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The Romanian government has published its annual quota for workers from outside the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland. Key Points: Romanian authorities issued 100,000 work authorization quota spots for 2024 for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, which is the same amount set in 2022 and 2023. Foreign nationals who are not EU/EEA/Swiss
A final regulation to “modernize” the H-1B visa program is under review at the White House Office of Management and Budget. Key Points: The text of the rule is not yet available, but OMB review is the final step in the regulatory process before publication. It
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Friday it has received enough petitions to reach a cap on H-2B visas for returning workers with start dates in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year. Key Points: In November, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of
Japan authorities announced individual procedures will be in effect for foreign nationals impacted by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. Key Points: The Immigration Services Agency will provide special measures for residence applications for foreigners who have overstayed and are unable to apply at their regional immigration bureau according to original procedures. Individuals
Immigration New Zealand announced the extension of the 90-day trial period to all employers except accredited employers using the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Key Points: As previously reported, immigration officials recently eliminated the 90-day trial period in employment agreements for accredited
Chinese officials announced that its embassies and consulates in the United States will simplify document requirements for U.S. nationals applying for a tourist L-visa. Key Points: U.S. visa applicants will no longer be required to submit proof of certain travel details, including a round-trip air ticket,
The Indonesian government transitioned to a new e-visa website for all future visa applications. Key Points: The previous electronic visa application system service has transferred to a new website. The new platform is designed to simplify the visa application process and attract more tourists and business
New Zealand announced that applicants for permanent resident visas will be able to submit applications electronically by the end of January 2024. Key Points: Applicants for permanent resident visas, second or subsequent resident visas and variation of travel conditions of a resident visas currently must submit
H-1B and H-2 modernization, fee hikes and changes to the green card process top the Biden administration’s regulatory priorities on employment-based immigration, according to the semiannual regulatory agenda published this week. The administration also indicated it would propose regulatory changes related to certain nonimmigrants, including those who lose their
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it will soon launch online organizational accounts and electronic filing for H-1B petitioners. Key Points: USCIS said it would launch organizational accounts next month for both non-cap filings and fiscal year (FY) 2025 cap season filings that will allow
The U.S. State Department released the February Visa Bulletin, showing no movement in Dates for Filing in key employment-based categories. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would use the Dates for Filing chart to determine employment-based filing eligibility. Dates for
Canadian officials announced a new temporary resident pathway for Canadian citizens’ and permanent residents' extended family members in Gaza. Key Points: The temporary resident visa is a special measure for Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders and their family members who live in Gaza, are related
Singaporean officials reminded personalized employment pass holders to provide their latest salary figures to the Singapore Ministry of Manpower. Key Points: PEP holders with passes issued on or before Dec. 31, 2022, need to declare their annual salary figures to the Ministry of Manpower by Jan.
The French government announced an increase of 1.13% to the interprofessional minimum wage for growth (SMIC). Key Points: The new monthly base minimum wage will rise to €1,766.92 (about US$1,931), which is an increase from the previous monthly base minimum wage of €1,747.20. The following immigration
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification published assignment groups for 8,817 H-2B applications submitted from Jan. 2-4 with an April 1 start date. Key Points: The published assignment groups for 8,817 H-2B applications covered 138,847 worker positions. Last year, OFLC received 8,693
Philippine officials issued a reminder notice to foreign nationals to complete mandatory annual reporting between Jan. 1 and March 1. 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 the Bureau
A final rule that would substantially raise U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services filing fees is under White House Office of Management and Budget review. Key Points: The Department of Homeland Security says the rule will “establish new USCIS fees to recover USCIS operating costs.” The
The Brazilian government announced that the visa requirement for nationals of Australia, Canada and the United States will now begin on April 10. Key Points: As previously reported, passport holders from Australia, Canada and the United States will soon be required
Michelle Funk, Delya Ghosh, Tiffany Derentz, Martin Robles-Avila, Eileen Lohmann and Matt Dillinger contributed to this article. If the first few weeks of the year are an indication, it will be hard to miss immigration in the headlines in 2024. Already, it has emerged
USCIS moves a step closer to raising immigration filing fees. The U.S. Embassy in Israel returns to its normal staffing level. And how Biden administration guidance on STEM workers is making it easier for recent graduates to stay employed. Get this news