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  • Ireland | Labor Market Access permits now issued via email

    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

  • United States | DHS moves to terminate 2023 designation of Venezuela for TPS

    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,

  • United States | H-2B visa processing times update as of Jan. 30

    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,

  • United States | U.S. and India dedicate new consulate site in Bengaluru

    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,

  • Iceland | Means of support amount increased

    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

  • United States | President Trump signs Laken Riley Act into law

    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:

  • United Kingdom | Settled status automation

    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

  • China | Special business visa for certain travelers in Shanghai

    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

  • Germany | Consular Services Portal launched

    The German government launched a new Consular Services Portal, allowing foreign nationals to apply for 28 national visa categories online. Key Points: The new Consular Services Portal provides digital services at all 167 of Germany’s visa sections worldwide for employment, studies,

  • New Zealand | New visa conditions for digital nomads

    The New Zealand government announced relaxed visitor visa conditions for those who work for overseas employers while visiting New Zealand. Key Points: The new visa conditions allow visitor visa recipients and people who enter with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to work remotely for

  • Iraq | New payment process for health insurance

    The Iraqi government implemented a new payment process for visitors accessing the National Electronic Insurance Platform. Key Points: The National Electronic Insurance Platform streamlines the provision of health insurance for visitors, arrivals and residents in Iraq. The health insurance fee will now be paid electronically when applying through the E-Visa system

  • United States | DOS cancels all visa interviews in Colombia for Jan. 27-29

    The Department of State announced that all visa interview and Applicant Service Center appointments in Colombia are canceled for Jan. 27-29, 2025.* *Note that this alert has been updated to reflect the announcement that the cancelations have been extended to Jan. 29, 2025. Key Points: All

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