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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
South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced that nationals of Zimbabwe and Lesotho have been granted extensions on their exemptions for an additional two-year period. Key Points: Zimbabwean nationals who were granted Zimbabwe Exemption Permits and nationals of Lesotho who were issued Lesotho Exemption Permits have
The government of Kenya announced all foreign nationals may enter Kenya visa-free as of Jan. 1. Key Points: The visa-free policy applies to travelers entering Kenya for tourism or business travel purposes and allows for stays of up to 90 days. As part of the visa-free policy, government officials announced a
Danish immigration authorities published the new Positive Lists for professions experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in Denmark. Key Points: The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration publishes the Positive Lists of professions for which there is a regional or national shortage of qualified professionals.
The German government introduced new rules governing how foreign nationals can obtain an EU Blue Card. Key Points: The European Union issued a directive in 2021 that updated the existing EU Blue Card process, and Germany’s new rules are intended to comply with that directive. The
Employers are reminded to provide their latest turnover figures for the 2023 fiscal year to the Singapore Ministry of Manpower. Key Points: Drafting or submitting new online applications may not be possible until employers submit their turnover figures, which may result in processing delays. Users can answer “no” and update information
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
The Biden administration pursues a crowded regulatory agenda for 2024. Passport processing times reach pre-pandemic levels. And a look at what current labor market trends mean for immigration programs this year. Get this news and more in the new episode of BAL’s podcast, the