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    Cobalt® case management https://youtu.be/WZefwYMgAwo?si=JKN6P6i2x9MKVK3a   Configurable reporting With Cobalt, reports are configured in minutes, not hours. The data is always updated in real-time, and reports are scheduled according to your cadence to ensure you are always up-to-date on your current cases and program. Forecasting Customized financial forecasts – incorporating your specific immigration policies and program size

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  • United States | TPS reregistration periods extended for six countries

    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

  • United States | USCIS announces it has hit H-1B cap for FY2024, won’t conduct third lottery

    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

  • Switzerland | New digital visa format introduced

    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

  • Canada | Minimum income required for international students increased

    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

  • United States | Visa Bulletin: USCIS to use Dates for Filing next month

    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

  • China | Temporary reduction in visa fees announced

    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

  • Singapore | 30-day mutual visa exemption agreement with China announced

    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.

  • Malaysia | Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass quota projections required

    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

  • United States | January Visa Bulletin: Advancement in EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories

    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

  • Sri Lanka | New visa policies announced to boost tourism and foreign investment

    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

  • Hong Kong | Talent Engage Office Opens

    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

  • Travel confirmation notice issued to facilitate holiday travel

    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

  • Vietnam | New labor market testing requirement

    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

  • China | Visa-free entry scheme expanded to six additional countries

    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,

  • China | Visa policy for foreign residents of Macao updated

    Chinese officials announced new visa policies for foreign residents of Macao. Key Points: Foreign residents of Macao are now eligible for extended multiple-entry visas for up to five years for permanent residents and two years for non-permanent residents. The revised regulations also allow foreign professional employees to apply for multiple-entry visas

  • Ghana | Visa-on-arrival approved for the holiday travel season

      Ghanaian officials announced that travelers can obtain a visa-on-arrival at all ports of entry from Dec. 1, 2023, until Jan. 15, 2024. Key Points: Visitors arriving in Ghana through Jan. 15, 2024, will be admitted without pre-approval. Authorities will admit travelers and grant a 30-day single-entry visa upon arrival at an