US: November 2016 Visa Bulletin
November 2016 Visa Bulletin: Modest Advancements for EB-2 India and China and EB-3 All Countries; Slight Advancement for EB-5 China
According to the State Department’s November Visa Bulletin, immigrant visa availability dates for final action in all categories will advance, with the greatest advances coming in the EB-2 category final action cut-offs for India and China. EB-2 India will advance by over nine and a half months, to November 1, 2007, and EB-2 China will advance by five months, to July 15, 2012.
India: Important information on Karnataka and Tamil Nadu situation
Due to the Supreme Court of India’s ruling over the Cauvery River – an interstate water sharing issue that has increased political tensions in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, especially in Bangalore – foreign nationals in these areas should expect immigration application processing delays and rescheduled immigration appointments over the next week.
Netherlands: Recognised sponsor fee to decrease for small businesses; government filing fee to increase
On or after January 1, 2017, the one-time fee for recognised sponsorship will decrease to EUR 2,592 (from the current fee of EUR 5,183) for small businesses and start ups with fewer than 50 employees. Recognised companies that change their corporate structure, and therefore need to file a new recognised sponsorship application, can also benefit from the lower fee.
Canada: Foreign nationals affected by Alberta wildfires eligible for replacement travel documents
The Canadian government is taking special measures until August 3, 2016 to assist foreign nationals affected by the wildfires in Alberta.
Applicants who submitted a Canadian travel document application and are expecting to receive it by mail should call 1-800-567-6868 to confirm the pick-up location or to provide an alternate mail location.
Japan: Immigration Bureau to close for upcoming Golden Week holiday
Japan’s Immigration Bureau will be closed April 29 through May 5, 2016to observe the Golden Week holidays.
Golden Week is a combination of several public holidays: Showa Day, which falls on April 29, Constitution Memorial Day, which falls on May 3, Greenery Day, which falls on May 4 and Children’s Day, which falls on May 5.
UAE: New visa application process requires appearance at typing centre
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) has introduced a new electronic system for submission of visa applications which requires the foreign employee to appear at one of approximately 600 approved typing centers in Dubai, but eliminates the need for multiple appearances at a GDRFA branch. Most entry permits for visitors and residents will be issued electronically and emailed to the applicant, allowing the foreign national to carry the emailed copy instead of the original entry permit.