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The Labor Department has posted updated processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) applications and prevailing wage determination (PWD) requests. PERM Processing Times: As of March 1, the department was still adjudicating PERM applications filed in November 2023 and earlier and reviewing appeals for reconsideration filed
Hong Kong immigration authorities announced a new fee structure for visa applications under specified schemes. Key Points: Effective Feb. 26, principal applicants under specified admission schemes and their dependents are now required to pay an application fee and a corresponding visa issuance fee according to a
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided notices in the Federal Register that public comments are open or have been extended for certain new proposals and revisions to information collection processes pertaining to immigration forms and medical records. Key Points: Notice on
The Home Office updated their guidance on the good character requirement, specifically certain factors that are taken into account when assessing whether a person meets this requirement when applying for British citizenship. Key Points: The requirement for a person to be of good character in order
Finnish authorities provided additional information on the current backlog of applications for immigration on the basis of family ties as well as the reason for the processing delay. Key Points: Currently, more than 15,000 applications are awaiting a decision, and officials stated that they are making
Today, President Trump’s executive order (EO) designating English the official U.S. language was officially published in the Federal Register, stating agencies can still provide existing multilingual services. Key Points: EO 14224, signed on March 1, establishes English as the official language
The Canadian government announced the Express Entry category-based draws for 2025, which include a new education category. Key Points: Express Entry is Canada’s flagship application management system for those seeking to immigrate permanently through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades
The European Council announced a general approach has been reached on a regulation that would allow member states to gradually introduce the Entry/Exit System (EES) system over a period of six months. Key Points: Euronews reported that interior ministers reached an
A new regulation was recently enacted to update Spain’s immigration laws and will take effect May 20. Key Points: On Nov. 19, 2024, Royal Decree 1155/2024 approved the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000. The regulation elaborates on the rights and freedoms
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assumed responsibility for managing foreign nationals working in Vietnam. Key Points: The Vietnamese government is currently undergoing internal organizational reform and restructuring, including a new organizational structure of the MHA that consists of 22 departments such as employment and
The Department of Labor (DOL) reported that as of Feb. 27, 2025, a total of 5,899 cases were issued Final Decision for fiscal year (FY) 2025 (first half of the visa cap) with a Requested Date of Need from Oct. 1, 2024, through March 31,
In February, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 7 and run through noon Eastern on March 24, 2025. Key Points: Prospective petitioners and representatives must register
The State Department announced that it has issued all EB-4 immigrant visas for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Key Points: All visas available in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category for FY 2025 have been issued. The Immigration and Nationality Act limits the number of EB-4 visas
The U.K. government announced expired physical documentation will be accepted for international travel until June 1, 2025, for visa holders making the transition to the new eVisa system. Key Points: As BAL reported, a grace period was previously announced until March
Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) beginning March 5 and will require an ETA prior to travel to the U.K. beginning April 2. Key Points: As BAL reported, effective Jan. 8, all eligible non-European travelers are required to
BAL is thrilled to share that we’ve been ranked in the highest tier of the Chambers Global Guide 2025 in the Immigration: Business practice area. Described as a “powerful force in corporate immigration...with substantial consular, auditing and compliance experience,” BAL was also ranked in Band 2 in the