Immigration Weekly Update: June 19, 2018

  • 1. U.S.: Additional quota of H-2B visa numbers reached
  • 2. Russia: Law on counteraction measures now adopted
  • 3. Uruguay: Foreign nationals require vaccination certificate
  • 4. Brazil: 180 days technical visa validity
  • 5. Middle East and Europe: Eid festivities

  • U.S.: Additional quota of H-2B visa numbers reached

    Los Angeles, U.S.

    Further to our update on May 31, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the U.S. has announced an additional 15,000 H-2B visa numbers for those employers who can prove that their business would be at risk of failing without additional temporary non-agricultural workers. It has been confirmed now that this one-time increase has been reached.

    Key Considerations

    The agency continued to accept cap filings until June 6, 2018. Anything received from June 7 onwards, will be rejected. A lottery will be organized by the USCIS for all H-2B cap-subject petitions that were received from May 31, 2018 until June 6, 2018.

    Employers whose petitions are selected will receive filing receipt within a few weeks after this lottery. Employers whose petitions are not selected will have cases returned including the filing fees, however the date has not yet been set for this.

    This update was prepared using information obtained from the DHS.

    Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director – Immigration.


    Russia: Law on counteraction measures now adopted

    Further to our previous update, a federal law on countermeasures has been confirmed and is now in force.

    Key considerations

    The new law (Federal Law No. 127-FZ), authorizes the government of Russia to impose countermeasures towards the U.S. and other foreign states at the President’s decision, however no immigration restrictions are confirmed by the new law. The law does not contain a ban on the employment of U.S. or other foreign nationals in Russia.

    This update was prepared using information obtained from Peregrine Immigration and the Kremlin’s website.

    Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Michele Giordani, Regional Immigration Manager – EMEA


    Uruguay: Foreign nationals require vaccination certificate

    Uruguay

    Foreign nationals must now provide a vaccination certificate when applying for any type of Temporary or Permanent Residence Visa for Uruguay. Only those who can provide a written medical exemption may be released from this requirement. In these cases, an exemption certificate must be added to the visa application.

    Vaccinations should be obtained at the foreign national’s health provider or upon arrival in Uruguay at a vaccination center.

    Key considerations

    Crown World Mobility advises foreign nationals going to Uruguay to verify their vaccination records prior to traveling. Not being compliant with this new rule may lead to travel delays and/or restrictions at the discretion of immigration officials in Uruguay.

    This update was prepared using information obtained from the Ministerio Del Interior website.

    Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director – Immigration.


    Brazil: 180 days technical visa validity

    The new Brazilian immigration law Lei nº 13.502 establishes that a holder of a 180 day technical assistance residence authorization is allowed to stay in the country for that period in a migratory year. The 180 days counts from date of first entry into Brazil and stops once the holder leaves the country. This is a multiple-entry visa.

    Key Considerations

    From August 2018, 180-day visa holders will receive a document after registration with the Federal Police that confirms the end of the 180-day period.

    The period of validity of a traveler’s visa should not be confused with the period of their residence permit.

    This update was prepared using information obtained from the Trabalho Estrangeiro website.

    Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director – Immigration.


    Middle East and Europe: Eid festivities

    Dubai, UAE

    Due to Eid festivities, governmental offices across the Middle East and Europe will be closed and delays are expected. The closure dates will vary according to country.

    Key considerations

    Allow for longer processing times for immigration applications and expect application backlogs in the coming weeks.

    This update was prepared using information obtained from various governmental websites in Middle East and Europe.

    Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Michele Giordani, Regional Immigration Manager – EMEA.

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