Key Points

  • Foreign nationals with a valid ARC I-Card must file their Annual Report by March 1, 2021
  • Foreign nationals may also hire an authorized representative to file their report
  • The report must be filed by the deadline to avoid negative consequences to immigration status
  • No additional monetary penalties will be imposed for late application filings
  • The government may offer regulatory relief for other immigration applications

Overview

Foreign nationals with a current Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ARC I-Card) must file their Annual Report at a Bureau of Immigration office by March 1, 2021.

What are the Changes?

Foreign nationals must comply with the filing requirements to avoid negative impacts to their immigration status. Foreign nationals can also authorize a representative to file the Annual Report on their behalf, which waives the personal appearance requirement.

Certain documentation must be provided at the Bureau of Immigration office by either the foreign national or the individual's representative.

Required documentation includes:

  • Valid passport
  • Original ACR I-Card
  • Receipt verifying payment of the registration fee
  • Printed confirmation number issued electronically through the online system
  • A Special Power of Attorney with a government-issued ID card of the legal representative (if applicable)

Applicants who have a pending ACR I-Card application status are also required to comply with the filing requirement.

What Should Employers and Applicants Know?

Aside from the filing fee, no additional monetary penalties will be imposed on employers and foreign nationals who fail to file their AR by the deadline. However, AR registration should be completed by March 1, 2021 to avoid delays in application renewals and other adverse impacts.

Looking Ahead

The government will likely offer regulatory relief for other immigration applications, including visa cancellations and visa renewals, by removing monetary penalties and relaxing deadlines for applications that are filed late.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.