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The Department of State announced that all visa interview and Applicant Service Center appointments in Colombia are canceled for Jan. 27-29, 2025.* *Note that this alert has been updated to reflect the announcement that the cancelations have been extended to Jan. 29, 2025. Key Points: All
The Canadian government announced the provincial and territorial allocations under the international student cap are finalized for 2025. Key Points: As BAL reported, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) capped the number of study permit applications in 2024 and reduced the
The Hong Kong government announced applicants under various admission schemes are now required to submit applications online. Key Points: The Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD) adjusted the application submission procedures for the following admission schemes: General Employment Policy (including both employment and investment as entrepreneurs)
On Jan. 23, a Washington state federal district court judge issued a nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) against President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) limiting birthright citizenship. Key Points: Judge John C. Coughenour of the U.S. District Court Western District of Washington at Seattle issued a nationwide
Finnish authorities have implemented automated post-decision monitoring of residence permits for employed persons. Key Points: As BAL reported, the government previously introduced automated monitoring for specialist residence permits last July. Officials are now expanding the system to worker permits to allow
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that effective Jan. 22, it will waive the requirement to present documentation of COVID-19 vaccination(s) for certain adjustment of status (AOS) applicants. Key Points: USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for AOS to that of a lawful
The Thai cabinet approved updates and adjustments to the qualifications, criteria and conditions for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa program. Key Points: The LTR visa program offers 10-year residence, access to a digital work permit and personal income tax privileges, among
On Jan. 20, the president issued the “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” Executive Order (EO) that gives federal agencies a 60-day period to identify countries that may warrant restrictions affecting the ability of foreign nationals
On Jan. 20, President Trump signed multiple Executive Orders (EOs) that are focused on immigration. Within those EOs are over 50 directives to government agencies. Key Points: Following are takeaways from President Trump’s EOs: Travel Bans: Trump did not impose any immediate travel bans but did
The Canadian government announced an intake cap for permanent residence applications under the Agri-Food Pilot. Key Points: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that permanent residence applications under the pilot will be capped at 1,010 spaces. Applications can be submitted until the pilot expires on
The Malaysian government announced that the Department of Labor Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) is improving modules and adding new functions to the Integrated Foreign Workers Management System (ePPAx). Key Points: The upgrades specifically impact Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) applications and the process of initial approval
The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Texas vs. USA on Jan. 17 that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Final Rule is “substantively unlawful,” but will maintain status quo with DACA’s policy of forbearance and limit its injunction to Texas only. Key
The Italian government’s policy update regarding biometric data collection for certain long-term visas is now in effect. Key Points: As BAL reported, Decree Law No. 145/2024 came into effect on Oct. 11, 2024, and introduced several provisions regarding the entry of
The Mexican government requires companies that employ foreign nationals to update their corporate registration certificate (CRC) after filing their taxes each respective fiscal year. Key Points: Companies employing foreign workers must update their CRC with the National Immigration Institute (INM) no later than April 30, 2025. The tax filing deadline is
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today that Australia is now an official Global Entry partner country, making Australia one of 19 partner countries whose citizens can apply for Global Entry membership. Key Points: Australian Global Entry applicants undergo rigorous and recurring vetting by both
The Home Office announced a temporary exemption from obtaining an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for certain passengers transiting airside. Key Points: As BAL reported, effective Jan. 8, all eligible non-European travelers are now required to obtain an ETA prior to travel