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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.
The State Department announced that it has implemented the new C-4 and D-3 visa classifications for noncitizens traveling to join vessels engaged in foreign trade and lightering activities. Key Points: Lightering activities involve the ship-to-ship transfer of cargo. The new C-4 visa allows noncitizens to transit
The Australian government announced a new National Planning Level for international student programs in 2025. Key Points: Effective Jan. 1, 2025, a total of 270,000 new international student commencements for the 2025 calendar year will be allotted under the new National Planning Level limits. The commencements
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it will open an international field office in Quito, Ecuador, on Sept. 10. Key Points: The Quito Field Office will be located in the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador. The new field office will focus on increasing processing capacity for refugees
The Canadian government announced a new temporary policy for certain foreign nationals under the Provincial Nominee Program. Key Points: The new policy allows eligible foreign nationals seeking to apply for permanent residency under a Provincial Nominee Program to be issued an open work permit more quickly. Foreign nationals must hold an
The State Department announced that the annual limit of EB-4 visas has been reached for fiscal year 2024. Key Points: All visas available in the Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) category for FY 2024 have been issued. The Immigration and Nationality Act limits the number of EB-4
The Canadian government announced the end of a temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for a work permit within Canada, effective immediately. Key Points: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada introduced the temporary policy in August 2020 to help nationals who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic–related travel
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
Fast Company named BAL among the 2024 Top 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators in the world, marking its second consecutive year on the list. This recognition validates the firm’s consistent investment in fostering a creative, collaborative work environment focused on powering human achievement. “Our mission at BAL is clear: to provide