Category: Visas and International Travel

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Administration Establishes National Vetting Center

A Vietnamese businesswoman in her 30s looking away in front of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC.

The Trump Administration has established a National Vetting Center. The Center’s purpose is to improve coordination among federal departments and agencies as they work together to identify threats to national security and safety. The Administration has given the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies up to six months to establish the Center based on guidelines and the Administration’s approval.

Why is a National Vetting Center Needed?

The Administration is working to enhance national security. The National Vetting Center allows for an integrated approach to the use and management of all data. The Center is designed to work across several areas relating to national security. Intelligence and other information on individuals that may present a threat to national security or other areas such as border security and public safety, can be coordinated, shared, and used among agencies and departments.

Which Federal Departments and Agencies Participate in the Center?

Several federal departments and agencies will participate in the Center, including:

  • Department of Homeland Security
  • State Department
  • Attorney General
  • Justice Department
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • Defense Department

The Center will operate under the oversight of a National Vetting Governance Board. As a result, the Board will serve as the senior interagency forum for considering issues that affect the National Vetting Center and its activities.

What is the National Vetting Center’s Main Focus?

The Center’s main focus will be on visa applicants, immigrants, and others looking to enter the US. Additionally, other individuals who are already in the US, or may be subject to deportation proceedings, will be included.

Conclusion

The Global relocation experts at Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) have the knowledge and expertise to help your company understand what the National Vetting Center is and how it might impact your company’s relocation program.

Our experts can also help your company determine how to structure your company’s relocation program in light of the National Vetting Center to meet business requirements while offering your employees the best relocation experience. Contact our team of experts to discuss how we can help you with your company’s relocation program, or call us at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Immigration Rules Visas and International Travel

Administration is Still Considering Removal of H-4 Work Permits

USA Green Card or permanent resident card and employment authorization card

Sources in a recent San Francisco Chronicle article say the Trump administration is still considering plans to stop issuing H-4 work permits to spouses of H-1B visa holders. No new regulation has yet been passed or introduced, however, supporters of the H-4 program believe the removal of the H-4 work permits could have a negative impact on the economy and workforce mobility.

Since 2015, spouses of H-1B visa holders waiting for green cards have been eligible to work in the U.S. on H-4 dependent visas. If the administration succeeds in revoking these work permits, thousands of immigrant spouses may lose the ability to work in the U.S., reducing their families’ incomes and creating issues for employers who hope to bring talented workers to their organizations.

What is the H-4 Work Permit Issue?

An organization comprised of IT workers called “Save Jobs USA” says the government should not be able to grant work permits to immigrants through a rule rather than congressional approval, and has filed a lawsuit against The Department of Homeland Security to stop the issuance of the H-4 work permits.

What does this mean for you?

The lawsuit is proceeding, but it is important to note that no new regulation has been introduced or proposed. The deadline for the administration to take a position on the lawsuit was January 2, 2018, however, extensions and comments are in process. H-1B spouses can still apply for work permits and, even if the work permit program is rescinded in the future, implementing new regulations will require a potentially lengthy notice-and-comment period.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts can help HR teams understand and prepare for issues related to H-4 Work Permits and other immigration issues. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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India e-Services Online Portal Launched by Bureau of Immigration

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Three young Indian businesspeople working together and having fun while doing it.

India e-Services Online Portal provides visa and associated services for all foreign nationals residing in areas covered by the Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Chennai. The FRRO is the primary agency responsible for regulating the registration, movement, and duration of foreign nationals staying in India. The Government of India Bureau of Immigration is launching e-Services Online Portal near the end of February 2018.

Who Does This Affect?

  • All employers sponsoring foreign national employees residing in areas covered under the jurisdiction of the FRRO in Chennai.

What Does India e-Services Online Portal Provide?

All foreign national employees residing within the jurisdiction of the FRRO in Chennai should seek visa and associated services through the India e-Services Online Portal. Employees need to register and submit an online application within the Portal. The Portal will also let employees upload the relevant documents that must accompany their online application. Once complete, employees should submit the online application for further processing.

As a result of the new India e-Services Online Portal, foreign national employees do not need to visit the FRRO office in person. All communication regarding visa and associated services will go through the India e-Services Online Portal and other electronic means such as email or text messages. Given the country’s size and logistical challenges, the Portal should provide significant cost and time savings for foreign national employees.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts understand how visa and associated services should be arranged for a smooth international relocation process. Our team of experts can help HR teams understand the new process, communicate with their employees about India e-Services Online Portal, and determine how best to proceed with these new requirements.

Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Australia Permanent Visa and Transitional Arrangements: New Criteria in March 2018

Vector of nice Australian flag.

Australia has confirmed new criteria for Australia Permanent Visa and Transitional Arrangements starting in March 2018. The changes will impact clients sponsoring transferees and current 457 Visa holders. There will be new, stricter requirements regarding occupation, salary, age, and work experience. Clients will also face a new skills levy that will fund training programs for Australian workers. Major changes include:

  • Salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (A$53900)
  • Residency period waiting time increases to three years from the current two for permanent residency
  • Applicants must have at least three years of work experience in the employment category
  • Age limit is reduced to 45 from the current 50
  • Training levy of A$3000 up to A$5000 depending on company size

What is the Australia Permanent Visa issue?

Changes to permanent employer-sponsored skilled-worker categories are effective in March 2018. Consequently, the 457 Visa program will end. A new Temporary Skills Shortage Visa will replace the 457 Visa. Some 457 Visa holders will be subject to transitional provisions starting in March 2018.

Who is eligible for transitional provisions?

Transferees holding a 457 Visa as of April 18 2017, and those who applied for a 457 Visa as of April 18 2017 and were granted it on a later date, are eligible for transitional provisions. These transitional provisions allow the previous occupation requirements, maximum age of 50, and minimum length of two years in their employment.

What does this mean for you?

Clients who have a transferee working in Australia on a 457 Visa should communicate the upcoming changes. Transferees holding 457 Visas who are eligible for permanent residence should apply prior to March 2018. The new requirements may limit the number of skilled employees that clients are able to sponsor for permanent residency.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts can help HR teams understand and prepare for issues related to Australia Permanent Visa, 457 Visas, the new Temporary Skills Shortage Visas, and the changes becoming effective in March 2018.

Contact us online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Immigration Rules Visas and International Travel

EU Citizen Rights: Arriving in UK During Post-BREXIT Transition May Not Secure Same Rights

Handsome young man with tablet in the streets of London

EU citizen rights are not secure for those arriving in the UK during the post-BREXIT transition. Prime Minister Theresa May indicated EU citizens arriving post-BREXIT may not receive the same rights as those who arrived prior to the vote. Prime Minister May said while the details were a matter for negotiation with the EU, she is clear that there is a difference between the EU citizens who were in the UK prior to the vote, and those who arrive afterward, knowing the UK is leaving the EU.

What is the question on EU citizen rights?

Prime Minister May believes the government is doing what the British people asked the government to do, which is to deliver on the promise of BREXIT. As such, complete freedom of movement for EU citizens into the UK post-BREXIT is not supported during the transition period.

Prime Minister May has stated that EU citizens who arrive during the post-BREXIT transition must not have the same rights as those EU citizens within the UK prior to the vote. Prime Minister May has been very appreciative of the contributions EU citizens residing in the UK have made, and has clearly stated that “EU citizens living lawfully in the UK” will be able to stay in the UK post-BREXIT.

Who does this EU citizen rights issue affect?

  • Employers who have EU citizen employees currently residing in the UK.
  • EU citizens who arrive in the UK during the post-BREXIT implementation period and who are seeking residency.

What should employers and citizens expect from this EU citizen rights issue?

There may be an increase in applications for residency in the UK in response to Prime Minister May’s comments. Although the European Parliament believes citizen’s rights during implementation are in full effect and are not negotiable, Prime Minister May’s statements indicate negotiations on this point have not been finalized in her view. EU citizens may want to expedite their applications for residency with the expectation that a firm deadline will be negotiated.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients manage relocation to the UK, as well as understand how BREXIT will impact their programs. We can help your company understand the impact of this EU citizen rights issue, and how to submit applications for residency in the UK. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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International Talent Relocation: Top 3 Tips

Young couple unpacking cardboard boxes at new home.Moving house.
Young couple unpacking cardboard boxes at new home.Moving house.

International talent relocation can present many challenges. According to a recent Atlas Van Lines survey, more than half of respondents expect their international relocation volumes to increase. With this in mind, here are the top three tips to help your international talent relocation:

Help the Transferee Acclimate

Moving a single employee or a group of employees is a complicated task, which is why it is critical to help transferees acclimate to their surrounding environments before they start working. If employees aren’t able to arrange a visit to the new location before they pack their things and move, they should do as much research on the area as they can. This may include reading local news or publications that focus on the surrounding area, which can help new residents learn the language and cultural interests. Cultural training can be crucial to assignment success. Culture shock is a very real phenomenon that impacts many travelers. When preparing for or managing culture shock, the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recommends keeping an open mind, staying physically active, and making an effort to get to know other people as much as possible.

Workings Visas and Work Permits

When talent is relocating overseas, they must first get their paperwork in order. Companies should help transferees do their homework on important travel documents. Provide information on customs and immigration requirements, Visa acquisition, and which vaccinations transferees must obtain before departure. Some countries have currency restrictions for entry as well. The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs has valuable supplementary resources that outline what countries require upon arrival.

Hire an Experienced Relocation Management Company

If a business is unsure how to tackle international relocation, an experienced Relocation Management Company (RMC) can provide the necessary insight and solutions to navigate today’s mobility challenges. Relocate Magazine highly recommends employing a trusted partner in this capacity, especially if management or C-level executives are unfamiliar with global relocation and the new area where they are moving their talent. RMCs can provide unique and fresh insight into each move. Whether a company needs a partner to help with the entire move, or simply needs to outsource certain aspects of a relocation effort, RMCs can provide expert guidance and help determine the most efficient and effective solutions.

Conclusion

The corporate relocation experts at Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) have the knowledge and expertise to help your company manage its international talent relocation and offer your employees the best relocation experience. Contact our team of experts to discuss how we can help your international talent relocation process, or call us directly at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Global Mobility Global Relocation Tips Immigration Rules Visas and International Travel

HR Teams Should Prepare for FY 2019 H-1B Visa Lottery Opening on April 2, 2018

HR Teams Should Prepare for FY 2019 H-1B Visa Lottery Opening on April 2, 2018

H-1B Visa Lottery: Many US employers relying on foreign national talent to fill highly technical positions offer H-1B visa sponsorship to prospective employees. Hundreds of thousands of applications are submitted each year, but only 85,000 petitions are accepted due to the government cap on H-1B visas. For FY 2018, 199,000 applications were submitted. The cutoff date for applications submitted to the lottery is not defined, so unprepared employers might miss the cap and not be able to fill their position.

Thousands of employers who miss the cutoff must wait until next year’s lottery or consider an alternative visa for the foreign national, subject to qualification. The cap for FY 2018 was reached in four days, indicating the importance of submitting applications for the H-1B cap-subject visas as soon as the lottery opens.

What does this mean for you?

As the FY 2018 process has shown, unprepared HR teams thinking they had seven days to file were not given the opportunity to hire the foreign national employee they hoped to sponsor. With issues such as prevailing wages, Labor Condition Applications (LCAs), and possible site visits, the process should start as soon as possible so HR teams can submit applications at the start of the lottery.

Where can you get started with the H-1B Visa Lottery?

Global Mobility Solutions has a team of global relocation experts who can help you with the H-1B Visa Lottery process. Our team’s knowledge and access to visa and immigration resources is unparalleled in the industry, and we have helped thousands of companies with visa processes to reach successful results.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts can help HR teams prepare for the FY 2019 H-1B Visa Lottery. Contact us online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today to learn about our extensive range of industry-leading resources for global relocation.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Switzerland Enforces Quotas on Category B Permits for Persons from Romania and Bulgaria

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Switzerland enforces quotas on Category B Permits for persons from Romania and Bulgaria. This enforcement action is a result of the Federal Council’s decision to invoke a safeguard clause within the European Union’s Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons, which allows for restriction of movement to control migration. The quota enforcement began June 1, 2017 and will last for a period of twelve months. A total of 996 Category B Permits will be distributed on a quarterly basis. Category B Permits allow for five year residency.

Why Switzerland enforces quotas

Switzerland notes that Romanian and Bulgarian workers have been increasingly migrating for seasonal jobs in sectors with higher-than-average unemployment rates. The quota is one of the tools at the country’s disposal to control migration and mitigate adverse impacts.

What is the Switzerland quota?

Each quarter since June 1, 2017, the quota is 249 Category B Permits for workers from Romania and Bulgaria. With the quota enforcement, the number of Category B Permits has been exhausted each quarter. The third quarter, which started on December 1, has already exceeded its quota. The fourth quarter will release the last installment of 249 Category B Permits on March 1, 2018. Based on demand, the fourth quarter quota is expected to be reached only a few days after release.

Who does this impact?

  • Clients with transferees who are Romanian and Bulgarian citizens and who are planning to submit Category B Permit applications.
  • Clients who are planning to hire Romanian and Bulgarian citizens who are not currently in possession of a Switzerland work permit.

What does this mean for you?

Clients who have transferees planning to submit Category B Permit applications but who do not meet the quota limit may have other options such as Category L Permits, which are for short-term (one year) residency and are not subject to quotas. In any case, clients should ensure their transferees or new hires submit their Category B Permit applications as soon as possible at the start of each quarter.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts can help HR teams understand and prepare as Switzerland enforces quotas on Category B Permits, as well as other visa, work permit, and immigration issues.

Contact us online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Shanghai China: Changes to Applications for China Working Visas and Working Permits

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The Shanghai Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau has implemented several rule changes to the processes for obtaining China Working Visas and Work Permits. These changes should make the process easier and quicker for applicants.

Who Does This Affect?

  • Companies currently planning to send a transferee to China
  • Companies with transferring employees in the process of submitting applications for working visas and work permits

What are the Documents a Transferring Employee Needs to Have to Enter China?

A Working Visa is required to enter China for working purposes, and is valid for only 30 days. Upon entry, the Working Visa document must be replaced within 30 days by a Resident Permit, which allows foreigners to reside in China. A Resident Permit replaces the Working Visa on the transferring employee’s passport and allows them to remain in China legally, as well as travel abroad without any restrictions during their employment. A Foreigner’s Work Permit is a document that is delivered to the transferring employee after they have contacted and proceeded accordingly with the local Chinese authorities.

What are the Changes to the Process?

In April 2017, two previous types of Work Permits were combined into a single and unique Foreigner’s Work Permit. The Foreigner’s Work Permits are divided into three distinct categories: A, B, and C.

Foreigner’s Work Permit Categories

  • A: High-End Foreign Talents, professionals including scientists, science and technology leading talents, international entrepreneurs, special talents, and other foreign high-end talents urgently needed for economic and social development.
  • B: Foreign Professional Talents, in line with the Foreigners Employed in China Guide Catalog and the corresponding demands of economic and social development.
  • C: Other Foreigners, employed to meet the demand of the domestic labor market in line with the state policies and regulations.

The process changes work in tandem with China’s new Working Permits Points System, which allows applicants to apply online, a simple and quick process. In November 2017, further adjustments were made to the Working Permits Points System, along with a new segmentation of working areas in China.

What Does This Mean?

The new online application system should make the process simpler and easier for applicants to apply for China Working Visas and Work Permits. The Working Permits Points System is easy to understand and helps applicants quickly understand if they fall into one of the three distinct categories.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts can help HR teams determine the best plan and course of action on how to submit applications for China Working Visas and Work Permits. Global Mobility Solutions can also help you pursue additional options if the Working Permits Points System is not viable for a transferring employee. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment for China Working Visas and Work Permits

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United Kingdom Tier 2 General Visas for Migrants Exceed Monthly Quota in December

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London, England - Panoramic aerial skyline view of London including Tower Bridge with red double-decker bus, Tower of London, skyscrapers of Bank District and other famous skyscrapers at golden hour

The United Kingdom Home Office’s Visa and Immigration Bureau reports that Tier 2 General Visas for Migrants exceed the December 1,500 monthly quota, refusing over 100 applications. Most of these applications are eligible for re-submission in January, but the January quota will remain at 1,500, and the February quota will be 1,000.

Who Does This Affect?

What is the Process to Submit a Tier 2 General Visa for Migrants?

Companies must submit an application for RCoS by the fifth of each month. Applicants receive admission by way of a panel of judges. Those applying for occupations that are short of qualified employees, and those applying for jobs at the PhD level are usually the first priority.

Remaining applications receive priority based on salary level, with higher salaries taking preference. However, if a salary bracket receives 100 or more applicants beyond the number of places, all applications are refused, and must be resubmitted the following month.

What are the Monthly Quotas?

Each annual quota is divided on a monthly basis, with higher figures set aside for months with the highest demand. If there are months where a balance remains, it rolls over and adds to the next month. Currently, the monthly quotas are as follows:

  • March: 2,200
  • April through August: 2,000
  • September through January: 1,500
  • February: 1,000

What Does This Mean?

Since the majority of December rejected applications will be re-submitted in January, there is a strong possibility that the applications will exceed January’s quota as well. Employers should plan accordingly, noting that transferees may not be able to accept relocation assignments in the United Kingdom until a later date.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts can help HR teams determine the best plan and course of action on how to submit applications for RCoS in a timely manner, and how to respond if quota limits impact their relocation plans. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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