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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
In this week’s episode, BAL’s Gabriel Castro and Kristi Ngo discuss a recent end-of-summer event they attended with a group of global mobility professionals – and understanding what global mobility means. Plus, the latest immigration news. This alert has been provided by
In this week’s episode, BAL’s Chad Li and Kyle McLaughlin discuss common questions about the PERM process and identify four main considerations employers should be aware of when navigating its complexities. Plus, the latest U.S. and global immigration news. This podcast has
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
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) within the Department of Labor announced it would delay implementing revised H-2A job order and application forms associated with the Farmworker Protection Rule until further notice. Key Points: The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia issued
The Emirati government announced that foreign nationals on expired residence permits will now be granted a two-month grace period to resolve their immigration status. Key Points: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security is now allowing individuals a two-month grace period to regularize
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) announced it will fully decommission the legacy Permanent Online System on Dec. 1. Key Points: OFLC implemented the Foreign Labor Application Gateway, or FLAG System, in
The government of Cuba has launched a new electronic visa platform, known as Evisa. Key Points: The new Evisa replaces the tourist card that allowed travelers to stay for up to 90 days with the option to extend for an additional 90 days. The Evisa costs
The Qatari government has extended the validity period for the multiple-entry work visa (MEWV) for nationals of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Key Points: The updated regulation takes effect immediately and extends the MEWV validity period to a maximum of 12 months. The updated validity period is
The State Department announced that the annual limit of EB-1 visas has been reached for fiscal year 2024. Key Points: All visas available in the Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1) category for FY 2024 have been issued. The Immigration and Nationality Act limits the number of EB-1
The Canadian government announced labor market impact assessments will no longer be processed for the low-wage stream within the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program. Key Points: Effective Sept. 26, the government will refuse to process labor market impact assessments in census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or