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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
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,
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
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
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
The Canadian government announced the provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap are finalized for 2025. Key Points: As BAL reported, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) capped the number of study permit applications in 2024 and reduced the
The Hong Kong government announced applicants under various admission schemes are now required to submit applications online. Key Points: The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) adjusted the application submission procedures for the following admission schemes: General Employment Policy (including both employment and investment as entrepreneurs)
On Jan. 23, a Washington state federal district court judge issued a nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) against President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) limiting birthright citizenship. Key Points: Judge John C. Coughenour of the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington at Seattle issued a nationwide
Finnish authorities have implemented automated post-decision monitoring of residence permits for employed persons. Key Points: As BAL reported, the government previously introduced automated monitoring for specialist residence permits last July. Officials are now expanding the system to worker permits to allow