Policy In Practice 2013 Report: Now Available
Managing the Global Mobility Function 2012: Now Available
Tag Archive
China: Longer Processing Times for Immigration Applications at Shanghai Labor Bureau
The Shanghai Labor Bureau is adhering to its stated processing times for immigration-related applications, taking two to ten working days longer than before to complete adjudications. As of May 2, the Shanghai Labor Bureau is more strictly adhering to its stated processing times for immigration-related applications, taking two to ten working days longer... »
Canada: Labor Dispute Likely to Delay Overseas Application Processing
Employers and their foreign workers should expect processing delays for Temporary Resident Visa and work permit applications submitted to diplomatic posts overseas, due to recent labor actions by Canada’s Foreign Service Officers union. Canada’s Foreign Service Officers union, which includes immigration and visa officers abroad, are now engaged in labor actions that are likely... »
Canada: More Professions Are Eligible for Expedited Processing in Quebec
New professional categories – including IT and management consulting occupations – now qualify for expedited work authorization processing in Quebec. The program benefits employers in Quebec that hire temporary foreign workers in professions where labor is in high demand. The government of Quebec has expanded an expedited work permit processing program to include new... »
USA: Impact of the Federal Budget Sequester on Immigration Processing
DHS, DOL and the State Department have not yet released specific plans for dealing with across-the-board budget cuts, but immigration processing could be delayed if a budget compromise is not reached in Congress. As has been widely reported in the media, across-the-board funding cuts are set to take effect today at U.S. government agencies... »
United Kingdom: UKBA Pilots New Expedite Service for Tier 2 Applications
Under the recently launched Priority Postal Service, the UKBA will accept thirty Tier 2 applications per day from applicants in the UK for expedited processing. Accepted applications are to be processed in approximately two weeks. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) is piloting a new expedited processing service for Tier 2 applications, known as the... »
South Africa: Transportation Strike Causes Delays in Delivery of Immigration Applications
A strike by transportation workers is causing delays in application processing and the return of approval notices within South Africa, and in the delivery of supporting documentation to overseas applicants applying at South African consular posts. A transportation strike in South Africa is affecting immigration application processing and the return of approval notices, as... »
Brazil: Visa Processing and Document Legalization Suspended Due to Public Worker Strike
A strike by Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) workers has led to a suspension of visa processing and document legalization procedures, both in Brazil and at many consular posts worldwide. In Brazil, the striking MFA workers have suspended all local document legalization procedures. They have also stopped forwarding visa pre-approvals to consular posts... »
United States: President Signs Executive Order to Speed Visa Processing
The executive order calls on the State Department to interview 80 percent of all visa applicants within three weeks and pilot a program to increase nonimmigrant visa processing in China and Brazil by 40 percent. The government also plans to expand the Visa Waiver Program, initially by nominating Taiwan for membership. President Obama today... »
Nigeria: Government Stops Accepting New Immigration Applications During General Strike
Though the Nigerian Immigration Service remains open and is expected to process pending applications, new applications are not being accepted during the strike. Long application processing delays are likely as a result. The Nigerian government has temporarily stopped accepting new immigration-related applications due to an indefinite general strike throughout the country. Long processing delays... »
South Africa: Immigration Processing Delays Expected to Worsen During the Holiday Season
Lengthy delays in South African immigration benefits processing are expected to worsen over the holiday season. Foreign nationals renewing their visas in-country may be particularly affected by the delays. Immigration processing delays in South Africa are expected to worsen over the holiday season and into the first quarter of 2012 due to staffing shortages... »