Temporary and Permanent Residence Permit Restrictions Forthcoming

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At a Glance

The Ukrainian State Migration Service has announced upcoming restrictions to Temporary Residence Permit processing times, renewal deadlines and the application process, as well as a shorter validity period for Permanent Residence Permits. Foreign nationals should anticipate delays in obtaining and renewing such permits around June 2, as the government works to implement the changes.

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The situation

Rules regarding Temporary and Permanent Residence Permits will be restricted around June 2, 2018. The exact implementation date depends on when the Ukrainian State Migration Service finalizes the logistical details around the changes.

Temporary Residence Permit restrictions

The following restrictions will be made to Temporary Residence Permits (TRPs):

• TRP cards. New TRPs will be issued as plastic cards instead of as a paper form, and will contain a biometric chip. Existing paper TRPs will remain valid for their remaining validity period.
  • Impact. TRP holders should benefit from a more durable proof of residence.

 

• Processing times. TRPs will be processed within 15 business days instead of the current 10 calendar days.
  • Impact. Foreign nationals should submit their TRP applications sooner than they currently do, to account for the longer processing times.

 

• Renewal application deadline. Foreign nationals will need to submit their TRP renewal application at least 15 business days before expiry, instead of 10 calendar days before expiry.
  • Impact. Foreign nationals should gather their TRP renewal application documents sooner to account for the fact that their renewal applications must be filed sooner.

 

• Application process. TRPs will require a personal appearance and can no longer be submitted through a representative. Applicants will need to visit the migration authority personally at least twice — once to file the TRP application and then to collect it.
  • Impact. Foreign nationals will need to be in the Ukraine to file their TRP application, which may under certain circumstances require travel from another country.

 

• Children. Children under 16 years old will be eligible for a separate TRP and will not be sponsored by their parent, as is currently done.
  • Impact.  Children will need to appear in person at the migration authority to obtain a separate TRP.

 

• Document requirements. Document requirements for a TRP will remain the same, although a new application form will be introduced.
  • Impact. TRP applicants should be prepared for the possibility that the new form may request additional personal information.

 

Permanent Residence Permit restriction

• Permanent Residence Permits (PRPs) will have a validity of 10 years, instead of the current indefinite period.
  • Impact. Although the new regulations do not specify the transition rules for current PRP holders, foreign nationals who obtained their PRPs before the new rules are in effect should contact their immigration professional to determine the PRP’s validity period.

 

Looking ahead

Foreign nationals should anticipate delays with the processing of initial and renewal TRP and PRP applications, since it is unclear whether immigration officials will start implementing the procedures on June 2, 2018.

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].