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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its Policy Manual guidance on when nonimmigrant students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions in STEM fields. Key Points: The updated guidance clarified when nonimmigrant students may count credit for online/distance learning classes and their eligibility for
A federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked the Biden administration from approving parole requests under the Keeping Families Together program on Monday. Key Points: District Court Judge J. Campbell Barker granted a request from 16 states led by Republicans challenging the new program, which opened
The Namibian government introduced changes to its entry visa requirements that will go into effect April 1, 2025. Key Points: The new visa policy will require nationals of 31 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S., to obtain a visa for entry. The
The Canadian government announced a new Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP) program will launch on Aug. 26. Key Points: Pilot program participants will benefit from a direct pathway to permanent status after obtaining a diploma, along with access to settlement services for integration purposes. FMCSP
Danish immigration authorities’ new rules for foreign nationals with a residence permit under the authorization scheme are now in effect. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, Danish immigration authorities relaxed policies for short-term workers on July 1. As part of the
Immigration New Zealand announced increases to visa charges effective Oct. 1. Key Points: The government will increase several immigration application government fees, including those for temporary work visas. Some notable increases include: Accredited Employer Work Visa increased from 750 NZD to 1,540 NZD (about US$946) Permanent
Starting this week, the U.S. Embassy in Havana will expand visa services, including certain categories for temporary work, trainees, athletes, artists and entertainers. Key Points: Expanded services include the following categories: H-2A/H-2B/H-3 visas for temporary workers or trainees J visas for exchange visitors L visas
Danish immigration authorities announced an adjustment of practice for salary declarations. 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 applications and applications for extension. Effective Sept. 1, when the
The Labor Department has posted updated processing times for permanent labor certification (PERM) applications and prevailing wage determination (PWD) requests. PERM Processing Times: As of Aug. 1, the department was adjudicating applications filed in July 2023 and earlier, conducting audit reviews on applications filed in December
EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson announced the official commencement date for the Entry/Exit System (EES) is Nov. 10, 2024. Key Points: As BAL previously reported, EU authorities have repeatedly delayed the new border control EES, part of a “Smart Borders” initiative, which
The State Department recently announced that annual limits had been reached for EB-3, EW and EB-5 visas for fiscal year 2024. Key Points: The issuance of all legally available visas in the Employment-Based Third Preference (EB-3) and Other Workers (EW) categories
Migration trends suggest increasing intra-LATAM restrictions on business travel, while foreign investment and skilled worker movement from outside the region continues to grow. Venezuela BACKGROUND Venezuela is a federal republic comprised of an executive branch in the form of a president, who is the head of government and chief of state serving a
Countries in Africa are experiencing a mix of economic opportunities and challenges. East Africa is witnessing economic growth driven by tourism, technology and natural resources, while other regions face economic disparities and infrastructure challenges. South Africa BACKGROUND In general elections, South Africans vote for a political party and not for specific presidential candidates.
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid economic growth with a strong reliance on foreign direct investment, focusing on easing business travel immigration rules and increasing openness to tourism. Societal challenges include gender roles and increasing environmental awareness. Taiwan BACKGROUND The Taiwanese government underwent substantial change in the 1990s up to 2005, when the
Europe is focused on economic recovery but faces societal challenges. Conflict in the region and nearby Middle East is driving instability. United Kingdom BACKGROUND The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy where the hereditary monarch serves as head of state while the prime minister serves as the elected head of government. Executive power
North America remains a complex economic landscape. Significant elections are taking place in the USA. Canada is an attractive destination for both economic opportunities and its inclusive immigration policies. Mexico BACKGROUND Mexico is a federal republic composed of 31 states and the federal district Mexico City. The constitution divides governmental powers into
In this week’s episode, BAL’s Kristi Ngo explains why the EB-5 visa is a viable alternative to the traditional PERM green card path for certain foreign national investors. Plus, the latest U.S. and global immigration news. Explore more episodes of the BAL