Work Permit No Longer Issued In Conjunction With Non-o Visa?

[Marcati]

I just spoke with my company's external legal counsel and they informed me that there is new legislation whereby all work permit holders will now need Non-B Visas and they will no longer issue a Work Permit without converting Non-O to Non-B.

Has anyone else heard about this or have copies of the legislation?

Thanks!

Marc

[Lite Beer]

No registration saying this that I know of.

[ubonjoe]

Calling it legislation would indicate a new law or act. There have been no news on this happening.

Also did he say how it would be possible to covert the visa since both are non immigrant visas.

IMHO it's a lawyer playing salesman instead of being a lawyer.

[Marcati]

Calling it legislation would indicate a new law or act. There have been no news on this happening.

Also did he say how it would be possible to covert the visa since both are non immigrant visas.

IMHO it's a lawyer playing salesman instead of being a lawyer.

It's not a problem to convert from Non-O to Non-B, it's just an administrative hurdle I don't want to take, plus I don't want my residency tied to my job given the volatility of the economic situation. I already have the Non-O with a 1 year extension of stay.

They are supposed to contact me later this afternoon and I will obviously clarify this point.

Just thought I would check here first since everyone on this board usually have a better understanding than most of the firms in the area ;-)

[ubonjoe]

I assume you have an extension that is based upon marriage. If so then you don't have a problem. Being married is even called out in the regulations as being allowed. It cuts the number of employees required by one half even.

[Lite Beer]

It is quite normal to get a Work Permit with an Extension of stay based on Marriage. Happens all the time.

I think UJ summed it up.

[Marcati]

I was aware of this already as well.

The lawyers informed me of the 'potential' issue this morning, but I told them I thought they were wrong and better go back and check.

I will keep you posted once I get a definitive answer if there is a change.