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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Family entry clearance applications will be expedited by allowing applicants to file supporting documentation online and by reducing the government processing time from 180 days to 90 days.
What does the change mean? The policy will help relieve burdensome procedures and shorten wait times for family applications that are currently taking up to one year to process.
Background: The policy was announced via an Interior Ministry circular Monday with the aim of unifying procedures and reducing inefficiencies in processing of family reunion and accompanying family clearance applications.
Currently, applicants already file online, but supporting documents are not reviewed until they attend an appointment. Under the new procedures, applicants will be able to upload copies of supporting documents at the time of application and only show originals when collecting the entry clearance. The change only affects family reunion and family accompaniment procedures (lodged in Italy before the family members join or accompany the principal); it does not affect family cohesion cases where the family member enters Italy and then applies for a family permit in Italy.
BAL Analysis: The new procedures should speed up family clearance procedures by allowing immigration authorities to review supporting documents immediately upon submission of the application. However, Italian authorities are typically slow to adopt new policies and it may take several months to see improvements.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Italy. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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