Delays seen for some Chinese residency applicants

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Chinese nationals who entered Argentina with an electronic travel authorization (AVE) are facing delays in obtaining temporary residence visas.

What does the change mean? Employers should take note of the delays, and build extra time into their schedules for Chinese nationals applying for temporary residence visas if they entered the country on an AVE rather than a visa.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary residence visas.
• Who is affected: Employers and Chinese nationals who enter Argentina on an AVE and subsequently apply for temporary residence visas.
• Impact on processing times: Affected applicants could have their visas delayed by roughly 30 days, bringing the total processing time to 120 days.

Background: In 2016, Argentina began allowing Chinese nationals traveling for tourism to enter the country with an AVE rather than a visa, provided they hold a valid visa to enter the United States or the Schengen Area. The National Immigration Department’s legal division pays particular attention to residence applications from Chinese nationals who enter on AVEs, sometimes going so far as ordering inspections at workplaces listed on applications. The extra scrutiny has led to delays.

BAL Analysis: Chinese nationals who entered Argentina on an AVE and are applying for temporary residence visas should anticipate delayed processing. Businesses may need to adjust timelines and start dates on account of the delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Argentina. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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