Visa and Passport Updates

December 27, 2019

CIBT Visa News

Holiday Closures
The CIBT offices will be closing at 6pm ET on December 31st and remaining closed on January 1st to celebrate the new year. Many consulates nationwide will be closed during this time period as well resulting in an increase in processing times. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa application needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today. 

Concierge Service
Don’t put your travel plans at risk. A dedicated Concierge Specialist will manage the entire process from start to finish, providing the expertise necessary to ensure your request is approved as quickly as possible. See more details.

Visa Replacement Service
CIBTvisas understands the importance of keeping your passport and visas secure. If your passport is lost or stolen, the cost and hassle of replacing your travel documents can be overwhelming. Our Visa Replacement Service enables you to replace your unexpired visas free of charge and helps you obtain a new passport, even if you are abroad. Click here to learn more about our Visa Replacement Service

Immigration News

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travellers that you support.

Traffic Light Bulletin – Skilled Migration List Review in Australia
After consultations with various stakeholders, including Newland Chase Australia, the Dept of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business has released its Traffic Light Bulletin outlining proposed changes to Immigration's skilled occupation lists. Click here to learn more.

Brexit: Government Expected to Pass Withdrawal Agreement Bill
In the recent UK general election, the electorate gave the Conservative party a substantial majority, making it almost certain that the Withdrawal Agreement Bill will be passed by Parliament, and all but eliminates the risk of a no-deal Brexit with no transition period. Click here for more details

Business Visit Visa Regulations Extended in Kuwait
In an attempt to crack down on forged degree certificates submitted in support of business (commercial) visit visa applications, the Kuwait Ministry of Interior has introduced new regulations for all nationalities. Click here to read more.

Consular Updates

Mozambique
The Consulate of Mozambique is closed every Friday. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa needs. Click here to see your visa requirements for Mozambique.

Consular Closings

Canada
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of Canada closures.

December 20, 2019

CIBT Visa News

On Demand Webinar: To & From China: Immigration and Travel Visa Trends and Best Practices
Watch our To & From China: Immigration and Travel Visa Trends and Best Practices webinar on demand to hear our experts discuss an overview of successful business travel and immigration program best practices. Watch now.

Holiday Closures
The CIBT offices will be closing at 5pm CT on December 24th and will remain closed through December 26th as well as closing at 5pm CT on December 31st and remaining closed on January 1st to celebrate the holiday season. Many consulates nationwide will be closed during this time period as well resulting in an increase in processing times. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa application needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today. 

Immunisation – International Requirements
Many countries require travellers to show proof of International Certificates of Vaccination for a number of diseases when entering or exiting their country. In some cases, the consulate will require the certificate to be included with the traveller’s visa application. We recommend travellers check the requirements for their destination when planning their international trip. Stay informed; visit our Travel Resources page to learn more.  

Traveller Registration for Holiday Travel
The holiday season is here and if you are travelling abroad, it's not too late to sign up for Traveller Registration. Our Traveller Registration service provides travellers with important information about safety conditions in the countries they are visiting and can help them make informed decisions about their travel plans. This service also allows the local Canadian Embassy to contact you should any unexpected event occur during your trip. Traveller Registration allows you to stay informed, connected, and safe. Learn more and register here.

Immigration News

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travellers that you support.

Electronic Registration for Upcoming H-1B Cap Season in the United States
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will implement its new electronic registration process for H-1B applications for the upcoming H-1B lottery. Click here to learn more

Ministry of Labor Cancels Yellow Nitaqat Band in Saudi Arabia
Effective 26 January 2020, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) has announced it will cancel the yellow band in its Saudization programme, Nitaqat.  Companies currently in the yellow band will move into the red band and will become non-compliant unless they improve their Nitaqat rating. Click here for more details.

Work Experience Relaxed for E7 Visa Applications in South Korea
Applicants for an E7 visa whose university diploma is not related to the position in the Korean company need to demonstrate three years of related work experience, rather than five years as previously required. Click here to read more

Consular Updates

Vietnam - Ottawa
The Consulate of Vietnam in Ottawa is closed every Tuesday and Thursday. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa needs. Click here to see your visa requirements for Vietnam.

Consular Closings

Canada
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of Canada closures.

December 13, 2019

CIBT Visa News

Holiday Closures
The CIBT offices will be closing at 5pm CT on December 24th and will remain closed through December 26th as well as closing at 5pm CT on December 31st and remaining closed on January 1st to celebrate the holiday season. Many consulates nationwide will be closed during this time period as well resulting in an increase in processing times. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa application needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today. 

Seasonal Increase in Visa Requests
The holiday season is here and Canadian nationals with international travel plans should ensure they have enough time to acquire their travel visas. Many consulates experience an increase in visa requests during the holidays and the start of the new year. This increase along with holiday closures can cause a delay in processing times. CIBT has the expertise and tools to help you navigate the complex visa requirements and quickly complete your application and supporting documents. Avoid unexpected delays, disruptions, and uncertainty; apply for your visa today with CIBT.

CIBT – Group Travel Solutions 
Arranging international group travel is complicated whether it’s for a professional meeting, an incentive program, or even a wedding. CIBT is the industry leader in group travel solutions for travel anywhere in the world. Let our team handle the complexities of ever-changing visa and entry requirements. We have the tools, solutions, and years of experience handling international corporate events, conferences, and groups of all sizes. Relying on our experience with groups means that you can focus on what matters. We offer customized and flexible solutions, dedicated resources, and you’ll benefit from our unparalleled global presence and preferential pricing. Visit our website or contact our Account Managers at [email protected] today for more information about how we can solve your group travel challenge.

Immigration News

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travellers that you support.

Biometrics Now Required for Certain In-Canada Applications
Applicants within Canada for work permit, study permit, and visa extensions, as well as for permanent residence, must now give their biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated Service Canada location. Click here to learn more

Increased Minimum Salary Thresholds for 2020 in Belgium
Effective January 1, 2020, minimum gross annual salary levels for foreign employees will be increased in the three Belgian regions. Click here for more details.

Assignment Letter for Intra-Company Transfer Permits in Spain
The immigration authorities have established new requirements for assignment letters in support of all intra-company transfer permit applications, both those under EU Directive 2014/66 and those under the Spanish Entrepreneur’s Law. Read more.

Consular Updates

Mozambique
The Consulate of Mozambique is closed every Friday. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa needs. Click here to see your visa requirements for Mozambique.

Consular Closings

Canada
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of Canada closures.

December 5, 2019

CIBT Visa News

Traveller Registration for Holiday Travel
The holiday season is here and if you are travelling abroad, it's not too late to sign up for Traveller Registration. Our Traveller Registration service provides travellers with important information about safety conditions in the countries they are visiting and can help them make informed decisions about their travel plans. This service also allows the local Canadian Embassy to contact you should any unexpected event occur during your trip. Traveller Registration allows you to stay informed, connected, and safe. Learn more and register here.

CIBT Webinar - To & From China: Immigration and Travel Visa Trends and Best Practices
We’re hosting a special webinar focused on the latest China inbound and outbound visas and immigration landscape – offering an overview of successful business travel and immigration program best practices. For convenience, we’ve scheduled two sessions, one specifically for APAC and again for Americas/EMEA.

Two live sessions to accommodate attendees across all time zones:

      •  Wednesday, December 11 at 10 am China Standard Time/Tuesday, December 10 at 9 pm ET
      •  Wednesday, December 11 at 9 am ET / 2 pm GMT / 10 pm China Standard Time

Learn more and register today.
 

Digital Photo Service – Your Photo Could Influence Your Visa Approval
Consulates have very strict rules when it comes to photo specifications and requirements, and will deny a visa application if their guidelines are not met. Specific requirements can range from head angle, expression, background, lighting, accessories, and size, and can vary based on destination and jurisdiction. With CIBT’s Digital Photo Service, simply upload your photo to our website and we take care of the rest to ensure your photo meets government and consular requirements. Click here to learn more.

Immigration News

In the interest of serving the totality of our clients we are including the following information from our immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT company. We are pleased to provide the most up to date immigration news that may affect you or the travellers that you support.

Skilled Occupation List Review in Australia
Our immigration experts at Newland Chase recently met with two representatives from the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, regarding the upcoming changes to the skilled occupation lists used by Immigration. Click here to see what they learned.

Work Visit Visa Eliminated in Saudi Arabia
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has privately confirmed that the Work Visit Visa (WVV) is no longer available. The Business Visa now replaces it. Those currently in the Kingdom under a WVV can stay until the expiry date. Click here for more details

Consular Updates

Vietnam - Ottawa
The Consulate of Vietnam in Ottawa is closed every Tuesday and Thursday. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa needs. Click here to see your visa requirements for Vietnam.

Consular Closings

Canada
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of Canada closures.

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