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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,
The Malaysian government announced it will introduce a special pass for investors and expatriate groups. Key Points: Effective April 1, a special pass for eligible foreign investors will allow individuals to enter Malaysia for six months, with an option to extend for another six months. Officials
The Department of Homeland Security provided notice that the recent designation of Romania into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is under review and that implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian citizens will remain paused until the review is completed. Key Points:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it received enough petitions to meet the H-2B visa cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2025 and that eligible petitions for supplemental visas must be received by Sept. 15, 2025. Key Points: The H-2B visa cap for
The Canadian government announced the removal of job offer points from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in the Express Entry pool. Key Points: Effective March 25, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is altering the allocation of points under its Express Entry permanent residence programs. The change impacts
Hong Kong immigration authorities launched the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons. Key Points: Currently, frequent travelers to Hong Kong apply for self-service immigration clearance, including visitors from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam who need a visa for visiting. Under the new Immigration Facilitation Scheme, relevant
The Mexican government introduced reduced passport processing requirements as part of a new system streamlining administrative procedures. Key Points: In February, officials introduced an agreement streamlining administrative procedures. The measure simplifies the issuance of passports, identity and travel documents and the legalization of public documents for
Danish immigration authorities released updated income statistics that will apply to applications submitted after April 1. Key Points: An applicant’s salary and terms of employment must correspond to Danish standards to be granted a residence and work permit for both first-time and extension applications. Danish authorities
The Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of the 2022 and 2023 categorical parole programs for Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (referred to as “CHNV parole programs”). DHS is expected to publish a Federal Register notice March 25 to terminate these programs effective April
The Home Office is increasing certain immigration and nationality fees, effective April 9. Key Points: U.K. Visas and Immigration’s policy paper outlines key immigration application fee increases, including for applications for skilled worker and visit visas and Certificates of Sponsorship. Effective
Chinese officials announced the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom’s online visa processing system will launch March 31. Key Points: Embassy officials stated that applicants will soon be able to fill out forms and upload required materials to the
The salary requirements for E.U. Blue Card holders and applicants will increase May 1. Key Points: Effective May 1, the gross monthly salary for EU Blue Cards will increase to CZK 69,248 (about US$2,996). The increase applies to EU Blue Card applicants as well as those applying for an extension. Additional Information:
Irish officials are implementing new measures to support the home care and planning sectors, expanding visa requirements for certain nationals and working on a new employment permits system. Key Points: As of March 10, changes came into effect to the employment permits system to address skills