The validity of the Short Employment Authorization (SEA) visa has been extended from 30 to 45 days per calendar year, according to an announcement by the Work Permit Unit and the Ministry of Interior. Thirty-day SEA visas will no longer be issued. Temporary regulations for the program have been published and will remain valid until July 31, 2016.
According to the updated regulations, other features of the SEA visa program will remain unchanged, including the six to ten business day processing of the visa. The same government fees - determined by the duration of the assignment – will apply. As with the 30-day SEA visa, workers must submit a new SEA visa application prior to each entry.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Eligible workers should benefit from a longer visa validity period and should coordinate with their employer and immigration professional to obtain the proper authorization for a 45-day assignment.