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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) is valid indefinitely. Key Points: USCIS updated guidance in its Policy Manual to reflect that
The Department of Homeland Security announced on Nov. 8 that Belize is one of more than 80 countries eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B seasonal worker programs for the coming year. Key Points: DHS noted the designations are effective from Nov. 7, 2024, through
A federal judge in Texas ruled against the Keeping Families Together program, determining that the policy violates U.S. immigration law. Key Points: U.S. District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker agreed with a lawsuit filed by Texas and more than a dozen
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 Nov. 1, 2024, the department was adjudicating PERM applications filed in August 2023 and earlier, conducting audit reviews on applications filed
The Canadian government announced new rules for multiple-entry visas, giving officials more discretion on validity and entry limits. Key Points: The multiple-entry visa allows the holder to seek entry from any country as often as necessary during the visa’s period of validity and has a maximum
The Panamanian government issued a law decree expanding visa-exempt status for certain foreign nationals. Key Points: Effective immediately, the decree allows any person of nationality from a visa-required country who holds a specific visa issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approved a new immigration-related credentialing organization for certain healthcare workers. Key Points: USCIS approved the application from credentialing organization International Education Evaluations, LLC, on Oct. 25. International Education Evaluations, LLC, may now issue certificates and certified statements for individuals seeking to
The Emirati government announced that the grace period for foreign nationals on expired residence permits to resolve their immigration status has been extended until Dec. 31. Key Points: As BAL reported, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security will allow
The government announced its acceptance of the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations on the rates of the National Minimum Wage (NMW), including the National Living Wage (NLW). Key Points: Effective April 1, 2025, the NLW will rise 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 (about US$15.70). The rates for
Singaporean officials released updated qualifications criterion for the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Key Points: As BAL reported, officials recently released the upcoming salary benchmarking table as part of the first round of annual updates to its COMPASS criteria. The COMPASS system is
Chinese officials announced the expansion of the country’s visa-free policy to nationals of Andorra, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Slovakia and South Korea. Key Points: Nationals of these countries with ordinary passports may enter visa-free for business, tourism, family visits or transit purposes for up
The Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration submitted Québec’s Immigration Plan for 2025. Key Points: The province aims to admit between 48,500 and 51,500 immigrants for 2025, in line with Québec’s 2024 immigration planning for permanent immigration, set at 50,000. The plan also includes temporary suspension measures for
On Dec. 1, 2024, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) will fully decommission the legacy Permanent Online System. Key Points: The system will no longer be accessible to account holders on this date, and the general public will be redirected to the
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken announced that the U.S. State Department issued a record-breaking 11.5 million visas in fiscal year 2024. Key Points: Of the 11.5 million visas issued in FY 2024, 8.5 million were visitor visas — a 10% increase over FY 2023. Visa
The Thai government provided further details for the implementation of the new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system. Key Points: As BAL reported, the Thai government is undertaking several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth. The ETA was announced alongside an expansion
The New Zealand government announced changes to provide open work rights to more partners of migrant workers, allowing them to work for any employer. Key Points: Beginning Dec. 2, open work rights will be available to: All partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders
The Thai government announced a new facial recognition technology to streamline passenger identification and reduce wait times. Key Points: Effective Nov. 1, six airports will implement an automated biometric identification system for domestic travelers: Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport Chiang Mai International Airport Mae
In this week’s episode, BAL’s David Wagner and Nathan McKinlay-Roy continue their discussion on treaty visas from Episode 97 focusing on the E-3 classification for Australian nationals. Plus, the latest immigration news. Explore more episodes of the BAL Immigration Report
In January 2024, two decades after the 9/11 terrorist attacks led to the discontinuance of domestic nonimmigrant visa renewals, the U.S. Department of State conducted a domestic visa renewal pilot program. The limited-time initiative allowed certain H-1B visas to be renewed in the U.S. instead of in a foreign country.