Will my visa be delayed during the holiday season? Is there anything I can do?
As the end of the year approaches, companies seeking work permits, residence permits or visas for foreign nationals who will begin their assignments in early 2009 should anticipate processing delays during the holiday season in December and January. Many consular posts as well as labor and immigration authorities operate with a reduced staff or close their offices during the holiday season while applications for work visas and permits generally increase during this period.
Listed below is a selection of immigration office and consular post closings for the holiday season. Please be advised that this is not an exhaustive list of closings. Therefore, it is best to consult with the specific immigration office or consular post for schedules prior to filing work/residence permit or visa applications.
ASIA / PACIFIC
China: Government offices will be closed on January 1, 2009. Authorities have not yet published the official public holidays for the Chinese New Year, but closures from January 26 to 30, 2009 are expected.
Hong Kong: Government offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays on December 25 and 26, 2008 and January 1, 2009 and for the Chinese New Year holidays from January 26 to 28, 2009.
India: Government offices will be closed on December 25, 2008 and January 1, 2009, but major delays in processing are not anticipated.
Japan: Government offices will be closed for the Emperor's Birthday holiday on December 23, 2008 and for the Christmas and New Year holidays from December 27, 2008 through January 4, 2009.
Korea: Government offices will be closed on December 25, 2008 and January 1, 2009.
Malaysia: Government offices will be closed for Awal Muharam on December 29, 2008 and for the Christmas and New Year holidays on December 25, 2008 and January 1, 2009.
Philippines: Government offices will be closed from December 25, 2008 through January 1, 2009.
Singapore: Government offices will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays on December 25, 2008 and January 1, 2009 and for the Chinese New Year holidays on January 26 and 27, 2009.
Taiwan: Government offices will be closed for the New Year on January 1 and 2, 2009 and for Chinese New Year from January 26 to 30, 2009.
Thailand: Government offices will be closed for Constitution Day on December 10, 2008 and for the Christmas and New Year holidays on December 31, 2008 and January 1, 2009.
Vietnam: Government offices will be closed on January 1, 2009.
