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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
The Department of Labor (DOL) reported that as of March 18, a total of 5,910 cases were issued Final Decisions. Certified positions for this period were allocated for 110,641 workers. The chart below indicates the number of Final Decisions issued and Positions Certified for filing windows
The Canadian government announced an increase to the federal minimum wage, effective April 1. Key Points: Effective April 1, the federal minimum wage will increase to CA$17.75 (about US$12.40) per hour, representing an increase of 2.4%. According to the announcement, the increase affects workers in
The Canadian government provided an update on the Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program in 2025. Key Points: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intends to accept up to 10,000 complete applications for sponsorship under the PGP Program this year. A number of interest to sponsor forms
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services listed updates that show only the Jan. 20 edition of certain forms will be accepted starting March 24 and designated dates thereafter. Key Points: Only the Jan. 20, 2025, edition of the following forms will be accepted starting March 24, 2025:
The Home Office issued a statement of changes in Immigration Rules outlining key changes to the Skilled Worker route, as well as important updates to the electronic travel authorization (ETA) program and EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). Key Points: The statement of
European Union officials published a revised timeline for the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Key Points: On March 5, EU Home Affairs ministers endorsed a revised timeline for the EES to become operational in October 2025,
The South Korean government is expected to launch a new top-tier visa to attract outstanding foreign professionals in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors. Key Points: A government committee on policy toward foreign nationals announced an initiative to streamline the visa system to stimulate
The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), gave notice that record deletion from the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system starts at midnight on March 20. Key Points: The deletion of records within FLAG
The April Visa Bulletin shows a major retrogression of more than two years in the EB-5 unreserved visa category preference for both China and India. Key Points: China retrogressed from July 15, 2016, to Jan. 22, 2014. India retrogressed from Jan. 1, 2022, to Nov. 1,