Immigration news update for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Canada: Revised financial requirements for specific express entry permanent residency candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently set new minimum funds requirements for foreign nationals applying for permanent residence through the Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades Programs. These minimum amounts vary based on family size and will be updated annually. Applicants must have these funds readily available in a financial institution at the time of application and when the permanent residence visa is issued. However, those applying under the Canadian Experience Class or with a valid job offer, are exempt from this requirement.
This summary was prepared using information from the Government of Canada
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 Director of Immigration) and Margarida Luis (Immigration coordinator, AMER).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Czech Republic: Changes in employment of foreigners in connection with the amendment to the Employment Act
On July 01, 2024, an amendment to Act No.435/2004 Coll., on Employment, will come into force, with several important changes in the area of employment of foreigners.
Citizens of the following countries will now have free access to the Czech labour market: Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America. However, free access to the labour market does not allow employment on a visa-free basis. Therefore, it will still be necessary for these foreigners to secure a valid residence permit through the standard channels. Free access to the labour market will also allow these foreigners to benefit from a simplified regime in the event of a change of employer or job assignment.
In the case of jobs with low unemployment, the labour market test may be completely waived as of July 01, 2024. Vacancies will be advertised for a maximum of six months from the date of the announcement. After this period, the vacancy will be automatically removed from the register and the employer will have to notify the Labour Office again.
The last important change is the digitalisation of the employer’s information obligations in connection with the employment of foreigners. Employers will now need to deliver such information to the Labour Office only to a data box designated by the Labour Office, by filling in a form on the website of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) or by using an information system that will connect the employer with the interface of the MoLSA.
This summary was prepared using information from the Employment Act 435/2004 Coll.
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 Director of Immigration) and Veronika Vitkova (Team Leader, EMEA).
Italy: Changes to visa issuance for non-EU family members in Italy
Starting June 01, 2024, significant amendments to Article 23 of Legislative Decree 30/2007, have changed the visa procedure for non-EU family members of Italian or EU citizens residing in Italy. These changes aim to simplify family reunification procedures, allowing foreign family members, planning to stay in Italy over 90 days, to apply for a national visa for “family reasons” (Type D). This replaces the previous short-stay visa for tourism or family visits.
Family members eligible for this short stay visa are the spouse, registered partners (recognized by Member State Legislation), direct descendants (children under 21 or financially dependent children) and financially dependent ascendants (direct relatives in the ascending line).
This summary was prepared using information from the Italian Legislative Decree 30/2007 (available in Italian language)
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 Director of Immigration) and Sabrina Crespo (Team Leader, EMEA).
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