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  • Canada | Québec Immigration Plan for 2025

    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

  • Reminder: Legacy PERM system to be decommissioned on Dec. 1

    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

  • United States | State Department issued record-breaking 11.5 million visas in FY 2024

    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

  • Thailand | ETA implementation update

    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

  • New Zealand | Open work rights expanded

    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

  • Thailand | New automated biometric identification system

    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

  • South Africa | New points-based system introduced

    South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs determined the new points-based system applicable to general and critical skills work visas. Key Points: Officials published the regulations for points-based criteria such as qualifications, language skills, work experience and salary to determine visa eligibility for foreign nationals. Applicants applying

  • Ireland | New online immigration self-service portal

    Irish officials announced the launch of a new online immigration self-service portal. Key Points: The Digital Contact Center self-service portal enables applicants to book and amend first-time registration appointments, replacing the need to arrange appointments by calling a contact center. The

  • United States | Diversity Visa 2026 date correction

    The State Department issued a correction of the Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Federal Register notice. Key Points: The Federal Register notice listed incorrect dates for the DV 2026 entry period. The correct entry period for the DV 2026 lottery is from Oct. 2 to Nov. 7,

  • United States | Immigrant visa processing resumes in Lebanon

    The State Department has resumed full immigrant visa processing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut for Lebanese family members of U.S. citizens. Key Points: The resumption of immigrant visa processing at U.S. Embassy Beirut is intended to help facilitate family reunification of Lebanese nationals with their

  • United States | DHS, DOL urged to release additional H-2B visas

    A bipartisan group of U.S. senators urged the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for fiscal year 2025. Key Points: The effort is led by Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.),

  • United States | Biden issues AI memorandum one year after AI executive order

    President Biden released an extensive memorandum on the United States and artificial intelligence, providing further guidance on the Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence issued on Oct. 30, 2023. Key Points: The memorandum

  • Canada | 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan

    The Canadian government announced the 2025-27 Immigration Levels Plan, forecasting reduced targets across multiple immigration streams over the next two years. Key Points: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing new measures to reduce permanent resident targets, including: Reducing permanent residents from 500,000 to

  • Colombia | Registration requirement change

    The Colombian government announced certain visitor visa holders are no longer required to register with local authorities or apply for a local identity card. Key Points: The government’s resolution applies to certain visitor visa holders under the business, crew, diplomatic, events, international agreement and tourism subcategories.

  • Ireland | Interim measure while backlogs are addressed

    Irish officials have advised employers on an interim measure for Galway-based renewals of residence permissions. Key Points: Individuals will be permitted to remain on the existing conditions of their current IRP card, including labor market access, if the IRP card has expired and they are unable

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