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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 Key Points: The temporary protection mechanism was originally enacted on March 4, 2022, and was due to expire on March 4, 2025.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
Irish officials announced that Immigration Service Delivery will now have the primary responsibility of managing initial registrations and renewals for Irish immigration residence permits for persons residing in counties Cork and Limerick. Key Points: Effective July 8, first-time registration and renewal of Irish immigration residence permissions for applicants based in counties
The Department of State announced it will open six new passport agencies across the U.S. to meet growing demand. Key Points: The six new passport agencies equipped to provide services for urgent travel needs will be established in Salt Lake City, Utah; Kansas City, Missouri; Orlando,
President Biden announced plans for a new policy that would make certain undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens who are longtime residents eligible for a path to lawful permanent residency from within the U.S. and up to three years of parole and work authorization. The administration
Employers filing H-1B cap petitions for fiscal year 2025 are reminded that the filing period closes June 30. Key Points: Petitioners must file a petition for candidates who were selected in the H-1B lottery by June 30 in order for the petition to be considered. Only petitioners with selected registrations
President Biden announces a policy to protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. The administration moves toward streamlined work visa processes for some DACA beneficiaries. And we sit down with the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s new president-elect, BAL’s Jeff Joseph, to survey the immigration