What does the change mean? The change is the result of a 2015 court decision. Authorities are going back as far as five and six years in requesting pay slips and proof of insurance, aiming to make sure that non-EU nationals who worked in Sweden received proper pay and insurance coverage every month they were employed in Sweden. The change also affects non-EU nationals applying for new work permits if they have previously worked in Sweden.
- Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
- Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
- Who is affected: Employers and non-EU nationals applying for work permit renewals or new work permits if they have worked in Sweden in the past.
- Impact on processing times: Processing times have slowed significantly because of the changes. Work permit renewals are now taking two to three months and sometimes longer if documentation is incomplete.
- Business impact: Employers should adjust their timelines to account for delays. They should also check if new work permit applicants have worked in Sweden previously.
Background: Under a 2015 court decision, Swedish authorities processing extension applications must be satisfied that applicants for work permit extensions received proper pay and insurance coverage for every month they were employed in Sweden on their initial work permit. Applicants may need to provide pay slips and other documentation going back five or six years. Those applying from abroad for new work permits are also affected if they have worked in Sweden in the past. The changes have delayed work permit extension processing significantly.
BAL Analysis: Applicants should prepare for longer processing times and be prepared to supply additional documentation. Even if proper documents are submitted at the time of filing, additional documentation may be requested given that processing may take two to three months and authorities must confirm monthly pay and insurance before they can issue an extension. Businesses may need to adjust start dates or timelines to account for the increased processing times.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Sweden. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@balglobal.com.
Follow us on Twitter: @BAL_Immigration
About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from seven offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.
Source:Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
Please sign in or register for FREE
If you are a registered user on The Forum for Expatriate Management, please sign in