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🔸Mandatory UK ETA Effective January 8, 2025: All non-visa travelers to the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entry. Organizations must update global mobility policies to include ETA requirements, provide application support to employees, and communicate deadlines to avoid travel disruptions.
🔸US/Canadian ETAs Bar Recent Offenses: Applicants with criminal offenses (including DUIs) within the last 12 months are automatically denied. Companies should advise employees to wait 13 months post-offense before applying to avoid rejections.
🔸UK ETA Stricter Than Visitor Visas: Even minor offenses may disqualify applicants. Denied ETA applicants may need to pursue a UK visitor visa, which involves more documentation and scrutiny.
🔸New US Registration for Extended Stays: Non-citizens aged 14+ staying 30+ days in the US must register with authorities. Non-compliance risks fines, imprisonment, or future visa bans.
Permitted activities include meetings, contract negotiations, and training. Work permits are required for executing tasks, producing deliverables, or hands-on work.
Business activities like conferences, consultations, and negotiations are allowed. However, vague definitions (e.g., “productive work”) require immigration counsel to assess risks for gray-area activities (e.g., training or audits).
Visitors can perform incidental work (e.g., answering emails) if their primary purpose is permitted (e.g., attending meetings). Paid/unpaid work requires a work permit. Visitors must prove intent to leave after 6 months.
🔸UK Skilled Worker Visa: Requires a licensed sponsor, occupation-specific skills, and a salary ≥£26,200. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
🔸UK Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa: For multinational transfers, but no settlement pathway—unlike the Skilled Worker Visa.
🔸Net Migration Pressures: Post-Brexit declines in EU workers and fewer departures have inflated net migration numbers, prompting stricter policies despite labor shortages.
🔸US Device Searches: Border officials may search or seize electronic devices. Advise employees to use burner phones or sanitized devices for sensitive data.
🔸UK Tax Residency: Staying in the UK for even one extra day (e.g., arriving April 1 instead of April 2) can trigger full tax residency for the April-to-April tax year.
🔸Border Documentation: Business visitors must carry invitation letters, employment verification, and recent pay stubs to prove non-employment intent.
🔸Agile Policy Reviews: Regularly update mobility policies to reflect changing laws (e.g., ETAs, visa thresholds). Scenario-plan for delays or denials.
🔸Integrated Platforms: Use digital tools for visa tracking, deadline alerts, and compliance audits to streamline global mobility.
🔸Biometric & Online Risks:
US visa applicants must submit social media handles; politically charged posts may delay approvals.
UK e-visa system centralizes status management, reducing physical document reliance.
Download Canada’s Port of Entry Tips – HERE
Download US Alien Registration Requirement – HERE
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E-Book A Guide for Employment Abroad and Relocation to EMEA
Grab a copy of a guide to international employee relocation
View E-book