VISA WAIVER PROGRAM Canada

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the U.S. under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa. Visitors to Canada who wish to travel on to the United States, and who are citizens of countries included in the program, have only to present their passports at any U.S. port of entry.

The advantage of entering the U.S. under the VWP is that tourists and people wishing to conduct business in America can travel to the U.S. spontaneously without obtaining visas, unless they are otherwise inadmissible.

Citizens of VWP countries may still be refused entry to the U.S. under a variety of circumstances. This page presents information that will be sufficient for most travelers. If your circumstances are unusual, it is strongly recommended that you follow the links provided for more detailed information.

Note: Passports issued between October 26, 2005 and October 26, 2006 must contain a digitized photograph of the bearer to be eligible for entry under the VWP. Passports issued after October 26, 2006 must bee-passports -- that is, they must include an integrated computer chip in order to be eligible for entry under the VWP.

Countries in the Visa Waiver Program

Below is the list of countries currently in the VWP. Please note that the U.S. Attorney General, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of State, may add countries to the program or remove them from the program at any time. For information on how countries qualify for the Visa Waiver Program,

Note: Please read beyond the list of qualifying countries as there are specific passport requirements and other eligibility requirements which will require some citizens of VWP countries to apply for a U.S. visa. Most notably, visitors to the U.S. are required to present a Machine Readable Passport in order to utilize the Visa Waiver program.

Citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP:

Visa Waiver Countries

Andorra	Australia	Austria	Belgium
Brunei	Czech Republic	Denmark	Estonia
Finland	France	Germany	Greece
Hungary	Iceland	Ireland	Italy
Japan	Latvia	Liechtenstein	Lithuania
Luxembourg	Malta	Monaco	The Netherlands
New Zealand	Norway	Portugal	San Marino
Singapore	Slovakia	Slovenia	South Korea
Spain	Sweden	Switzerland	United Kingdom*

* United Kingdom: A passport indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, or British Protected Person does not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom does not qualify for visa free travel.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you must:

• intend to enter the U.S. for 90 days or less for business or pleasure;
• carry a passport that is machine-readable and valid for six months beyond your intended visit unless the applicant's country is part of the "Six Month Club" (visit the Customs and Border Protection website to ensure you are viewing the most recent version of the "Six Month Club" list);
• if your passport was issued between October 26, 2005 and October 26, 2006, have a passport containing a digitized photograph of yourself;
• if your passport was issued after October 26, 2006, have an e-passport -- that is, you must have a passport that includes an integrated computer chip;
• be a national of the VWP country that issued your passport;
• be cleared by the ESTA system;
• have a return trip ticket (Note: This requirement is waived in the case of travelers arriving at a land border.);
• not pose a safety threat to the United States;
• not have failed to comply with the conditions of any previous admission under the visa waiver program;
• convince the examining immigration officer that you are clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be admitted and that you are not inadmissible under section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act; and
• waive any right to challenge an immigration officer's decision as to your admissibility, other than on the basis of an application for asylum.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers are required to obtain a travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP. (Note: Canadian citizens are exempt from this requirement.) More information on ESTA is available from our Consular section.

Starting 8 September 2010, the Department of Homeland Security began requiring travelers from the Visa Waiver Program countries to pay operational and travel promotion fees when applying for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The new fee will be $14.00 USD and may be paid through the following credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Payments may also be made with a debit card that holds the Visa or MasterCard symbol. You are not required to re-register when the new fees go into effect if you already have a valid ESTA.

For additional information on ESTA, please consult this DHS FAQ.

When To Apply For A Visa

Citizen of VWP countries who intend to visit the United States for more than 90 days must obtain a non-immigrant visa before arriving at the U.S. port of entry. To find out more about acquiring a non-immigrant visa or to schedule a visa appointment, please visit the U.S. Visa Service website.

Additionally, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the U.S. Immigration officers may refuse entry to citizens of a VWP country under certain circumstances. For more information about the general classes of persons who may be found ineligible for admission to the United States, please visit this page provided by the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

If you believe that any grounds of inadmissibility may apply to you, you should apply for a non-immigrant visa.

The Arrival/Departure Form

Form I-94 (Arrival-Departure Record) shows the date you arrived in the United States and the "Admitted Until" date, the date when your authorized period of stay expires. You will receive a Form I-94 from a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services inspector when arriving in the United States at a port of entry. The form must be completed and presented to a USCIS inspector who may ask you questions about the purpose of your trip, how long you will be in the United States, and your residence abroad. When you leave the country, you should give your Form I-94 to your airline.

For more information on the Arrival-Departure Form -- including how to return your Form should you leave by land or sea -- please consult this guide.

Re-admission to the U.S.

Generally, VWP applicants admitted under the VWP may be readmitted to the U.S. after a departure to Canada or Mexico or adjacent islands for the balance of their original admission period, provided they are otherwise admissible and meet all the conditions of the VWP.

Visa Waiver Program USA Details

Citizens of the following countries; the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia the Republic of Korea and from November 1, 2012, Taiwan*, may be eligible to travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program if they are traveling for business, pleasure or are in transit , they are in possession of an electronic passport (e-passport) and they meet all of the following requirements.

You will qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program if you are a citizen of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia or the Republic of Korea:

• traveling on a valid e-passport with an electronic chip. Please check the validity of your passport by following this link. Failure to determine that your passport qualifies for the VWP may result in you being denied boarding by the airline;
• for business, pleasure or transit for less than 90 days. Visa-free travel does not include those who plan to study, work or remain in the United States for more than 90 days;
• is not ineligible to receive a visa under U.S. visa law. Travelers who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the VWP are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program;

• holding a return or onward ticket. If traveling on an electronic ticket, a copy of the itinerary must be carried for presentation to U.S. immigration at the port of entry. Note: Travelers with onward tickets terminating in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean Islands must be legal permanent residents of these areas;
• entering the United States aboard an air or sea carrier that has agreed to participate in the program. This includes aircraft of a U.S. corporation that has entered into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to carry passengers under the Visa Waiver Program. Note: Other private or official aircraft or vessels do not meet this requirement; and
• has received authorization to travel under ESTA;
• Or, if entering the United States by land from Canada or Mexico,
• Is in possession of a completed form I-94W, issued by the immigration authorities at the port of entry, and a $6.00 fee, payable only in U.S. dollars.

Transit under the Visa Waiver Program

Travelers who qualify for visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program may transit the United States. Prior to boarding the carrier they must obtain travel authorization under ESTA.

If transiting the United States to a destination in Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, the traveler may re-enter the United States on the return journey using any mode of transport, as long as the total visit, including both periods of time spent in transit and in Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, does not exceed 90 days. If transiting to a destination outside of Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, the return journey must be on a participating carrier, but need not be within 90 days, as the traveler will be required to make a new application for admission. Travelers transiting the United States to take up residence in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean Islands must be legal permanent residents of these areas.

Visa Waiver Program USA Details

Citizens of the following countries; the United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland may be eligible to travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program if they are traveling for business, pleasure or are in transit, and they meet all of the following requirements.

You will qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, or Switzerland:

• traveling on a valid, full validity, machine readable or e-passport with an electronic chip. Please check the validity of your passport by following this link. The date on which your passport was issued is an important factor in determining whether your passport will be acceptable for visa-free travel. 

United Kingdom Passport holders please note:  A passport indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, or British Protected Person does not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom does not qualify for visa free travel;

• for business, pleasure or transit for less than 90 days. Visa-free travel does not include those who plan to study, work or remain in the United States for more than 90 days;
• is not ineligible to receive a visa under U.S. visa law. Travelers who have been arrested, even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction, those with criminal records, (the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act does not apply to U.S. visa law), certain serious communicable illnesses, those who have been refused admission into, or have been deported from, the United States, or have previously overstayed on the VWP are not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

• holding a return or onward ticket. If traveling on an electronic ticket, a copy of the itinerary must be carried for presentation to U.S. immigration at the port of entry. Note: Travelers with onward tickets terminating in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean Islands must be legal permanent residents of these areas;
• entering the United States aboard an air or sea carrier that has agreed to participate in the program. This includes aircraft of a U.S. corporation that has entered into an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to carry passengers under the Visa Waiver Program. Note: Other private or official aircraft or vessels do not meet this requirement;
• is in possession of a completed form I-94W, obtainable from airline and shipping companies (Note:  this form is being phased out during July 2010, check with your carrier for further information); and
• has received authorization to travel under ESTA;  

Or, if entering the United States by land from Canada or Mexico,

• is in possession of a completed form I-94W, issued by the immigration authorities at the port of entry, and a $6.00 fee, payable only in U.S. dollars.

Transit under the Visa Waiver Program

Travelers who qualify for visa free travel under the Visa Waiver Program may transit the United States. Prior to boarding the carrier they must obtain travel authorization under ESTA.

If transiting the United States to a destination in Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, the traveler may re-enter the United States on the return journey using any mode of transport, as long as the total visit, including both periods of time spent in transit and in Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, does not exceed 90 days. If transiting to a destination outside of Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, the return journey must be on a participating carrier, but need not be within 90 days, as the traveler will be required to make a new application for admission and, therefore, required to complete a new arrival/departure form, I-94W. Travelers transiting the United States to take up residence in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda or the Caribbean Islands must be legal permanent residents of these areas.

Russia Skilled Worker Immigrants

Russian proposals to make it easier for families of skilled worker immigrants

Foreign specialists living in Russia may soon find it easier to bring in their families if a new immigration bill passes into law. If the changes go ahead Employers will find it easier to hire the workers they need to help fill skills shortages.

The Russian parliament has drafted new legislation which will allow the spouse of a foreign skilled worker to obtain a work visa for the same period of time as the primary visa holder spouse.

Previously, family members had to either face separation or see a representative of the Russian Migration Service every four months.

In addition, a foreign skilled worker who changes location in Russia for longer than 30 days or who wishes to leave the country for longer than 90 days will not have to go through the migration process again.

According to Vladimir Pligin, head of the Duma committee on constitutional legislation and one of the authors of the new bill, the new rules should make Russia a more attractive destination for highly skilled workers.

Moreover, companies wishing to hire highly skilled workers under the new rules will not be subject to typical Russian immigration caps.

And finally, foreign workers will even be able to apply independently for a visa. These applicants will be entered into a database that Russian employers can use to find overseas skilled workers.

Dutch Immigration and Residency Regulations

The Netherlands is a bureaucratic country and proud of it. Therefore for expats and their families the regulations and procedures can seem daunting.  The Dutch government has even admitted that its immigration system is "complex and unwieldy" but since 2004 the system has become increasingly streamlined with legislation designed to attract and select more educated and highly skilled migrants. This is some guidance as to how you can make the process easier and faster.

First of all, ensure that your documents are in order. Check that your passport is valid for the entire period of your stay and that marriage and birth certificates are translated into Dutch, English, French or German and sufficiently ‘legalised' -containing an extra stamp on the original document, known as an apostile, which you obtain from the ‘competent authority' in your own country. For further information see the apostille section of www.hcch.net.

EEA and Switzerland
Citizens of the EEA (EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein) and Switzerland (but excluding Romania and Bulgaria) can live and work freely in the Netherlands and are not obliged to report to the Aliens Police upon arrival, as other nationals are required to do. However you must be able to show:

• Passport or other valid travel document
• Financial means demonstrating that you will not have to rely on public funds during your stay (if your are not working)
• Health insurance coverage (if you are not working)
• Proof of employment or work (if applicable)

Although EEA, Swiss citizens and their family members do not need a residence permit to live in the Netherlands, it can be very useful to have one as banks, utility providers, government organisations and employers often ask for one.

Once you have lawfully stayed in the Netherlands for 5 years you qualify for a long-term residence document. Again, although not strictly required, this can be beneficial in some circumstances, such as when applying for a mortgage, as lenders will often request a long-term residence document.

Romania and Bulgaria
Citizens from Romania and Bulgaria can enter the country without needing a visa but, if staying for longer than 90 days you should apply for a residence permit (proof of lawful stay) with their local council – asking for an ‘Application for assessment under European Community law’ form.

Family members of EU citizens
Similar to other European countries, the Netherlands allows family members of EEA citizens to live freely in the country. This covers spouses or registered partners, grandparents, parents-in-law or grand or great-grandchildren of EEA or Swiss citizens.

Children over the age of 21 or antecedents (parents-in-law, grandparents etc.) must demonstrate that the EU family member provided for them or lived with them in the country of origin.

You should apply for a residence document type I (proof of lawful residence), which can be done by submitting an ‘Application for assessment under community law’ form to one of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service desks.

The residence document entitles family members to exactly the same rights as the EU citizen. If that person has a residence endorsement sticker, then you will be granted a residence document with a 5-year term.

Non-European Nationals
To enter the Netherlands you will need authorisation for temporary stay, known as MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) and allowing for visits of longer than 90 days. It must be applied for in the country in which you are living and includes an examination covering Dutch language and culture (Civic Integration Abroad, EUR 350). Seewww.naarnederland.nl for more details of the test. MVV costs vary according to the purpose of your stay. It is valid for six months and issued as a sticker that is placed in your passport.

Some nationals do not need to apply for an MVV in order to enter the Netherlands and can stay for up to 90 days. These are: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, South Korea, USA and Vatican City.

If you are planning on staying for longer than 90 days, you should apply for a temporary residence permit (VVR) at the IND within 3 working days of arriving in the Netherlands. They will require you to produce your temporary stay visa (MVV). The VVR allows individuals to stay in the country for longer than 90 days and the IND will affix a sticker to your passport indicating whether or not you are allowed to work and whether you require a work permit or not. It will take 2 – 3 weeks before you receive a decision.

Applying for a registration certificate – IND desk
Firstly, you and your family must already be registered on the population register in Municipality Administration (GBA) where you live. You can do this by contacting the Department of Civil Affairs or the Aliens Police office in your municipality. You can then make an appointment with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) by calling 0900-1234561.

The IND will check your documents and the registration form they have sent you and if everything is in order they will issue a registration certificate immediately. This is a sticker, placed in your passport or other proof of identity.

Once your registration certificate has been issued by the IND they will notify the municipality who will additionally provide you with a Citizen Service Number (Burger Service Nummer – BSN). This allows you to take out insurance, open a bank account, receive your salary or apply for benefits.

A registration certificate is valid indefinitely and does not need to be extended. However, remember that it is conditional on your passport or identity document, so that if you renew your passport you must also obtain a new registration certificate.

Documents required for both the population register and application for a residence permit:

• EU citizens must have a valid passport or identity card;
• non-EU citizens must have a valid residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) or be in the process of applying for one;
• applicants must reside in the municipality for at least four continuous months in the six-month period following registration;
• applicants need proof of unregistering from the register of previous habitation (mainly applicable to EU citizens);
• applicants need a tenancy agreement, or signed statement and a photo copy of the passport of the main occupant, stating that they are allowed to register at that address, or a document that proves that they are the owner of a house, a deed of ownership or a deed of transfer;
• applicants need a legalised copy of their birth certificate;
• applicants need a legalised copy of their marriage certificate.

Civic Integration Act
The inburgering (civic integration) legislation obliges those who want to stay with a family member who already resides on permanent grounds in the Netherlands to speak the language by passing the integration exam abroad. Some elementary knowledge of the Dutch culture and society is also required. The main exemption is EU citizens and their partners (also Switzerland, EEA, people under 18 and over 65). Passing the exam is also a requirement for those who apply for permanent residence. Knowledge migrants and those in the Netherlands for work/study purposes are exempted while on temporary permits.

Azerbaijan Immigration Information Work Permit

Procedure for foreign nationals to travel to the Republic of Azerbaijan on a visa

According to the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On exit from, entry to the country, and passports”, foreign nationals and stateless persons (hereinafter referred to as foreigners) can come to the Republic of Azerbaijan with their passports and on the basis of visas issued in accordance with international agreements provided that they enter the country through border checkpoints.

For citizens of certain countries there is a visa-free procedure of travel to the Republic of Azerbaijan determined in accordance with interstate agreements entered into by the Republic of Azerbaijan

Foreigners who have received permission for temporary or permanent residence in the Republic of Azerbaijan may travel to and from the Republic of Azerbaijan on the basis of their passports and permits for temporary or permanent residence issued by the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan (visa-free).

Entry visas are issued to foreigners for entry to the Republic of Azerbaijan within ordinary procedure. Single entry-exit visas are valid for a term of three days to three months, while multiple entry-exit visas are valid for a term of one to two years. If a visa remains unused during its validity period, it becomes null and void.

Transit visas are issued to foreigners traveling to other countries via the Republic of Azerbaijan. A transit visa allows its holder to stay a maximum of five days in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Multiple-entry visas are issued for a period of one to two years to foreigners working at diplomatic and other representative offices of foreign countries in the Republic of Azerbaijan, those working for consulates and branch offices of international organizations and their family members, those traveling to the Republic of Azerbaijan to receive education or attend courses for raising qualifications or other foreigners traveling to the Republic of Azerbaijan in connection with its interests on the basis of a list approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Embassies and consulates of the Republic of Azerbaijan may issue multiple-entry visas to the Republic of Azerbaijan in accordance with bilateral agreements and on the basis of instructions from the Ministry of Foreign affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

According to Decision No 153 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On approving the description and specification of visa forms issued to foreigners by embassies, consulates and other diplomatic missions of the Republic of Azerbaijan” dated 1 December 2003, the type of the visa (entry or transit), number of entries (single or multiple), category (ordinary, service, diplomatic) and purpose (tourism, business, transit, etc.) must be specified on the visa along with other information.

Austria Immigration Information Work Permit

Whatever job you take in Austria, you need the relevant work permit. Depending on your qualification, the situation on the labour market and the duration of your stay there are different options.

The Austrian authorities issue three types of work permits. The type of permit you can or will get depends on your personal situation, your future plans and (unfortunately) on some other factors you might not be able to influence.

The work permits can be categorised as:

• Restricted work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung for one year);
• Work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis for two years);
• Unrestricted work permit (Befreiungsschein for five years).

The restricted work permit is issued for a specific job and employer at a specific location. If you change your job or even if you just change site while working for the same company, you will need to apply for a new Beschäftigungsbewilligung. If you have worked (using the restricted permit) for one year, you can either get another restricted permit, or you can apply for the real work permit - Arbeitserlaubnis, valid for one specific district within Austria and allowing you to change employer. After two years, you can renew the work permit.

If you have made it so far and you have worked legally for five years, you can then apply for the unrestricted permit - Befreiungsschein. If you get it, you are free to choose any job in any district of Austria for a period of five years. If you manage to find a company which supports your application, things move quickly and smoothly.

To summarised the procedure, you must first apply for the restricted work permit. Then you need at least two periods (2 years each) of employment with the work permit. And then, after five years, you can get the unrestricted work permit.

It is a complex procedure and takes a lot of time and paperwork. If you manage to find a company which supports your application, things move quickly and smoothly.

SERVICES TO THE CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF ARMENIA APPLYING FOR CANADIAN VISAS

SERVICES TO THE CITIZENS AND RESIDENTS OF ARMENIA APPLYING FOR CANADIAN VISAS

In 2003 Embassy of Canada to the RF, Moscow and International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Armenia, Yerevan concluded an agreement to improve the delivery of visa services to residents of Armenia applying for Temporary Resident, Study Permit, Work Permit and Permanent Resident visas to Canada. For getting detailed information and requirements on immigration programs, visitor visas, study and work permits to Canada about processing times and procedures please, enter www.canadianembassy.ru or www.cic.gc.ca

Applicants from Armenia may either deal directly with the Embassy of Canada in Moscow mailing their applications with supporting documents to Embassy of Canada in Moscow, or may submit their applications at the office of IOM Yerevan. IOM Mission in Yerevan provides the following services:

• Provide information on legal migration (temporary and permanent) to Canada by telephone , email and by personal visit of applicant to IOM office
• Assistance with full kit of documents preparation
• Checking of the required documents
• Translation, verification and authentication, if required, of the supporting documents
• Collection of temporary and permanent resident visa, other application processing fees and service fees
• Mailing the documents and transferring the visa processing fees to Embassy of Canada to the RF, Moscow
• Provision of information and update on the status of the application
• Receiving the processed passports with the final decisions from Embassy of Canada to the RF, Moscow and handing them over to the applicant or notifying the applicant to collect the passport from IOM Moscow office.

IOM Yerevan cannot guarantee success of any application and is unable to intervene in the visa application process. IOM Yerevan has absolutely no role, whatsoever, in the assessment of Canadian visa applications, which is the sole prerogative of The Embassy of Canada to the RF (CIC) Moscow.

IOM Yerevan service fees are separate from the visa processing fees and are non-refundable. They cannot be reimbursed in case the applicant is called for a personal interview at the Embassy of Canada to the RF, Moscow.

FEES and PAYMENTS:

The list of IOM Yerevan service fees is applicable upon request. The fees are different depending on the type of services provided and are paid in cash in Armenian Drams (the fees are subject to be changed without prior notice). For more details please contact IOM Yerevan Canadian Project.

Andorra Immigration Information Work Permit

All foreigners wanting to work in Andorra need work permits. These are obtained by employers, whether Andorran individuals or companies, on behalf of employees. Self-employment is not allowed until after 10 years' residence or trade in Andorra.

A new immigration law finally passed in 2002 was highly contentious, but legalised the situation of about 7,000 'pink slip' long-term immigrant workers, as well as setting new rules for the issuance of work permit quotas which give preference first to citizens from Andorra's neighbouring countries, then to citizens from the countries of the European Union, then to citizens of countries with which the principality has signed international agreements, and finally immigrants from third party states. Under the law, the government sets annual quotas for new issues of renewable work permits.

There are separate types of non-renewable work permit for temporary and seasonal workers, to which the quotas don't apply. The holder of such a work permit must leave the country within one month of expiry of the permit.

Renewable work permits are issued first for 6 months, extensible for a further year; then a temporary residence card is issued valid for a renewable 2 years; then, a 5-year ordinary residence card is issued; and finally a 10-year privileged residence card is issued. Fees are modest, except that the employer must pay a small amount when first applying for a permit.

Applications for work permits must include photographs, home police certificate, proof of occupational qualifications, resume, passport, property ownership or rental details and marital status certificate. The CASS will conduct a medical examination.

The Law on Passive Residence Permits November 2006 established that a quota would be determined periodically according to the “economic and social needs of the Principality of Andorra”.

An initial quota of 500 such permits was set. Passive residents do not work of carry out professional activity in the principality.

New entrants to the Principality must:

• show minimum annual income of €30,000 for the head of the family and €7,000 for each dependent family member;
• prove good conduct in their previous domicile;
• produce health insurance and a pension plan;
• own or rent a house or apartment in the Principality;
• pay a non-interest-beating deposit of €30,000 plus €7,000 for each dependent to the Andorran National Institute of Finances (INAF) which is refundable on departure.

Albania Immigration Information Work Permit

The procedure for entry, stay, travel and employment of foreigners in the Republic of Albania is established in Law No. 8492, dated 05/27/1999 “On foreign citizens”. Foreign citizens may enter the territory of Albania with or without a visa (depending on nationality). All foreign citizens whose stay in Albania exceeds 20 days must fill out a form at the closest police station.

Albanian visas vary from 3 to 12-month. All foreigners have the right to apply for permanent residence after 5 years.

Non-Albanian citizens who work less 3 month in Albania do not need permission from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Those who wish to work in Albania for over three months need a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs decides on the standard form of the work permits, procedures for acquiring, renewal and refusal of the work permit, and the documents that need to be submitted.

The application forms can be obtained in the Migration Department in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in Albanian embassies and consulates abroad, and in the regional labour offices. The issuing or refusal of the work permit takes up to 30 days from the day of the submission of the documentation to the relevant body.

Eight different types of work permit are issued to foreigners who work in Albania. Restricted permits (for reduced hours, for specific geographical areas) are issued to students and to other workers in their initial work period. Self-employed persons, persons who employ at least two Albanian citizens for every foreign one, and persons who have held a restricted work permit for at least three years can receive permits without geographical restrictions or restrictions as to type of work. The initial validity of the permit is usually for one year but it can be extended for up to five years. Persons who have worked in Albania for five years may apply for a permanent permit.

The process of acquiring and extending a work permit is fairly straightforward and takes no more than a month.

Portugal Work Permit Visa

General

In general, a foreign applicant (the "employee") assigned to work in another country must evidence a degree of proprietary knowledge, specialised skills, or managerial/executive-level skills that are not readily available in the destination country's domestic labour market.

A foreign national employee cannot convert his/her immigration status from a Visitor status to Work status while remaining in Portugal. According to Portuguese immigration law, an employee can be physically present in Portugal once the employee's (and family member's) work/residence visa applications are filed with a Portuguese consular post; however, the employee is not allowed to perform any employment-related duties until the employee receives his or her Work & Residence Visa.

Types of Work Permits/Visas

The main types of Portuguese employment visa categories are:

• Independent Visa: The employee is generally paid his or her entire salary outside of Portugal and is considered as a seconded employee to the Portuguese company. This is the preferable and the usual visa category for most intra-company transfers, as there is not a pre-requisite to recruit for the employee's proposed position in the Portuguese labor market nor receive prior approval of a work permit from the Portuguese Labour Office. Given this, the employee can apply for his/her Work & Residence visa directly at a Portuguese consular post;

• Dependent Visa: Should an employee be paid from the Portuguese company's payroll, the employee is considered as a "local" hire. This will require that the employee is subject to a Labour Contract. Prior to filing the application for the visa at the Portuguese Consulate, a formal work permit application must be approved by the Labour Office (the "IDICT"). The process to obtain IDICT approval may take at least two to three months, in addition to additional time to file and receive approval of the work and residence.

Basic Requirements

To qualify as a sponsor of a Work & Residence Visa, the basic requirements for the Portuguese company and the assignee are as follows:

• The Portuguese employer must prove that there does not exist a readily available Portuguese or alien workforce resident in Portugal qualified to perform the employee's proposed position;

• The Portuguese employer must prove that the proposed position is of such special character that a Work & Residence visa can be recommended;

• The Portuguese employer must prove that all salary and employment conditions corresponds to Portuguese labour standards, and, in the case of a Dependent Visa, that a promissory employment agreement has been drafted between the employee and the Portuguese company;

• In certain cases, the Labour Office may require prior approval from a relevant branch organisation or a labour union certifying that there are no qualified Portuguese workers to perform the proposed position.

Greece Work Permit Visa

General

If you don’t qualify to live and work in Greece by birthright, family relationship or as an EEA/ EU national, obtaining a work permit may be difficult or impossible.

Greek employers must apply for a work permit on behalf of a non-EEA/ EU national whom they wish to employ. If you’re a national of an EEA/ EU country you don’t require official approval to live or work in Greece, although you still require a residence permit. If you visit Greece to look for a job, you have three months to find employment or set up in business and once employment has been found you must apply for a residence permit within one week.

Greece has a virtual freeze on the employment of non-EEA/ EU nationals, which has been strengthened in recent years by the high unemployment rate and the fact that Greece has been forced to accept numerous EEA/ EU nationals looking for work. Before granting or renewing work permits certain factors are taken into account, including the level of unemployment in the relevant profession or activity and the number of vacancies in the profession or trade. Certain non-EEA/ EU nationals are given preference, particularly those of Greek origin or those married to a Greek citizen.

Denmark Work Permit Visa

General

Depending on your citizenship, different rules and procedures apply if you want to obtain a work and residence permit in Denmark:

• Citizens of the Nordic countries may enter and work in Denmark without any permit for an unlimited period;
• Nationals from countries in the EU and EEA (Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland) as well as Switzerland may enter and work in Denmark without permits for up to three months. However, special transitional rules apply to eight of the new EU countries;
• Non-EU nationals must acquire both a residence and a work permit prior to arrival in Denmark.

As resident in Denmark you must register with the National Register (Folkeregisteret). Once registered, you will automatically join the National Health Service. You will receive a CPR number and a health insurance certificate (sygesikringsbevis), which gives you access to free medical treatment and other public services.

EU/ EEA Nationals

EU/ EEA nationals should apply for an EU/EEA residence certificate before expiry of the three months residence period. The residence permit is also a work permit. It is the supreme administrative authority of the county (statsamtet) who issues the residence permit.

Note that special transitional rules apply to workers from eight of the new EU countries, namely: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Details about these requirements can be found on the website of the Danish Immigration Service (www.udlst.dk/english).

Non-EU/ EEA Nationals

For non-EU or EEA nationals, residence and work permits are granted only in those cases where important employment or business interests make it desirable. Residence and work permit must be obtained before entry into Denmark.

The application must be submitted through a Danish mission in the country of origin. Application forms can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.um.dk/english). An application can only exceptionally be submitted in Denmark, and only if the applicant is already lawfully staying in Denmark. Normally, the permit can be issued 30 days after receipt of the application provided that all relevant documentation is submitted together with the application.

A distinction is made between salaried work and self-employment. As a rule, however, a foreign national must have a residence and work permit in order to engage in either activity. This rule also applies to unpaid work.

Foreign nationals hired within professional areas where there is a lack of specially qualified manpower have easier access to residence and work permits according to the job card scheme. Professional areas where this condition applies are described in the positive list. Furthermore foreign researchers have easier access to residence and work permits.

Furthermore, foreign nationals intending to work in Denmark as members of the clergy, missionaries, etc. may be granted residence permits in Denmark.

It is important to note that the responsibility to acquire a work permit rests with the applicant. If a foreign national works illegally in Denmark, he or she can be deported from the country. Both the employee and his or her employer can also be punished with fines or imprisonment.

Rules for Expatriate and Family

The Danish Immigration Service decides whether the requirements for residence and work permit are fulfilled.

Only people with special qualifications may expect to obtain residence and work permits, e.g. researchers, artists, managers, certain consultants and instructors, specialists (engineers, doctors, nurses, athletes/ coaches and architects) as well as persons establishing new businesses in Denmark.

Typically, spouses and other family members who are moving to Denmark together with the expat will obtain a non-work permit. Non-work permits can be granted to family members of people working in Denmark, for au pairs, and in the case of educational or training activities.

Bulgaria Work Permit Visa

For those who want to live and work in Bulgaria there is a lot of red tape that must first be navigated. Immigrating to Bulgaria, obtaining residence or a work permit requires mainly patience and a good level of understanding of all the procedures involved.

For those seeking employment in Bulgaria, there are many factors to consider. Unemployment in Bulgaria is high, in the region of 14%, so there is much emphasis on job creation, including incentives for foreign investors. The Bulgarian workforce is seen as highly skilled, with comparatively low labour costs. For more details, the website of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce is www.bcci.bg

If you want to work for a living in Bulgaria you have to have a work permit in addition to your type D visa or residence permit and this cannot be granted if you’re in Bulgaria, you have to get it before you go to the country, and again, you can get it from the Bulgarian embassy in your originating country.

With your type D visa safely in hand you can now apply to the Bulgarian Ministry of Internal Affairs for residency. You can either apply for temporary residence for up to one year or permanent residence. For the former you have to have proof that you can financially support yourself, you must be making regular contributions to the social security system and have both a place to live and complete and private medical insurance.

You may then be given permission to remain in Bulgaria for up to one year if you have both a work permit and a guaranteed full time contract or you have a company in Bulgaria that employs at least ten local people. Alternatively this permission can be granted if you’re about to start studying in the country or are married either to a citizen of the country or another foreigner who has permanent residence already, alternatively if you’re the parents of such a person and you are independently financially secure you may be granted permission. If you’re a retired person and financially secure you can be granted a one year residency permit, if you have to have hospital treatment in Bulgaria and can afford to pay for it or if you’re coming to be self employed and the Ministry of Labour have granted you permission.

Temporary work permits are issued to foreigners and bear the name of the foreign worker, the name of the employee and the period for which the permit is valid. A work permit is not granted if the work can be undertaken by a Bulgarian citizen. An employer cannot hire foreign workers in excess of 10% of his total work force.

Foreigners who work in Bulgaria as self employed individuals or as partners in a business must take out the relevant insurance cover. The insurance premium is between 29%-32% of income.

Getting permanent residency in Bulgaria is another matter altogether. You may be granted permission to remain in the country indefinitely if you’re married to a Bulgarian and have already lived in the country for two years. Alternatively if you’ve been applying year in year out for your one year residency and this has been going on now for five years then you can apply to remain full time. If you’re originally of Bulgarian descent or a child of a Bulgarian or foreign citizen who already has permanent residence then you may be granted an indefinite stay. Of course, if you simply have about a quarter of a million US dollars to invest in Bulgaria then your application will probably be viewed very favourably