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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
Federal agencies announced several important changes to immigration programs in the last two weeks of 2023, including the details of a new domestic visa renewal program, the extension of interview waiver authorities and premium processing fee hikes. For those who missed any of the announcements, here’s a roundup of key
The Malaysian government has announced the details of their visa liberalization plan to attract foreign tourists and generate additional revenue. Key Points: As previously reported, officials recently announced a new policy granting visa-free entry for Chinese and Indian nationals for stays
The U.S. Department of Labor began accepting H-2B applications Tuesday from employers in need of employees with start dates in the second half of the fiscal year. Key Points: Employers who are requesting start dates on or after April 1 began filing H-2B applications on Jan. 2. The filing window closes
The UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs has suspended the employment sponsorship visa transfer option across free zones for companies. Key Points: Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced that visa transfer services have been suspended effective immediately to all free zones until further notice. Companies can no
South Korea has launched a digital nomad visa for overseas remote workers. Key Points: Foreigners who belong to overseas companies, who can work remotely and who have worked in the same industry for at least one year are eligible along with their families. Candidates for the digital nomad visa must have
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued updated policy guidance in December regarding the F and M student nonimmigrant classifications. Among other points, the guidance: Clarifies that while F and M students must have a foreign residence that they do not intend to abandon, they may be
Danish immigration authorities released updated income statistics, which will apply to residence and work permit applications submitted from Jan. 1, 2024. Key Points: An applicant’s salary and terms of employment must correspond to Danish standards to be granted a residence and work permit for both first-time and extension applications. Danish authorities
The government announced new fees for legalizing public documents starting Jan. 1, 2024. Key Points: Documents may be legalized by submitting them to the Legalization Office and may be required for many international transactions as well as immigration purposes. The new fees, effective Jan. 1, 2024,
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will increase premium processing fees on Feb. 26. Under a rule published Thursday, fees will increase as follows: Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Premium processing fees for all Form I-129 requests for classifications other
The U.S. Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security published a fact sheet this week on how employers can avoid violating the law when using proprietary or commercial electronic programs to complete the Form I-9 or E-Verify process. Key Points: Companies often use commercial or proprietary Form I-9 software programs to
The government of Latvia approved an increase in the national minimum wage for 2024 to EUR 700. Key Points: Currently, the national minimum wage is set at EUR 620 and will increase on Jan. 1, 2024 The adopted Regulation applies to both employers and employees. Additional Information:
Finnish authorities announced that immigration offices are experiencing a significant backlog in processing applications based on family ties. Key Points: Officials stated that about 11,800 outstanding applications currently await a decision. The number of applications has risen dramatically over the last two years, increasing about 50%
The State Department on Thursday announced it would extend interview waiver authorities for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants. Interview waivers have played a key role in helping reduce State Department processing backlogs. In announcing the extension, the department also put in place
The Department of Labor has asked for public input on whether to revise its list of Schedule A job classifications that do not require permanent labor certification. Key Points: In October, President Biden issued an Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, which included
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
Business and immigration coalitions call for changes to the H-1B lottery. Visa Bulletin priority dates jump forward. And the State Department gears up to begin a domestic visa renewal pilot program for some H-1B holders. Get this news and more in the new episode