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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
BAL is honored to be named to the 2024 U.S. News and World Report Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms list. We are proud to be among the 344 U.S. law firms with high scores in six key factors important to job seekers. See our listing.
A new USCIS fee schedule clears White House review. Companies are in the midst of H-1B contingency planning. And Bloomberg Law’s Andrew Kreighbaum joins us to discuss the calls for increased work permit options for migrants.Get this
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
The United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization pilot program is available to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the ETA pilot program was originally launched Oct. 25, 2023, for
Finnish authorities announced the extension of Ukrainian residence permits granted on the basis of temporary protection until March 4, 2025. Key Points: The European Council agreed to extend the temporary protection directive for Ukrainian nationals fleeing the Russian invasion until at least March 4, 2025, and
Singaporean officials announced the agreement with China for a 30-day mutual visa exemption policy will go into effect on Feb. 9. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the reciprocal visa exemption arrangement was announced in December. Effective Feb. 9, holders of
The Home Office announced dates for when new minimum wage thresholds for foreign worker visas will come into force. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the Home Office announced a plan to cut net migration by 300,000 people in December by reducing the number of dependents
The Department of Homeland Security posted a pair of final regulations Tuesday, one that will increase U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services filing fees and another that will overhaul the H-1B selection process. Key Points: USCIS fee rule. Under the final USCIS fee rule, immigration filing fees will see their
Chinese officials announced additional measures aimed at simplifying the process for foreign nationals seeking to visit China. Key Points: The following measures are designed to make business activities, education and tourist travel more accessible to foreign nationals: Relaxed conditions for foreign nationals applying for port visas.
Australian authorities introduced a new permanent resident visa program, the Pacific engagement visa, for nationals of participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. Key Points: The new permanent resident visa program will fall under subclass 192. It will provide 3,000 citizens of participating Pacific island countries and
The government of Turkey introduced visa-free travel for nationals of Bahrain, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. Key Points: Foreign nationals of these countries will be permitted a visa-free stay of 90 days within any 180-day period for business purposes. Officials confirmed that the initiative
The Hungarian government announced a cap on work and residence permits for foreign nationals in 2024. Key Points: Only up to 65,000 guest worker permits and employment residence permits will be issued in 2024. The projected number of available permits is down from 81,000 in the
Canadian officials announced changes to eligibility and validity periods for the post-graduation work permit program. Key Points: Starting Sept. 1, international students will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation if they are part of a curriculum licensing arrangement study program. Graduates
The Department of Homeland Security will extend and redesignate Syria for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from April 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025. Key Points: The extension will allow currently eligible Syrian TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through Sept. 30, 2025, provided they
The White House Office of Management and Budget has completed its review of a final H-1B modernization rule. Key Points: The text of the rule is not yet available, but OMB review is the final step in the regulatory process before publication. As BAL
The Home Office announced that increased fines for employers and landlords who employ or rent to illegal migrants will take effect Feb. 13. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the increased fines were previously announced in August 2023. The civil penalties for employers will triple, going
The State Department is poised to launch its H-1B domestic visa renewal pilot program at noon ET on Monday, Jan. 29. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the pilot will run from Jan. 29 to April 1, 2024, and will be open to