Work Visa Applicants Can Now File Electronically

IMPACT – Medium

What is the change? The Ministry of Labor is booting up a new electronic filing system for work visa applicants.

What does the change mean? Applicants can submit work visa requests online using an electronic signature.

• Implementation timeframe: The electronic filing option will begin on Dec. 16.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permit visas.
• Who is affected: Companies sponsoring foreign nationals for work visas.
• Impact on processing times: The change will reduce paperwork and could improve overall processing times.

Background: The Ministry first proposed an electronic filing feature on May 16. On Dec. 12 and 13, details of the change were published in the official gazette. Beginning Dec. 16, employers will have the option of filing their work permit applications via the Brazilian Ministry of Labor website, using an “electronic signature,” or “certificado digital.” Sponsoring employers must submit the same documents as before, but they can now upload them instead of mailing them.

BAL Analysis: The switch to e-filing will simplify visa applications by reducing paper filings. The option is in the testing phase, and whether it improves processing times will be more clear when it is operational.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Brazil. For additional information, please contact brazil@bal.com.

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