Visa and Passport Updates

Holiday Closures
The CIBT offices will be closing at 5pm CT on December 24th and will remain closed on December 25th 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.

Passport Validity 
Holiday season is here and U.S. nationals with international travel plans should ensure they have a passport with more than 6 months validity remaining. Many popular visa and non-visa destinations require a passport with at least six months validity, without which airlines may not permit boarding and government officials can deny entry upon arrival. CIBT can renew your passport in as little as a day. Avoid unexpected travel disruptions and uncertainty, renew your passport today.

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 acctmgmt@cibt.com today for more information about how we can solve your group travel challenge.

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 travelers 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. 

Angola – Houston
The Consulate of Angola in Houston is experiencing technical difficulties, which will result in visa processing delays. The Consulate is expected to resume normal operations after December 16, 2019. Click here to see your requirements for a visa to Angola. 

Bahamas – New York City
Travelers applying for a tourist visa to the Bahamas must show proof of sufficient funds in the form of their most recent bank statement. Click here to see if you need a visa to travel to the Bahamas. 

Indonesia – San Francisco
The Consulate of Indonesia in San Francisco is experiencing processing delays due to high seasonal volume. Apply for your visa to Indonesia today. 

Singapore – New York City
Applicants must provide their actual passport when applying for a visa to Singapore. A photocopy will no longer be accepted. Click here to start your visa application to Singapore.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.

Essential Holiday Travel Tips 
There are many precautions that travelers can take to minimize the risk of disruption or delay to their travel during the holidays. If you are traveling this season, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months, make copies of your travel documents and keep them separate from the originals in case they are lost or stolen, and anticipate longer lines and wait times at the airport. CIBT is here to help you navigate the busy season and can assist you in renewing your passport, archiving a digital copy of your visa, and even signing you up for Embassy Registration so that you are informed about safety conditions in the countries you are visiting. We are dedicated to ensuring your holiday travel experience is safe, seamless, and enjoyable.

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. 

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 travelers 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. 

Japan – Houston
Business visa applicants traveling to Japan must provide an original letter of invitation. A copy will not be accepted. Click here to see all of your requirements for a visa to Japan. 

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.

Happy Thanksgiving from CIBT
All CIBT offices and consulates nationwide will be closed Thursday, November 28, 2019 and Friday, November 29, 2019 in observance of Thanksgiving. Please 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.

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.

Live Webinar – Essentials for Success in India: Employment and Business Visas
While down from its all-time high of 11 percent, India’s GDP continues to grow at 5+ percent annually – making it one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. To support the business growth and attract foreign investment and talent, Indian immigration policy has undergone significant improvements over the recent years. Greater use of e-visas, longer validity periods, and liberalization of permissible activities benefit international businesses operating in India. Join our immigration experts at Newland Chase on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 1:00am ET/11:30am IST as we take a deep dive into business immigration to India. In this webinar we will cover the essentials of residence and work authorization for foreign nationals, as well as the latest developments in business travel and visas for foreign business people. Can’t make the time? Don’t worry; a recording will be sent to all registrants after the webinar. Learn more and register today.

Holiday Travel and Seasonal Passport Rush
The holidays are here which is a busy season for passport applications and renewals. Many popular visa and non-visa destinations require a passport with at least six months validity, without which airlines may not permit boarding and government officials can deny entry upon arrival. If you plan on traveling for the holidays or have a trip booked within the next 6 months, ensure that your passport has more than 6 months of validity remaining. The end of year passport rush can cause backlogs and delays, but CIBT is here to help. We can renew your passport in as little as a day. Avoid unexpected travel disruptions and uncertainty, learn more and renew your passport today.

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 travelers that you support.

New Regional Visas Now Available in Australia
The new Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa opened for applications on 16 November 2019 for employers with roles in regional Australia. Click here to learn more. 

Various Changes to Immigration Fees in the United States
Effective 2 December 2019, the fee to request the premium processing service for certain employment-based petitions will increase to USD 1440 from the current fee of USD 1410. Click here for more details.

Malaysia Expatriate Services Division Foreign Knowledge Worker Projection for 2020
Beginning November 20, 2019, companies registered with the Expatriate Services Division can start to apply for their 2020 Foreign Knowledge Worker projection for Employment Passes and Professional Visit Passes. Click here to read more.

China – Houston
All non-U.S. citizens on a student visa in the U.S. must provide a copy of the I-20 form and a copy of their U.S. visa when applying for a visa to China. Click here to start your visa application to China.

Mozambique – Washington, D.C.
Work permits to Mozambique are now valid for 3 months instead of 2 months. Click here to apply for your visa to Mozambique.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.

Thanksgiving Closings
All CIBT offices and consulates nationwide will be closed Thursday, November 28, 2019 and Friday, November 29, 2019 in observance of Thanksgiving. Please 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.

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.

Embassy Registration - Travel Responsibly
Feel more secure about your international travels by having CIBT register your trip with the U.S. Department of State. Our Embassy Registration service provides travelers with important information about safety conditions in the country they are visiting and allows the U.S. Embassy to contact them should any unexpected event occur during their stay. Be a responsible traveler and stay informed, connected, and safe with Embassy Registration. 

Live Webinar – Essentials for Success in India: Employment and Business Visas
While down from its all-time high of 11 percent, India’s GDP continues to grow at 5+ percent annually – making it one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. To support the business growth and attract foreign investment and talent, Indian immigration policy has undergone significant improvements over the recent years. Greater use of e-visas, longer validity periods, and liberalization of permissible activities benefit international businesses operating in India. Join our immigration experts at Newland Chase on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 1:00am ET/11:30am IST as we take a deep dive into business immigration to India. In this webinar we will cover the essentials of residence and work authorization for foreign nationals, as well as the latest developments in business travel and visas for foreign business people. Can’t make the time? Don’t worry; a recording will be sent to all registrants after the webinar. Learn more and register today.

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 travelers that you support.

Higher Minimum Salary for S Pass Applicants in Singapore
Effective January 1, 2020, the minimum qualifying salary for the S Pass will be increased from SGD 2,300 to SGD 2,400. Click here to learn more.

Changes to Degree Validation Process in Colombia
The Ministry of National Education has issued a Resolution establishing or modifying the requirements and processing times of degree validation processes. Click here to read more.

Foreign Nationals Now Require Health Insurance in Zambia
Foreign nationals who enter Zambia without valid health insurance must obtain local health insurance through the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA), on arrival at the port of entry. Click here for more details. 

Saudi Arabia Tourist E-Visas Now Available 
We are excited to announce that travelers can now apply for a tourist e-visa to Saudi Arabia. Citizens from 49 countries are eligible for the e-visa which covers leisure, family visits, events, and Umrah and is valid for one year. Click here to apply for your visa to Saudi Arabia.

United States
Visit consular closings to see the complete list of U.S. closures.