Immigration: news of the month - July 2024

Our experts decoded what changed in July in immigration standards. Check out for their insights to see how to adapt your employee mobility project.  

FRANCE

Changes for ambassies, consulates, and visa centers in Paris

The Olympic Games in Paris are launched! Such an event call for strict regulation and special arrangements have been made for the capital various consulates, embassies and visa centers.
Some sites, such as South Korea's visa application center, will be closed to the public.
Other sites will not be accessible due to the security perimeter, such as the US embassy where in-person appointments will not be possible.
In all cases, we recommend that you plan ahead and check in advance the arrangements for the destination you're interested in, to avoid any last-minute unpleasant surprises!

SOUTH KOREA

Dependent visas filed separately will no longer be accepted by KOTRA

As of August 1, 2024, the Korea Trade- Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) will no longer accept applications for F-3 dependent visas filed separately from a main D-8 visa application.
Under the current system, a foreign national can enter South Korea by first filing his or her D-8 visa application with KOTRA, and then file an F-3 visa application with the same office for family members who enter the country later.
From now on, this will no longer be possible. If people wish to benefit from the simplified procedure offered by KOTRA (walk-in filing, legalization or apostille of birth and marriage certificates not required), D-8 visa applicants and their dependents will have to submit applications simultaneously. 
It will still be possible to submit separate applications to district immigration offices, but the simplifications offered by KOTRA will not apply.

AUSTRALIA

Visa application fees increased

Visa application fees for Australia have increased since July 1, 2024. The Australian government published the new fee schedule, which will be indexed annually on the basis of consumer prices. This increase aims to reflect the real cost of processing applications.
In all cases, These changes may have a significant impact on company budgets, potential applicants and visa holders.

NOUVELLE-ZELANDE 

Dependents no longer authorized for certain holders of work visas

DAs of June 26, 2024, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that most Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders working in ANZSCO Tier 4 or 5 roles (which are generally less skilled) are no longer eligible to support work, student or visitor visas for dependent family members. There are exceptions, for those who have a pathway to residency or who earn a salary equivalent to 1.5 times the median wage.
It will still be possible for partners and dependent children to apply for their own work, student or visitor visas, provided they independently meet the immigration requirements.
Current AEWV dependent visa holders will not be affected until their visas expire. Applications from partners or dependent children of AEWV holders received by INZ before June 26, 2024 will be assessed on the basis of the more flexible requirements in force prior to this reform.
This policy could make working in New Zealand less attractive for some foreign nationals, if they are unable to bring in their dependent family members..

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