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Danish immigration authorities released new wage statistics for the Positive List for skilled work. Key Points: The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) published the updated wage statistics that apply to all applications on the Positive List for skilled
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in China announced a new nonimmigrant visa appointment schedule. U.S. embassies and consulates across the Middle East will be implementing a new visa services system effective Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, 2025. Key Points: The U.S.
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 Feb. 1, the department was still adjudicating PERM applications filed in September 2023 and earlier and reviewing appeals for reconsideration filed
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: The FY 2026 H-1B cap will use the
The Canadian government announced super visa applicants may now purchase private health insurance from companies outside Canada. Key Points: The super visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for up to five years per visit,
Canadian authorities have reduced the allocation of provincial nominees under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for 2025. Key Points: The BC PNP is an economic immigration program that provides a pathway to permanent residence and allows the province to select economic immigrants who
The U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam announced that due to a scheduled building upgrade project it will be unable to provide visa services from March through May 2025. Key Points: It will not be possible to schedule a visa interview at U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam during this
U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman of Maryland issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against President Trump’s executive order (EO) aimed at limiting birthright citizenship. Key Points: In her ruling, Judge Boardman said Trump's EO "conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment." While the EO had
Finnish authorities proposed new tightened conditions for obtaining a permanent residence permit. Key Points: As BAL reported, the government previously introduced updated requirements for issuing residence permits through amendments to the Aliens Act. Officials are now proposing further amendments to the
The Thai government unveiled the online TM.6 system, also called Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), to simplify entry procedures for tourists and travelers. Key Points: The new online system, expected to be fully operational beginning May 1, is designed to facilitate travel and promote tourism by
Irish officials announced all Labor Market Access (LMA) permits will be issued via email beginning Jan. 29 for individuals under the international protection process. Key Points: International protection applicants should be sure to provide an accurate email address when applying through the Immigration Service Delivery portal
The Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of the 2023 Temporary Protected Status designation of Venezuela, after taking steps to vacate the previous secretary’s extension of the designation. Key Points: Venezuela was newly designated for TPS on Oct. 3, 2023,
The Department of Labor (DOL) reported that as of Jan. 30, 2025, a total of 5,829 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,
On Jan. 17, the U.S. and Indian governments dedicated a new U.S. consulate site in Bengaluru, India. Key Points: The Bengaluru site will be the fifth U.S. consulate in India. The initiative to expand the U.S. presence in Bengaluru will broaden and deepen the long-standing ties,
The Icelandic government announced a higher means of support is now required for residence permit and citizenship applicants. Key Points: Applicants must show that they have enough means to financially support themselves independently as part of the requirements for being granted a residence permit or Icelandic
On Jan. 29, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, mandating that the Department of Homeland Security detain certain undocumented foreign nationals who have been arrested for certain crimes and authorizing states to sue the federal government for certain alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. Key Points:
The Home Office announced a new process to automatically convert eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status without the need for them to make a further EUSS application. Key Points: The update concerns the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), which allows eligible EU and other European Economic Area
Chinese officials announced special visa facilitation for certain foreign nationals coming to Shanghai for business activities. Key Points: Authorities stated the new visa facilitation measures are for eligible foreign businesspeople who need to frequently visit China for business activities and have made positive contributions to Shanghai’s