International Police online system modifies visa, residency registration process

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The International Police have launched a new online appointments system for visa registration and permanent residency registration, among other services.

What does the change mean? The International Police will no longer accept walk-in appointment bookings. Employers and foreign nationals will now need to register with the new online system to be assigned an appointment slot.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The change took effect April 16.
• Who is affected: Anyone completing visa registration procedures, permanent residency registration or other services with the International Police.
• Impact on processing times: The change may increase end-to-end processing and lengthen the wait times for appointments.
• Business impact: Employers may need to be more flexible with employee schedules.

Background: Up until April, the International Police office was open on Tuesdays and Thursdays for people to book appointments on a walk-in basis. In an unannounced move, the International Police followed the Immigration Department and switched to an online booking system. The services that are most impacted include visa registration and permanent residency registration.

Analysis & Comments: The switch to an online appointments system has significantly impacted foreign nationals who need to complete registration. Applicants must be registered with the International Police in order to be placed in an “online queue” for an appointment. It is impossible to book appointments for employees or assignees based on their availability because the online system selects and assigns an appointment time and date automatically. The change also means there are no guarantees that family members will have appointments on the same day, meaning they may have to make more than one trip to an International Police office in order to complete registration separately. Employers and foreign nationals in need of completing registration services are encouraged to work closely with their immigration providers as the new system is implemented.

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.