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  • United Kingdom | Seasonal Worker visa route 2025 allocation

    The government announced the visa allocation for the Seasonal Worker visa route for 2025. Key Points: Officials published a package of measures designed to provide certainty and stability to farmers and growers in the horticulture, poultry and sheep sectors. A total of 43,000

  • United Kingdom | Commercial partner visa application services changes

    The government announced changes to the submission process of the commercial partner visa application. Key Points: Visa application centers are operated by commercial partners (suppliers) on behalf of U.K. Visas and Immigration. For applications outside the U.K., the commercial partner has switched from TLScontact to VFS

  • Italy | New decree law comes into force

    The Italian government approved a law decree that introduces new provisions regarding the entry of foreign workers. Key Points: Decree Law No. 145/2024 came into effect on Oct. 11 following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic. The first section focuses on streamlining and improving the efficiency of

  • United States | US Embassy in Rwanda reopens Oct. 21

    The U.S. Embassy in Rwanda announced that it will reopen Oct. 21, 2024, for all in-person services, including visa services and interviews. Key Points: On Sept. 27, 2024, the government of Rwanda confirmed cases of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in health facilities in Rwanda. The U.S.

  • United States | TPS, DED protections offered to Lebanese nationals

    The Department of Homeland Security announced that certain Lebanese nationals currently residing in the United States will be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) protections. Key Points: DHS is designating

  • Spain | Proof of social security coverage now required

    Spanish immigration authorities announced a change in practice regarding proof of social security coverage for intra-company transferee permit applications. Key Points: Officials stated that intra-company transferee permit applications must now include a valid proof of social security coverage certificate. Previously, authorities would accept a commitment letter from an applicant’s host employer

  • Turkey | Updated minimum salary levels

    The government of Turkey announced changes regarding work permit eligibility criteria, including updated minimum salary levels. Key Points: Effective Oct. 1, a new law entered into force updating the minimum salary levels by position, including: High-level managers and pilots: TRY 100,012.50 (about US$2,927) gross per

  • Netherlands | Chain authorization mandatory

    Dutch authorities have announced changes to the business portal login process for intermediaries requiring the use of chain authorization. Key Points: Beginning Nov. 4, intermediary users within the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) Business Portal will be required to log in

  • United States | Lawsuit seeks to block H-2A final rule

    A group of farm and business organizations as well as the state of Mississippi have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Labor seeking to block implementation of a final rule expanding labor rights for H-2A workers. Key Points: The new lawsuit, filed in the U.S.

  • Ireland | Final transfer of responsibility forthcoming

    Irish officials announced that Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) will now have the primary responsibility of managing renewal of Irish immigration residence permissions for persons residing in all counties. Key Points: Effective Nov. 4, online renewals of permissions from all applicants nationwide may now be submitted using

  • United States | Updated guidance for International Entrepreneur Rule affecting EB-5 visa applicants

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated Policy Manual guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule. Key Points: The update incorporates the International Entrepreneur Program: Fiscal Year 2025 Automatic Increase of Investment and Revenue Amount Requirements Final Rule, which was published in

  • United States | November 2024 Visa Bulletin

    The U.S. State Department released the November Visa Bulletin. EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing saw no movement and remained the same as in October. All employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart, which remains the same

  • United States | Diversity Visa 2026 registration open until Nov. 5

    Registration for the Diversity Visa 2026 lottery is open until Tuesday, Nov. 5. Key Points: Registration began Wednesday, Oct. 2, and closes Tuesday, Nov. 5, at noon EST. Please note that the Federal Register lists 2023 dates and has not yet been updated as

  • United States | Security alert for US citizens in Lebanon

    The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon due to the volatile and unpredictable security situation in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon is available to provide assistance. Key Points: The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to depart Lebanon now while

  • European Union | Entry/Exit System launch delayed

    The European Commission announced the implementation date for the Entry/Exit System (EES) will be further delayed. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the official commencement date for the EES was scheduled for Nov. 10. The new border control system is part of a “Smart Borders” initiative

Posts

  • BAL Expands Litigation Group with New Appointment

    Jeff Robins, a top immigration litigator, will chair BAL’s litigation group and join the Government Strategies team. DALLAS, October 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BAL, the world's leading corporate immigration law firm, announced today that Jeff Robins, one of the most experienced immigration litigators in the country, has joined the firm. Jeff will

  • Episode 95: Why employers should opt for O-1 visas

    In this week’s episode of the BAL Immigration Report, Gabriel Castro discusses O-1 visas and why more employers are considering them as an alternative to the H-1B lottery. Plus, the latest immigration news. Explore more episodes of the BAL Immigration Report

  • Adapt and thrive - Preparing your immigration program for any election outcome

    The stakes are high for the 2024 presidential election, especially for immigration programs. A change in administrations could result in a reactionary environment and swift immigration challenges on day one. As we count down to the election, now is the time to prepare your immigration program for any outcome. Download this

  • Common mistakes when applying for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

    The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly referred to as the green card lottery, was established by the U.S. government to provide individuals from countries with low immigration rates a chance to live and work in the U.S. Each year, the U.S. Department of State conducts a random lottery drawing to

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