Visa and Passport Updates

Live Webinar – Success in Singapore: Immigration Essentials for Business
Singapore is a key destination for international business in the Asia-Pacific region – consistently at the top of global rankings of attractive business environments and desirability for expats. Success in APAC oftentimes requires success in Singapore, which begins with effectively immigrating and mobilizing your staff. Join the immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT Company, for a live, interactive webinar on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 10:00 am SGT, as they cover the essentials for a successful Singapore business strategy. Can’t make the time? Don’t worry, a recording will be sent to all registrants after the webinar. Learn more and register today.

New Document Preparation Service for Cameroon
Need a convenient way to complete your Cameroon visa application? If you are planning an important trip and need to ensure your application goes smoothly, use our Document Preparation Service and a senior CIBT Consultant will work with you to navigate the challenges of the application. We will carefully review all of your travel information for completeness ensuring the required documents are prepared correctly. You will receive your complete application via a secure and encrypted email keeping your personal information safe. We also offer this service for other destinations, just look for the specially marked questionnaire next time you apply for a visa. Start your application today and take advantage of our fast, easy, and convenient Document Preparation Service. 

Presidents' Day Closures 
Many consulates nationwide will be closed Monday, February 18, 2019 in observance of Presidents' Day. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa or passport needs. Click here to see all of the consular and embassy closings, and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application 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.

Mexico Immigration Delays
As a new federal administration takes office in Mexico, major staff changes are taking place within the offices of the National Immigration Institute, which is causing an increase in processing times. Please keep this in mind when applying for your immigration documents to Mexico. Click here to learn more. 

Proposed Changes to New Zealand Employer-Supported Work Visas
Significant changes have been proposed to the employer-assisted work visa which, if implemented, will affect employers and applicants. See what changes were proposed.

Citizens’ Rights After Brexit
As Brexit draws closer, the UK has reached a separation agreement with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, including a deal on citizens’ rights. See the details here. There is also an approved agreement protecting the rights of Swiss nationals residing in the UK and UK nationals residing in Switzerland. Click here to learn more about the Swiss and UK agreement. 

Colombia
A visa is now required for Malaysian nationals traveling to Colombia for business or tourism. Click here to see if your nationality requires a visa to travel to Colombia.  

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

New Document Preparation Service for Azerbaijan and Sudan
Need a convenient way to complete your Azerbaijan or Sudan visa application? If you are planning an important trip and need to ensure your application goes smoothly, use our Document Preparation Service and a senior CIBT Consultant will work with you to navigate the challenges of the application. We will carefully review all of your travel information for completeness ensuring the required documents are prepared correctly. You will receive your complete application via a secure and encrypted email keeping your personal information safe. We also offer this service for other destinations, just look for the specially marked questionnaire next time you apply for a visa. Start your application today and take advantage of our fast, easy, and convenient Document Preparation Service.

Weather Extremes and Embassy Registration
Natural disasters can strike anywhere, in any season, and without warning. Our Embassy Registration service provides travelers with important information about safety conditions in the country they are visiting and can help them make informed decisions about their travel plans. This service also allows the local U.S. Embassy to contact you should any unexpected event or natural disaster occur during your trip. Embassy Registration allows you to stay informed, connected, and safe. Don’t let extreme weather take you by surprise; register today. 

Brazil Visa Processing in as Little as 5 Days
Getting a visa for Brazil has never been faster. In some jurisdictions we can obtain a Brazil visa for business or tourism in as little as 5 days. Click here to see how fast a Brazil visa can be processed in your jurisdiction.

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.

EU Citizens Arriving After Brexit
As Brexit approaches, EU citizens are wondering how their arrival in the UK will change. The United Kingdom Home Office has recently published a policy paper outlining its proposals for how it will treat EU citizens arriving in the UK after a no-deal Brexit. Click here to see the highlights and learn more.

Long-Term Visa Applications Accepted by the UAE
The UAE will officially begin accepting applications for long-term residence visas for investors, entrepreneurs, and key professionals beginning February 3rd, 2019. Get more details on who qualifies for a long-term visa to the UAE.

Premium Processing for US H-1B Cap Petitions 
Effective January 28th, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has resumed premium processing for all fiscal year 2019 H-1B cap-subject petitions. Premium processing was suspended in April 2018, but has now recommenced giving previously pending applicants a chance to interfile their requests. See if your application qualifies for Premium Processing. 

Bangladesh – Washington D.C.
The Consulate of Bangladesh in Washington, D.C. has reduced their visa processing speed from 3 weeks to 10 business days. Click here to start your Bangladesh visa application. 

Russia – Houston
As of February 1st, 2019, the three day processing fees for US, UK, and Canadian nationals applying for a visa to Russia have changed. Click here to see the most up to date fees and requirements for your nationality. 

Presidents' Day Closures 
Many consulates nationwide will be closed Monday, February 18, 2019 in observance of Presidents' Day. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa or passport needs. Click here to see all of the consular and embassy closings, and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today.

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

Chicago Operations Affected by Subzero Temperatures
Due to the extreme cold affecting the Midwest, consulates, passport offices, and postal services may be closed or running on a reduced staff. This may cause delays to the processing time and delivery of your order. CIBT is keeping a close eye on this situation and our team is in the process of contacting customers that may be impacted directly. Click here to check your order status and please direct any inquiries to our Customer Service Team at customerservice@cibtvisas.com.

Traveling With a Minor? Ensure That Their Passport Is Valid
Most travelers know that adult passports are typically valid for 10 years, but many are unaware that passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years at a time. When traveling with a minor it is important to double check that their passport is still valid in order to avoid disruptions to your trip. Expiration date is not the only obstacle when it comes to passport validity it is also important to ensure that all travelers have a passport that is valid at least 6 months after the trip date, has enough blank pages, and is in good condition. CIBT can help renew your passport in as little as one day. Click here to learn more.

New Document Preparation Service for Kazakhstan and Mozambique
Need a convenient way to complete your Kazakhstan or Mozambique visa application? If you are planning an important trip and need to ensure your application goes smoothly, use our Document Preparation Service and a senior CIBT Consultant will work with you to navigate the challenges of the application. We will carefully review all of your travel information for completeness ensuring the required documents are prepared correctly. You will receive your complete application via a secure and encrypted email keeping your personal information safe. We also offer this service for other destinations, just look for the specially marked questionnaire next time you apply for a visa. Start your application today and take advantage of our fast, easy, and convenient Document Preparation Service. 

Chinese New Year Closures 
Many consulates nationwide will be closed on Monday, February 4th and Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 in observance of the Chinese New Year. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa or passport needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings, and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today.

Indonesia – Houston
The Consulate of Indonesia in Houston requires that travelers provide a bank statement with a minimum of $2,000 when applying for a tourist visa. Click here to see all of your Indonesia visa requirements. 

Japan – Houston
All visa applicants must provide a completed copy of the schedule of stay form with their application. See if you need a visa to travel to Japan. 

South Korea – San Francisco
Travelers must provide a copy of their flight itinerary or e-ticket when applying for a business or tourist visa to South Korea. Click here to start your visa application.

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

Live Webinar – Posted Worker Rules Simplified
Compliance with the requirements in EU member states remains a perennial challenge for businesses with employees temporarily working outside of their home country. Join the immigration experts at Newland Chase, a CIBT Company, for a live, interactive webinar on Thursday, January 31, 2019 as they cover the essentials of Posted Worker requirements for companies operating in the EU. Ensure that your company is compliant, know your obligations as an employer, and learn more about these oft-confusing regulations. Register today.

New Document Preparation Service for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Korea
Need a convenient way to complete your Democratic Republic of the Congo or South Korea visa application? If you are planning an important trip and need to ensure your application goes smoothly, use our Document Preparation Service and a senior CIBT Consultant will work with you to navigate the challenges of the application. We will carefully review all of your travel information for completeness ensuring the required documents are prepared correctly. You will receive your complete application via a secure and encrypted email keeping your personal information safe. We also offer this service for other destinations, just look for the specially marked questionnaire next time you apply for a visa. Start your application today and take advantage of our fast, easy, and convenient Document Preparation Service.

U.S. Passport Office Remains Open During Government Shutdown
Currently, the U.S. Passport Office remains open and operational during the government shutdown. CIBT is monitoring the situation closely and will alert clients if there is any change in their hours of operation or processing times. Click here to get started on your passport order, renewal, or replacement.

Chinese New Year Closures 
Many consulates nationwide will be closed on Monday, February 4th and Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 in observance of the Chinese New Year. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing visa or passport needs. Click here to see all of the consular closings, and visit the CIBT website to get started on your visa application today.

Australia – Washington, D.C.
Visa processing time has increased from 5 business days to 11 business days. Please keep this in mind when applying and get started on your visa application today. 

China – Houston
There is a new 3 day processing option available for travelers applying for a visa to China. Click here to see all of your processing options and requirements. 

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