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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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
The Belgian government introduced changes to work permit regulations in the Brussels Capital Region. Key Points: Effective Oct. 1, the government will change how minimum salary thresholds are calculated for certain work permits. Only the basic monthly remuneration will be considered, and the threshold will be
Finnish authorities announced increased salary threshold requirements for certain applications, effective Nov. 1. Key Points: The new income thresholds will enter into force on Nov. 1 and will apply to applications submitted on or after that date. Residence permits can only be issued if an applicant
Chinese embassies announced an extension of the policy exempting fingerprint collection for certain visa categories until Dec. 31, 2025. Key Points: China temporarily suspended the collection of fingerprints for applicants for certain visa categories in 2023 and the policy has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025.
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
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
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
The H-1B nonimmigrant visa is one of the most popular work authorized visa options among U.S. employers, but the overwhelming demand exceeds the limited supply since H-1B visas are subject to an annual cap of 85,000 visas, with 20,000 specifically reserved for individuals with a U.S. Master's degree or