For 25 years Signature Relocation has been moving people around the world, our moving network spans the globe ensuring start-to-finish unparalleled control of long and short-term international relocation assignment support. In a very unpredictable global immigration environment, you can count on our expert team of international relocation professionals to craft compliant yet forward-thinking policies for the unique needs of your expatriate employees.
In recent months, there has been an increased focus on the timeliness surrounding the immigration environment. Today companies need to be prepared to respond and support expatriate employees in the midst of continuous mobility challenges.
We are five months into 2023 and U.S. visa appointment wait time from some countries may still take 6 months to nearly a year. For example from travel.state.gov, today the estimated wait time to receive an interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate from Madrid, Spain is 94 days, and from Toronto, Canada 104 days. In a recent webinar noted by the Worldwide ERC, Supporting your Expatriate Population Through an Unpredictable Immigration Environment, the average has improved since 2020, and even in 2021, wait time for a work visa is still far longer than normal and should generally take less than 100 days.
Some of the key factors contributing to the volatile immigration environment:
· Visa backlog due to the number of cases submitted exceeding the number processed
· Covid flexibilities are expected to end
· Remote work flexibility
· Accompanying family rules and restrictions
· The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union
· Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine
· Workforce reduction disclosure
For these reasons, the global immigration environment continues to be extremely complex, and being prepared can help navigate these unstable conditions. That is why partnering with a relocation management company, like Signature Relocation, advances your organization through intricate planning directly assisting your expatriate employees door-to-door in a smooth transition to their new home.
To start planning the best strategy for an international relocation or to learn more about the quality services we offer, visit us at www.signaturerelo.com or by phone (877-373-0691) or email ([email protected]) for more information.
