport Card to Allow Travel Within EU/EEA
A new Passport Card will be available on September 28, 2015 to Irish nationals over the age of 18 who hold a valid Irish passport. The card will have a maximum validity of five years (or the remaining validity of the applicant’s passport book) and can be used to travel within the European Union and European Economic Area. The Passport Card can also be used as an identification document and for employers to evidence foreign workers’ right to work.
To view entire article, click here.
Nigeria, September 21, 2015
Non-ECOWAS Visitors Staying Over 56 Days Subject to Extension Fee
On or after September 22, 2015, all non-Economic Community of West African States nationals holding entry visas, including business and tourists visitors, must pay an extension fee if they stay past 56 days in Nigeria. Those staying beyond 56 days are subject to a penalty if they do not pay the appropriate extension fee.
To view entire article, click here.
Canada, September 18, 2015
Latest Round of Express Entry Program Selections Show Continued Selection Flexibility
Citizenship and Immigration Canada will conduct the seventeenth Express Entry draw this weekend, offering 1,545 candidates to apply for permanent residence, including candidates who have not obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment or Provincial Sponsorship.
To view entire article, click here.
Australia, September 18, 2015
Chinese Nationals Eligible for Work and Holiday Visa Program
Five thousand eligible Chinese passport holders per year between the ages of 18 and 31 will be able to reside and work in Australia for up to twelve months on or after September 21, 2015 under the Work and Holiday visa arrangement. The visa generally allows for up to six months of work with the same employer, with some exceptions.
To view entire article, click here.
Other Immigration News This Week
Ireland: Travel Restriction Imposed on Dependents of Multiple Entry Visa Holders – Effective immediately, dependents of multiple-entry visa holders cannot travel abroad within their first four weeks after arrival. The principal applicant can still apply for a multiple-entry visa once he or she has obtained a Garda National Immigration Bureau residency card, and can travel out of Ireland using their visa once they obtain it.
Sweden: Processing Delays and Increased Compliance Checks for Work Permit Applicants – Non-EU nationals awaiting work and residence permit application approvals will experience delays due to a large number of new asylum applications. Applicants should be especially careful to ensure that all documents are accurately completed and all employer requirements are fulfilled, including a Union Statement with each Offer of Employment, as additional document requests will further prolong the application process. Applicants should also note that the Migration Agency is strictly analyzing work permit applications to ensure that terms of employment are in line with collective agreements or common practice in the industry, and increased compliance checks are being conducted following permit approval.
Global Immigration News Links
In the first-ever papal address to a joint session of Congress, Pope Francis urged compassion for immigrants.
Recent figures released by a Senate subcommittee indicate that the United States hosts about 20 percent of the world’s global migrants and resettles more migrants than any other country.
Australian immigration authorities are doubling their immigration staff in the Middle East, in an attempt to interview 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees, with most screenings taking place in the neighboring countries of Lebanon and Jordan.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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