New online system requires criminal record certificate for 90-day work visas

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Argentina’s new online application system that launched last week now requires that applicants for 90-day (24H) work visas include a police certificate.

What does the change mean? The appointment to request the 24H visa should be made online and it is now mandatory to file the Argentina police certificate.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: 24H visas. (All other visas already require a police clearance.)
• Business impact: This is an additional requirement for 24H visas. The application process will be electronic, but applicants should plan to go to the police station to get the certificate.
• Next steps: The process of obtaining the police certificate under the new online system should become clearer as authorities transition to the system, and employers may see some refinement as the process moves forward.

Background: Previously, the 90-day, 24H work visa was the only visa category that did not require a criminal record certificate. With the launch of the electronic application system last week, requirements for all visa types have been unified. When an applicant requests an appointment online, the system automatically requests a copy of the employee’s passport, a letter from the company requesting the employee’s services, and the employee’s criminal record certificate. Appointments can only be requested after an employee arrives in Argentina.

Analysis & Comments: Companies that rely on 24H visas should expect that employees will need to request and obtain the police clearance. The online procedures should make the entire process faster; however, employers should anticipate possible delays during the transition to the online system.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.