Visa and Passport Updates

Live Webinar – Global Town Hall: Mid-2019 Business Immigration Insiders Report
Competing forces define the immigration landscape. In some countries, protectionist and anti-globalization politics are resulting in tighter immigration policies. In others, open doors and immigration are embraced as a solution to economic and demographic problems. Join us Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 12pm ET for a mid-2019 Immigration Global Town Hall. Attendees will receive an insider’s report from VP and Senior Global Immigration Counsel, Jason Rogers, as he examines the global trends driving the changes, and presents the challenges and opportunities for companies in numerous countries with changing immigration policies. Can’t make the time? Don’t worry; a recording will be sent to all registrants after the webinar. Learn more and register today.

CIBT Opens a New Office in Ireland
CIBT is pleased to announce the opening of its newest office in Dublin, Ireland. We offer our full range of visa and immigration services from business and tourist visas to long-term work authorization, permanent residence, and citizenship in Ireland. If you or those you support are in need of visa and immigration solutions in Ireland, please visit our website to see how CIBT can support your business goals in Ireland with its world-class visa and immigration services.

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.

Brazil Visa Exemptions for USA, Australia, Canada, and Japan Nationals
Beginning June 17, 2019 nationals of the United States, Australia, Canada, and Japan will no longer require a visa to enter Brazil for tourism, business, artistic, and sporting activities, as well as activities deemed in the national interest for up to 90 days. Additionally, as of June 12th, the Consulate of Brazil is no longer accepting e-visa applications. CIBT continues to offer our entire selection of visa services to Brazil for nationalities which require a visa, as well as temporary-work and other specialty visas required for the nationalities listed above. Visit our website or contact your Account Manager for more information.

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.

Visa Applicants Required to Disclose Social Media Accounts in the US
The US Department of State has updated its non-immigrant and immigrant visa forms, requiring most applicants to list all personal social media accounts. Click here to learn more. 

Most Common Work Permit Options in Ireland
Ireland has a booming economy and continued access to the European common market post-Brexit. Visit our website for a summary of the most common work permission routes.

New Tax Registration Rules Issued in the Philippines
All foreign nationals applying for an Alien Employment Permit, a Provisional Work Permit, a Special Work Permit, or any work visa are required to obtain a Tax Identification number. See more details. 

Kenya – Houston
Processing speeds have increased from 4 business days to 7 business days for certain visa types. Click here to see your requirements and processing speed options for a visa to Kenya.

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

CIBT Opens a New Office in Ireland
CIBT is pleased to announce the opening of its newest office in Dublin, Ireland. We offer our full range of visa and immigration services from business and tourist visas to long-term work authorization, permanent residence, and citizenship in Ireland. If you, or those you support are in need of visa and immigration solutions in Ireland, please visit our website to see how CIBT can support your business goals in Ireland with its world-class visa and immigration services.

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.

CIBT – Group Travel Solutions 
Arranging international group travel is complicated whether it’s 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.

Recommended Broadening of the Shortage Occupation List in the UK 
The Migration Advisory Committee has published its review of the Shortage Occupation List and recommends adding several occupations. The effect would be to expand the list from about 1% of total employment to about 9%. Click here to learn more.

Increase to Dependent Sponsorship Income Thresholds in New Zealand
Effective July 1, 2019, Essential Skills and Religious Worker work visa holders will need to earn at least NZD 43,332.76 to support dependent children for a visitor or student visa. Click here to see more about the changes. 

On Demand Webinar: Doing Business in Ireland
Watch our Business in Ireland webinar on demand for all the must-have immigration and tax information and insights for successfully doing business as a non-EEA national in Ireland. Watch now.

Mozambique – Washington, D.C. 
The Consulate of Mozambique in Washington, D.C. is closed every Friday. Please take this into account when applying for your visa. Click here to start your visa application to Mozambique.

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

Traveling This Summer? Don’t Get Stuck at Home with a Non-Valid Passport
The summer travel season is upon us and did you know that a passport with less than six month’s validity may stop you from traveling? Many of the most popular destinations, including all of the European countries, require that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip. If you don’t have enough validity you may not be permitted to board your flight and government officials can deny entry upon your arrival. Don’t get stuck at home this summer with a passport unsuitable for travel.  Renew your U.S. passport with CIBT today. If you’re traveling soon don’t worry: we can secure your passport in as little as a day. Click here to learn more. 

Immunization – International Requirements
Many countries require travelers 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 traveler’s visa application. We recommend travelers check the requirements for their destination when planning their international trip. Stay informed, visit our Travel Resources page to learn more. 

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. 

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.

Stricter Rules on Payment of State Fee for Letter of Invitation in Moscow
Effective immediately, the state fee collected for issuance of letters of invitation at the migration office in Moscow must be paid exclusively from the bank account of the inviting company. Click here to learn more. 

Short-Term Work Restricted to 180 Days Per Year in South Africa
A directive has been issued to South African diplomatic missions, restricting short-term work on a Visitor’s Visa to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. Read more. 

Longer Processing Times for Immigration Applications to Mexico
Processing times for temporary residence applications are longer than usual. Furthermore, applications for work visa approval from certain nationalities are being more heavily scrutinized. Click here for more details. 

Eid Al-Fitr Closings
Many consulates nationwide will be closed Monday, June 3rd and Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 in observance of Eid Al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. Please plan accordingly if you have any pressing passport or 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. 

Zambia – Washington, D.C.
Processing fees for business and tourist visa have increased. Click here to see all of your requirements and fees for a visa to Zambia. 

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

Memorial Day Closures 
All CIBT offices and consulates nationwide will be closed Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. 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.

Travel Frequently? You May be Eligible for a Second U.S. Passport 
Having a second U.S. passport is beneficial if you travel abroad frequently. CIBT can obtain a second U.S. passport on your behalf. The benefit of having a second U.S. passport is that you will be able to keep one passport with you as you travel, while the second remains at your home or office to be processed for your next trip abroad. To obtain a second U.S. passport, you must meet certain requirements. Visit our website to learn more.

Need a Document Legalized?
Legalizing a document can be a complicated and confusing task if you don't know how to do it. We have the right tools to help you. Each country has its own requirements and procedures depending on the document being legalized. Our specialists work with official government agencies and embassies and have the experience needed to ensure your documents are properly legalized. Learn more about our Legalization Services. 

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 Residence Offering Approved in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi government has approved a new special residence offering which aims to attract affluent and highly-skilled foreign nationals. The new option will be implemented within the next five years. Click here to learn more. 

Updates to the Skill Shortage Lists in New Zealand
Effective on May 27, 2019, Immigration New Zealand will make minor changes to the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) and the Construction and Infrastructure Skill Shortage List (CISSL). Click here to see more information about these changes.

Ghana – Houston
The consulate of Ghana in Houston now requires that travelers supply just one photo with their visa applications instead of two. Start your Ghana visa application today. 

Russia – New York City
The visa processing speed has increased from 10 business days to 12 business days. Click here to start your visa application to Russia.

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