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The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment announced an increased quota of employment permits for car mechanics, HGV and bus mechanics and vehicle body builders and repairers. Key Points: The quota for car mechanics has increased by 200, the quota for HGV and bus mechanics
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that, effective immediately, it will “begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.” Key Points: The policy immediately affects noncitizens applying for lawful permanent resident status,
Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary suspension of short-term visas for 14 countries to help regulate the flow of travel during the busy Hajj season. Key Points: The suspensions apply to nationals of Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen. All short-term
The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Canada posted general guidance for Canadian citizens on the updated alien registration requirement that falls under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Key Points: The updated requirement is an
Effective May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering the country must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC). Key Points: TDAC is an online form used to submit entry information and health declaration details, as authorized by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand, before arriving in the country. All foreigners
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 11, 2025, aims to modernize India's immigration framework with simpler visa processes, stricter compliance rules and enhanced security measures. Key Points: The bill proposes a centralized governing body to oversee all immigration
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made minor changes to Form I-9 to align with statutory language and updated the Department of Homeland Security Privacy Notice. E-Verify/E-Verify+ citizenship status selection updates took effect April 3. Multiple previous editions remain valid until their respective expiration dates. I-9 Form
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services posted notice of new procedures for individuals covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Hong Kong to apply for employment authorization documents (EADs) valid through Feb. 5, 2027, and automatically extends EADs issued under the program through Feb. 5, 2027. Key
Pending further litigation, the 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela will remain in effect in compliance with a U.S. District Court order, and the validity of employment authorization documents (EADs) with certain “Card Expires” dates have been extended through April 2, 2026. Key Points:
Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the H-2B visa cap was reached for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2025. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor jointly published a temporary final rule on
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it is updating its policy manual to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female. Key Points: The policy update and guidance is consistent with the executive order issued Jan.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has launched the Business Visa Recommendation System (VRS) to streamline the process for business visa recommendation applications, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Key Points: The VRS is an online platform for business visa recommendation applications. It replaces the
The Australian government announced that effective July 1, skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6% to align with changes in the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings. Key Points: Indexation changes will be as follows: The Core Skills Income Threshold will increase from AU$73,150
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it has received enough registrations to meet the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap, including the advanced degree exemption. Key Points: All prospective petitioners with selected beneficiaries have been notified that they are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions for
The Handbook for Employers M-274 (also known as the Form I-9 employer handbook) has been updated to reflect the final rule changing the automatic extension end date to April 1 of the applicable fiscal year for F-1 visa students requesting H-1B visa status. Key Points: Section
The South African Department of Home Affairs has extended visa concessions for certain foreign nationals until Sept. 30, 2025, due to ongoing delays in processing applications. Key Points: As BAL reported, the concession was previously extended to March 31. The
A valid Brazilian visa or eVisa will soon be required for passport holders from Australia, Canada and the United States. Key Points: As BAL reported, the Brazilian government postponed the visa requirement for Australian, Canadian and U.S. nationals last year. Effective at midnight on April 10,