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The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reversed district court decisions ordering the Department of State to reserve and adjudicate diversity visa cases from the DV-2020 and DV-2021 program years. Key Points: The D.C. appellate court issued its opinion on June 25,
The Hong Kong government announced that Hong Kong identity cards issued before Nov. 26, 2018, will be invalidated in two phases in 2025. Key Points: Phase I cards will become invalid on May 12, 2025, for individuals born in or after 1970, and Phase II cards
The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Aug. 4, 2024, to Feb. 3, 2026. Key Points: Haitian nationals who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since June 3, 2024, and continuously physically
Netherlands authorities implemented new EU Blue Card regulations to transpose the new Directive into national law. Key Points: The EU Blue Card Directive establishes the conditions of entry and residence of highly qualified non-EU nationals in 25 EU countries. The European Union
The European Council announced an extension of the temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2026. Key Points: The temporary protection mechanism was originally enacted on March 4, 2022, and was due to expire on March 4, 2025. The extension does not change the qualification
The American Immigration Council (AIC) recently published a special report, The Expanding Role of H-2A Workers in U.S. Agriculture, analyzing U.S. Department of Labor data to show increasing reliance on certified H-2A workers in American food production. Key Points: The H-2A visa program (a.k.a. the
The Australian government released details on the ballot initiative for the Work and Holiday program for Mainland China, India and Vietnam. Key Points: The government will implement a visa pre-application ballot process in the 2024-2025 program year for these high-demand countries later in 2024. The registration fee will be AUD25 and
Taiwanese authorities announced an extension of the visa-free entry program for travelers from Brunei, the Philippines and Thailand. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, foreign nationals from these countries have been able to enter Taiwan without a visa on a trial basis, and now may continue
The Canadian government has updated the minimum amount of funds required for permanent residence express entry applications, specifically under the federal skilled worker and federal skilled trades programs. Key Points: Applicants must provide official letters from any banks or financial institutions where they have an account that prove they possess the
The U.S. Supreme Court today ruled 6 – 3 in Department of State v. Muñoz that “a citizen does not have a fundamental liberty interest in her noncitizen spouse being admitted to the country.” The case involved Sandra Muñoz, a U.S. citizen, who sued the federal
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it is extending the validity of certain employment authorization documents for Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan. Key Points: The extension is valid through March 9, 2025 for certain EADs for TPS beneficiaries
The French government has launched a new digital tool that will alert foreign nationals when it is time to renew their residence permit. Key Points: Individuals will be alerted via email and SMS of their upcoming expiration date and the deadline to submit their renewal application. The new tool is in
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India announced that 3,900 applicants had been interviewed during its annual Student Visa Day on June 13. Key Points: The United States remains the No. 1 higher education destination for Indian students, with 69% preferring a U.S. education to any
Danish immigration authorities are relaxing policies for short-term workers, family reunification and bank requirements beginning July 1. Key Points: Foreign nationals under the short-term fast-track residence permit scheme can extend their stay and continue working more easily within their 90-day period starting July 1. Employees can continue working without providing new
The Thai cabinet approved new measures to promote tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy, including a new Destination Thailand Visa category. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, the Thai government is undertaking several new immigration initiatives designed to increase tourism and spur economic growth. During the most
The Supreme Court rules in a visa denial case involving a U.S. citizen and her non-immigrant spouse. An American Immigration Council report reveals increasing reliance on H-2A workers. BAL’s Steven Plastrik breaks down the results from our election survey. Get these insights and more