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  • Episode 92: The future of "fragile" immigration statuses

    In this week’s episode, BAL’s Kelli Duehning discusses fragile and quasi immigration statuses like DACA, the differences between them and what to anticipate regarding theses statuses with a change in administration. Plus, the latest immigration news. This alert has been provided by

  • Episode 91: Cautionary tales in M&A immigration compliance

    In this week’s episode, BAL’s Edward Rios and Femi Adeyemi discuss compliance issues that often get overlooked with foreign national employees during mergers and acquisitions and company restructures. Plus, the latest immigration news. This alert has been provided by the

  • Unlocking the benefits of U.S. citizenship

    Each year, on Sept. 17, Americans celebrate Constitution and Citizenship Day. While there are many paths to citizenship – born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, born abroad to U.S. citizens or naturalized – we all enjoy the same advantages, and equally important responsibilities. As we reflect on these

  • Episode 90: Remains of the day | Biden’s final quarter immigration priorities

    In this week’s episode, BAL’s Eileen Lohmann and Steve Plastrik dive into the remaining immigration priorities for the Biden administration ranging from adjustment of status improvements to DACA updates to finalizing the H-1B modernization rule. Plus, top immigration news including the most

News

  • Australia | Change to the subclass 400 temporary work visa

    The Australian government announced changes for the subclass 400 temporary work (short stay specialist) visa related to longer term stays and return visits. Key Points: The Department of Home Affairs will now scrutinize subclass 400 visa applications more closely to ensure the pathway is not used

  • United States | USCIS extends EAD eligibility for certain Liberians

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that Liberians who are covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) may apply for employment authorization documents (EADs) valid through June 30, 2026. Key Points: USCIS posted a Federal Register notice that establishes procedures for eligible

  • Canada | Further changes to temporary residence programs

    The Canadian government announced additional measures to manage the volume of temporary resident arrivals, including a further reduction in the intake cap on international student study permits in 2025. Key Points: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is implementing new measures to several temporary residence programs, including:

  • United States | H-2B cap reached for first half of FY 2025

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it has reached the H-2B cap for the first half of fiscal year 2025. Key Points: USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated cap on H-2B visas for temporary nonagricultural workers for the first half of FY

  • United States | Green card renewals extensions automatically lengthened to 36 months

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of permanent resident cards, also known as green cards, to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Key Points: Lawful permanent residents who properly file

  • Zimbabwe | Electronic visa on arrival now available

    The Zimbabwean government has updated its electronic visa (eVisa) issuance portal. Key Points: Foreign nationals of 118 countries and territories can now apply for an eVisa on arrival on the updated site before traveling to Zimbabwe. The reintroduction of electronic travel authorization via an electronic visa

  • Mexico | Online appointment system now available

    Mexican immigration offices are reintroducing online appointments via the National Immigration Institute’s online appointment system for certain immigration applications. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the National Immigration Institute originally introduced an online appointment system for common immigration procedures in 2021 but temporarily suspended the system

  • Turkey | Digital nomad visa launched

    The government of Turkey launched a new digital nomad visa that allows recipients to live and work in the country for up to one year with the option for renewal via a residence permit. Key Points: Originally announced in mid-April, applications are now available for foreign nationals from specific countries who

  • United States | U.S. Embassy Philippines opens new Visa Application Center

    The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announced it will soon open a new Visa Application Center (VAC) as well as expand phone and online services. Key Points: The new VAC, located in Parañaque City in the Metropolitan Manila area, opens Sept. 28. Immigrant and nonimmigrant visa

  • Thailand | ETA implementation timeline announced

    The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the timeline for implementation of the electronic travel authorization (ETA) system. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the Thai government is undertaking several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth.

  • United States | October Visa Bulletin

    The U.S. State Department released the October Visa Bulletin. Final Action Date movement includes advancement for India under EB-3 and China under EB-1 and EB-2. The Dates for Filing chart controls eligibility to file for adjustment of status or an immigrant visa (green card applications). Final

  • New Zealand | Visa applicants encouraged to apply early

    Immigration New Zealand is encouraging prospective travelers to submit their visitor visa applications as soon as possible before the busy holiday travel season. Key Points: Officials stated that over 260,000 visitor visa applications are expected to be received over the summer peak processing period, and applying

  • Ireland | New Employment Permits Act comes into force

    Irish officials officially welcomed the Employment Permits Act 2024 into law, bringing changes to the Employment Permits System. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the new act, which was signed into law on June 25, aims to consolidate and modernize existing

  • Finland | Amendments to the Aliens Act now in place

    Finnish authorities announced updated requirements for issuing residence permits through amendments to the Aliens Act. Key Points: Effective immediately, stricter requirements are in place — including identification requirements — for residence permit applicants as part of recent amendments to the Aliens Act. Officials provided guidance regarding situations where residence permits

  • United Kingdom | Nationalities subject to ETA outlined

    The government announced the list of nationalities that will soon be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as part of a new Statement of Changes. Key Points: The Statement of Changes published further information for travelers to register under the ETA system. The