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  • Canada | Updates announced to improve processing times

    Canadian officials announced initiatives to reduce backlogs and improve processing times, and updated their online tool to help new clients predict how long it will take to process a complete application. ‌Key Points: Officials announced that they will encourage designated venture capital firms, angel investor groups and

  • Canada | Update for Hong Kong permanent residence pathway applicants

    Canadian officials announced a new policy that will allow Hong Kong permanent residence pathway applicants to extend their status and apply for new work permits while their permanent residence applications are pending. ‌Key Points: Beginning May 27, open work permits will be available to individuals who

  • United States | PERM, prevailing wage processing updates as of May 1, 2024

    The Labor Department has posted updated processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) applications and prevailing wage determination (PWD) requests. PERM Processing: As of May 1, the department was adjudicating applications filed in April 2023 and earlier, conducting audit reviews on applications filed in December 2022

  • United States | U.S. senators show bipartisan support for NIL policy changes

    A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has asked the Department of Homeland Security for a written update on policies regarding NIL activities for foreign student athletes. Key Points: Since 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has maintained a policy allowing college athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness (NIL)

  • Sri Lanka | Visa-free entry for seven countries extended until end of May

    The government of Sri Lanka extended its visa-free entry policy for nationals from seven countries until May 31. Key Points: The government extended its visa-free travel policy for nationals from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand. The application process is transitioning from the Electronic Travel Authorization system to the

  • Canada | Temporary policy for international students ends

    Canadian officials announced new rules for international students who work off campus. ‌Key Points: As BAL previously reported, officials announced an increase in the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applications Jan. 1. As part of that effort, the government also waived the 20-hour-per-week limit on

  • United States | June Visa Bulletin: No movement in categories

    The U.S. State Department released the June Visa Bulletin, showing no advancement in most key employment-based categories. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that in June it will use Final Action Dates to determine filing eligibility. India EB-3 advanced by one

  • United States | Reminder: DOL accepting input on Schedule A occupation list through May 13

    The Department of Labor is accepting public input on whether to revise its Schedule A list of job classifications through May 13. Key Points: President Biden issued an Executive Order last year with several provisions directing federal agencies to streamline immigration procedures and help keep the

  • Ukraine | Consular services suspended for certain Ukrainian nationals

    The Ukrainian government has suspended consular services for military-age male nationals living abroad. ‌Key Points: The new measure follows a recent mobilization law adopted by the Ukrainian parliament. The affected individuals, male citizens ages 18 to 60, are currently unable to apply for passports or other travel documents, including renewals, at

  • United States | Diversity Visa results available

    Diversity Visa lottery results for DV-2025 applicants are now available on the State Department’s Entrant Status Check webpage. Key Points: To check their status online, individuals who entered the lottery will need to provide their entrant confirmation number, last name or family name and year of

  • United States | Data shows continued increase in nonimmigrant visas issued

    Nonimmigrant visa issuance continued to climb in fiscal year 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic totals, according to recently published State Department statistics. According to the Report of the Visa Office 2023, the State Department issued a total of 10,438,327 nonimmigrant visas, up more

  • United States | USCIS updates FAQ, cites petitions filed with incorrect fees

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its FAQ on the new fee rule to help certain petitioners understand how to submit the correct required fees. Key Points: The final USCIS fee rule went into effect April 1, 2024, marking the most

  • European Union | Latest immigration updates

    The adopted revision to the 2011 single-permit directive has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and the EU Council has temporarily suspended certain elements of EU law that regulate visa issuance to Ethiopian nationals. Key Points: The

  • Australia | New permanent resident visa ballot date

    Australian authorities announced that the new Pacific engagement visa will open its first ballot on June 3. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, Australian authorities introduced a new permanent resident visa program called the Pacific engagement visa for nationals of participating

  • Thailand | New immigration initiatives announced to boost tourism

    The Thai government is introducing several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth. Key Points: The Thai cabinet recently approved the extension of a policy that allows Russian tourists to enter Thailand for 60 days until July 31, 2024. The Immigration Bureau stated that visa holders are

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