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The Supreme Court hears arguments in a case about U.S. citizens’ rights in visa denials. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reaches an H-2B cap for returning workers. And why a small change to the USCIS policy manual could have important consequences for green card applicants. Get this news and more in the new
The U.S. State Department suspends visa services in Haiti. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico moves to reduce visa wait times. And BAL Senior Associate Steven Quezada discusses his series on immigration journeys to the U.S. Get this news and more in the new episode
Federal authorities increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services releases data showing its progress in reducing processing times. And a ruling out of Georgia draws the attention of the immigration law community. Get this news and
The European Commission adopted updated rules on Schengen visas for nationals of Bahrain, India, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Key Points: The standard rules of the EU visa code have been updated for Indian nationals who reside in India and who have already obtained and lawfully used
The Indonesian government has launched a new remote worker visa. Key Points: Eligible foreign nationals may obtain the new remote worker visa and reside in Indonesia while working remotely on behalf of employers located outside the country for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year.
The Malaysian government has stated that Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation registered employers should now file employment pass applications through the Xpats Gateway system. Key Points: Effective April 24, all new and renewal applications for employment passes are required to be made through the Xpats Gateway system
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the upcoming opening of international field offices in Doha, Qatar, and Ankara, Turkey. Key Points: The new field offices are designed to increase capacity for refugee processing, strengthen strategic partnerships and facilitate interagency cooperation. The new Doha field office will open on May
Norwegian officials announced they have lifted the requirement that permanent resident applicants cannot have received financial assistance under the Social Services Act. Key Points: Norwegian officials removed the requirement that permanent resident applicants must prove they have not received any financial assistance in the last 12
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Thursday that it had received enough petitions to reach the H-2B cap for returning workers with start dates from April 1 to May 14, 2024. Key Points: The 19,000 visas for returning workers were available under a
The European Council adopted a revision to the 2011 single-permit directive, paving the way for an improved single work and stay permit for non-EU nationals. Key Points: • The directive currently in place was designed to attract additional skills and talent to the EU to address shortcomings within the legal migration system.
The Romanian government announced updates to its EU Blue Card regulations, as well as changes to work permits, including extending validity periods. Key Points: The European Union issued a directive in 2021 that updated the existing EU Blue Card process, and Romania’s new regulations are intended to comply with that directive.
The U.S. State Department announced the suspension of routine visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince on April 15. Key Points: The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince has suspended routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments until further notice and is only accepting expedited nonimmigrant visa appointments
The Labor Department has posted updated processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) applications and prevailing wage determination requests. PERM Processing: As of March 31, the department was adjudicating applications filed in March 2023 and earlier, conducting audit reviews on applications filed in December 2022 and
The Italian government announced a new digital nomad visa that allows foreign nationals to perform highly skilled work in Italy either as a freelancer or as an employee/collaborator for a company outside of Italy. Key Points: The digital nomad visa allows third-country foreign nationals to reside in Italy and perform highly
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City launched a program on March 20 allowing first-time B1/B2 visitor visa applicants to move appointments to an earlier date without additional fees. Key Points: Earlier appointment slots will be open throughout 2024 at no cost for first-time Mexican visitor visa
The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to Dec. 12, 2025. Key Points: The extension will allow currently eligible Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through Dec. 12, 2025, provided
The Australian government recently updated guidance for U.K. nationals and permanent residents, continues updating the core skills occupation list and clarified criteria for the skilled work regional visa (subclass 491). Key Points: The Department of Home Affairs recently confirmed that U.K. foreign nationals and permanent residents are now eligible for a
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today posted a Federal Register notice establishing procedures for Palestinians covered by Deferred Enforced Departure to apply for Employment Authorization Documents valid through Aug. 13, 2025. Key Points: President Biden issued a memorandum on DED
The U.S. State Department released the May Visa Bulletin on Tuesday, showing no advancement in key employment-based categories. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that in May it will use Final Action Dates to determine filing eligibility. Final Action Dates Movement: EB-1 China EB-1 will remain at