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The Thai cabinet extended a policy that allows Japanese tourists to enter Thailand for 30 days without a visa including for business visits. Key Points: The extended policy will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2026. The current visa-free entry policy only applies to Japanese tourists. Immigration
Finnish authorities announced that applicants for citizenship or residence cards can now book appointments for early 2024. Key Points: Officials stated that the appointment service will also be updated starting Jan. 2, 2024. The time required for renewing a residence card, applying for citizenship or submitting
The Hungarian parliament approved a new immigration law concerning entry and stays for third-country nationals that will take effect Jan. 1, 2024. Key Points: The new legislation will update key provisions of existing law pertaining to residence permits for foreign nationals, as well as employment of migrant workers. Officials clarified the
The Australian government has released the latest migration strategy outlining key actions and new policy commitments to overhaul the current migration system. Key Points: Net overseas migration is expected to be at a record 510,000 for 2022-23, and the government hopes to reduce migration numbers to
The Department of Homeland Security posted a Federal Register notice detailing the extension of Temporary Protected Status reregistration periods from 60 days to 18 months for the designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan. Key Points: DHS previously
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Wednesday that it has received enough petitions to reach congressionally mandated H-1B caps. This means there will not be a third H-1B lottery this fiscal year. Key Points: The annual H-1B cap is set at 65,000 visas plus an
The Swiss Federal Council announced a new digital visa format will come into force Feb. 1, 2024, to align with a new EU platform. Key Points: The government will update visa policies and national law to comply with the European Union’s new digital Schengen visa. Under
Canadian officials announced that the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applications will be raised effective Jan. 1, 2024. Key Points: The current requirement for study permit applicants is $10,000 to cover tuition and the cost of living, which has been in place since the early
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed it will use the Dates for Filing chart to determine employment-based filing eligibility for adjustment of status in January. Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Preference Cases: Preference All Other Countries China India Mexico Philippines EB-1 Current Jan. 1, 2023 Jan. 1, 2021 Current
Chinese officials announced that embassies and consulates abroad will implement a temporary reduction of visa fees from Dec. 11, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2024. Key Points: The policy will make it more affordable for travelers from more than a dozen countries to obtain a visa to
Singaporean officials announced an agreement with China for a 30-day mutual visa exemption policy that will be implemented in early 2024. Key Points: China resumed a 15-day visa exemption policy for Singaporean nationals earlier this year, and the two countries have been working to reach an agreement on a reciprocal policy.
The Malaysian government has reminded employers registered on the Expatriate Services Division (ESD) online portal to submit their Employment Pass (EP) and Professional Visit Pass (PVP) quota projections for 2024. Key Points: Employers can now submit their 2024 EP and PVP quota projections through the ESD
The U.S. State Department released the January Visa Bulletin Monday, showing advancement in key employment-based categories. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had not yet announced whether it will use Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing to determine employment-based filing eligibility. Final Action Dates: Key Movements EB-1 China EB-1 will
The Sri Lankan government will implement new measures designed to simplify visa policies, improve residence access and attract more investors and tourists. Key Points: The measures include the following changes: Instead of renewing visas annually, a new policy will allow foreign students to complete their entire
The Hong Kong government announced the opening of a new Talent Engage office in support of its mission to attract and retain high-skilled foreign talent. Key Points: • Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki stated that "our HKTE office will launch publicity, and offer
Irish officials announced that certain individuals will be allowed to travel this holiday season on a recently expired Irish Residence Permit card, effective through Jan. 31, 2024. Key Points: To qualify, an application to renew the IRP card must have been submitted to Immigration Services Delivery
The Vietnamese government recently introduced a new labor market testing requirement for companies requesting approval for foreign labor. Key Points: Companies will be required to complete a job posting on one of the national or provincial dedicated employment service center websites. Vietnamese officials issued a decree on Sept. 18
Chinese officials announced the expansion of its unilateral visa-free policy to six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands and Spain. Key Points: The new policy will be enacted on a trial basis and involve extending visa-free treatment to travelers holding ordinary passports from the six countries. From Dec. 1, 2023,
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On today’s BAL Immigration Report, we look back at some of the most important business immigration stories of 2023. Proposed fee hikes Domestic visa renewal And forthcoming changes to the H-1B program Get this news and more in the new episode of