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USCIS reduces its case backlog. The Department of Labor extends a deadline for input on its Schedule A job classification list. And how a pair of Supreme Court cases about the fishing industry could reshape immigration processes. Get this news and more in the
Many people hoped that the pace of layoffs in the United States would ease in 2024, but the results thus far have not been promising. While most attention has focused on the tech industry, troubling signs now indicate that other industries may follow. Already, several major retailers have announced significant
The business community shows support for DACA. BAL provides analysis on how immigration filing fees will impact U.S. companies. And why it may be a good idea for some U.S. residents to think about applying for citizenship. Get this news and more
On Jan. 30, the Department of Homeland Security published the long-anticipated and final U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fee rule. Under the final rule, immigration filing fees will see their most dramatic increases in years. The new fee schedule is set to take effect April 1, 2024. We’re breaking down
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announces that H-1B registration will open March 6. The State Department kicks off its domestic visa renewal pilot. And the government publishes two regulations with big implications for immigration programs. Get this news and more in the new
The Department of Labor has extended the deadline on a Request for Information on whether the agency should revise its list of Schedule A job classifications that do not require permanent labor certification. Key Points: The period for submitting comments has been extended to May
The U.S. State Department released the March Visa Bulletin Friday, showing little movement in the employment-based Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that in March it will use Final Action Dates to
Dutch judicial authorities have ruled that certain third-country nationals who are non-Ukrainians will no longer qualify for residence under the temporary protection directive after March 4. Key Points: The highest judicial body, the Council of State, delivered a recent decision regarding a group of approximately 2,760
Canadian officials provided additional guidance on requirements for digital nomads. Key Points: Officials define a digital nomad as an individual who can perform a job remotely from anywhere. Officials clarified that an individual only needs visitor status to relocate to Canada while they perform their job
Finnish authorities have increased the salary threshold requirements for specialist and EU Blue Card permits in 2024. Key Points: The salary threshold for the specialist permit type increased to €3,638 per month (about US$3,911), an increase from €3,437 in 2023. The
U.S. visa processing posts in India processed more visas than ever before in 2023, including a record number of international students, officials recently announced. Key Points: The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India processed a record-breaking 1.4 million U.S. visas in 2023 and saw a 60% increase in applications from
The Emirati government has reached an agreement with the Republic of Armenia on a mutual visa-free policy. Key Points: Citizens of both countries will be able to travel without the need to apply for an entry visa as long as they hold a passport with at least six months of validity.
Swedish judicial authorities have ruled that individuals may now qualify for a permanent resident permit with 12 months, instead of 18 months, of employment. Key Points: The Swedish Migration Court of Appeal determined in a December 2023 decision that permanent residence permits should be interpreted with an income requirement of a
The Brazilian government announced a 7% increase to the minimum wage. Key Points: The new base minimum wage will rise to BRL$1,412 (about US$282), an increase from the previous base minimum wage of BRL$1,320. The adjustment considers the variation in inflation from the previous year and
The Kazakhstani government announced the new 2024 foreign worker quotas for all work categories and regions. Key Points: The permit quota for attracting foreign workers is divided into categories: 906 for managers and their deputies 5,054 for heads of structural divisions 10,786 for specialists 2,888 for
BAL joined a group of more than 50 top U.S. companies this week in signing a friend-of-the-court brief in support of protecting the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The brief was filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in the ongoing litigation challenging DACA.
The German government announced that Israeli nationals can remain in the country until April 26, 2024, without applying for a residence permit or an extension of their visa-free stay. Key Points: Israeli nationals are now permitted to stay in Germany without applying for a residence permit
BAL updated its USCIS Fee Calculator following the posting this week of a final rule to increase immigration filing fees. Key Points: The new fees are set to take effect April 1 and represent the most significant increase to immigration
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced this week that H-1B cap registration will open March 6. Key Points: The registration window runs from noon EST on March 6 through noon EDT on March 22. During this time, petitioners can use their USCIS online accounts to