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  • United States | State Department dedicates new U.S. Embassy Mexico City

    On Dec. 17, 2024, officials from the State Department and Mexican government dedicated the new U.S. Embassy Mexico City. Key Points: The new U.S. Embassy Mexico City is designed to accommodate the operational demands of one of the largest U.S. diplomatic missions globally. The facility will

  • United States | Agency issues recommendations for USCIS family-based petition procedures

    The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) issued formal recommendations to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for improving family-based petition routing procedures and preventing post-approval delays. Key Points: The CIS Ombudsman serves as a liaison between the public and USCIS. USCIS

  • China | Visa-free transit policy updated

    Chinese officials announced the stay duration for visa-free transit has been extended to 240 hours (10 days). Key Points: Officials published a notice regarding the visa-free transit policy, extending the stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit to 240 hours from the previous 72

  • European Union | Bulgaria and Romania fully joining Schengen area Jan. 1

    The European Council agreed to lift land border controls in Bulgaria and Romania, paving the way for the two countries to fully join Europe’s Schengen area. Key Points: In March, checks were abolished on persons at EU internal air and maritime borders between Bulgaria and Romania

  • United States | Changes to NIV interview processing and rescheduling in India

    The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have centralized processing of nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview cases and made changes to the visa rescheduling process that take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Key Points: NIV Consolidation H and L first-time visa interview appointments have

  • New Zealand | Reforms to Accredited Employer Work Visa

    The New Zealand government announced significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in 2025. Key Points: The changes will be implemented in four different stages throughout 2025. Beginning Jan. 27, 2025, the government will remove the requirement for all current and future accredited employers

  • Australia | National Innovation visa introduced

    The Australian government introduced the National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858), officially replacing the Global Talent visa and the Business Innovation and Investment visa. Key Points: The NIV is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants that allows for work, study and stay for five years.

  • Thailand | e-Visa system available Jan. 1

    The Thai government announced the worldwide implementation of the electronic visa (e-Visa) system across 94 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General. Key Points: Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, the new e-Visa system will be available through the official website. Officials also announced that

  • United States | DHS finalizes regulation amendments for H-2 programs

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the final rule for modernizing H-2 program requirements for temporary agricultural (H-2A) and temporary non-agricultural (H-2B) nonimmigrant workers and their employers. Key Points:  The 400+ page rule modernizes and improves DHS regulations relating to

  • United States | DHS issues final rule modernizing H-1B visa program

    The Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule to modernize the H-1B visa program by clarifying the requirements of the H-1B program, providing more flexibility for petitioners and beneficiaries and strengthening program integrity measures. The final rule is scheduled to be published Dec. 18,

  • United States | January 2025 Visa Bulletin: No movement, Dates for Filing remain the same

    The U.S. State Department released the January Visa Bulletin. Filings for employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart for January 2025, which will remain the same as December, showing no advancement for EB-1/EB-2/EB-3. Dates for Filing Movement: EB-1

  • United States | Final H-1B regulation under White House review

    The Department of Homeland Security has submitted the final H-1B regulation to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. Key Points: The text of the rule is not yet available, but OMB review is the final step in the regulatory process before publication. In October

  • Canada | Prevailing wage data updated

    The Canadian government updated the wage data/prevailing wages for Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) required under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. Key Points: The wage data was updated on Dec. 3 and is available on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank website 

  • United States | Updated policy guidance on International Entrepreneur Rule

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced updated policy guidance on applications submitted under the International Entrepreneur Rule. Key Points: USCIS updated its Policy Manual regarding the types of evidence that may support an application for a

  • European Union | Entry/Exit System update

    The European Commission proposed a progressive start of operations for the new digital border Entry/Exit System (EES). Key Points: As BAL reported, the European Commission announced in October the implementation date for the EES would be further delayed. The proposal for

  • Slovakia | Legislation related to digitization approved

    The Slovak government approved legislative changes related to the use of electronic services for foreign nationals in various situations. Key Points: The government approved legislation on the digitization of Electronic Communication with Foreigners processes. The new law will enter into force on Dec. 15, and eligible foreign nationals will be able

  • Philippines | 2025 Annual Report

    Philippine officials issued a reminder notice to certain foreign nationals to complete mandatory annual reporting between Jan. 1 and March 1, 2025. Key Points: All registered foreign nationals holding ACR I-Cards, except individuals on temporary visitor and tourist visas, are required to report in person to

Posts

  • Episode 103: UK ETA Update + That’s Immi-tainment Faves

    In our last episode of the year, Jonathan Nagel provides an advisory update on the new European travel systems, and Gabriel Castro and Kristi Ngo suggest their favorite immigration-themed books, movies and media you may want to discover

  • Episode 102: 2024 Year in Review With Stuart Anderson

    In this week’s extended episode, special guest Stuart Anderson joins the BAL Immigration Report to discuss this year’s key developments in immigration policy--from H-1B denial rates and O-1 visa guidance to humanitarian parole programs and immigration rhetoric during the election. Stuart

  • Countdown to inauguration: Preparing clients and employers for rapid immigration changes

    With the 2024 election behind us and the inauguration set for January 20, 2025, now is the time for employers to take stock of their talent strategy and communications protocols to prepare for a second Trump administration. We are entering a challenging environment for immigration policy. Based on the experience of