CANADA – Non-LMIA Work Permit Category ‘Emergency Repair’ Expanded

Posted on May 29, 2015

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has recognized the need to expand the non-LMIA work permit category of ‘Emergency Repair’ so that it includes repairs and maintenance beyond the warranty or service period under the LMIA Exemption Code C-13. Previously, this… Read more »


ITALY – New Documentation Requirements for Intracompany Transfers in Milan

Posted on May 29, 2015

Effective immediately, intracompany transfers in Milan are subject to new documentation requirements. The Milan Immigration Office is requiring that the employees provide evidence of their highly specialized knowledge within their field. As such, university diplomas will no longer be accepted…. Read more »


TURKEY – Changes to the Residence Permit Application Process

Posted on May 29, 2015

Effective May 18th, 2015, residence permit applications in all Turkish cities must be made to the offices of the Migration Department, rather than to the local Foreigners’ Department (Police Authority) in the area of residence. Application Process Under the new… Read more »


IRELAND – Registration for Fast-Track Employment Permits Now Open for Approved Companies

Posted on May 22, 2015

Approved companies are now able to register for Ireland’s Trusted Partner Initiative (TPI), which grants them fast-track employment permit application service. These companies will benefit from a streamlined application process with reduced document submission requirements and faster turnaround on applications…. Read more »


MOZAMBIQUE – New Immigration Law Impacts Dependent Travelers

Posted on May 22, 2015

A new immigration law impacting dependent travelers will take effect on June 1st, 2015. Under the new law, all minors under the age of 18 years will be required to produce, in addition to their passport, an Unabridged Birth Certificate… Read more »


BRAZIL – Brazilian Diplomats on Strike Causing Delays in Processing & Appointments

Posted on May 15, 2015

Brazilian embassies around the world are currently operating with a reduced staff due to a diplomatic strike. This could possibly cause applications and processing time to double, as well as reduce spots available on the electronic scheduling system by nearly… Read more »


IRELAND – Foreign Accountants are Given New Qualification Standards

Posted on May 15, 2015

Ireland’s Department of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation is now requiring proof of qualifications of foreign nationals that are applying for employment permits. Their degree or certification must be approved by a relevant Irish entity. The following are nine Irish regulatory… Read more »


ITALY – Certain Foreign Nationals Exempt from Civic and Language Exams

Posted on May 15, 2015

When applying for permanent residency, knowledge of Italian civics and language is evaluated under a points-based system. If a foreign national does not submit proof of this knowledge to the Immigration Office, they must take exams to prove their proficiency…. Read more »


PANAMA – Engineers No Longer Eligible to Obtain Highly Skilled Residence Permits

Posted on May 15, 2015

Effective immediately, engineers are no longer eligible to obtain the Highly Skilled Residence Permit. Instead, engineers are expected to apply for an employer-sponsored residence and work permit. This change is a result of all civil, industrial, electrical, software, and any… Read more »


SINGAPORE – Manual Applications No Longer Accepted for Most Pass Types

Posted on May 15, 2015

Beginning June 1st, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will require that applications for most pass types be submitted through MOM’s online portal. Applications to which the new requirement will apply include the following new and renewal applications for: Work Permits,… Read more »