The European Commission has proposed the following for travel restrictions to be lifted for non-EU countries as of July 1, 2020 for all Member States so that it maintains a coordinated and uniform approach: Objective criteria:Restrictions should be lifted first towards non-EU countries whose epidemiological situation is similar or better than the EU average and… Read more »
President Trump issued a proclamation on April 22, 2020 restricting the ability of certain foreign nationals from using immigrant visas (IVs) to enter the U.S. The proclamation restricting the ability of certain foreign nationals to use their immigrant visas to enter the U.S. was for an initial 60-day period. Within this proclamation was a provision… Read more »
Since its inception, the U.S. has acted as a mecca for a wide range of job seekers, but in modern times, immigration authorities have become gatekeepers to protect domestic workers from unfair competition and reduced salaries. With current high levels of unemployment in many sectors, it might seem counterintuitive for employers to request permission for… Read more »
Foreign nationals who are in the U.S. in F-1 student status are often eligible to engage in employment after completing their academic program in what is referred to as Optional Practical Training (OPT). As a result of the current high unemployment rate in the U.S., the Trump Administration is currently reviewing the F-1 OPT program,… Read more »
Effective June 8, 2020, foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and who do not have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms, will be exempt from the prohibition on entry to Canada if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15… Read more »
Beginning July 18, 2020, the Costa Rica Immigration Authorities will begin to receive new applications. The validity of documents, such as police clearance certificates, marriage certificates, and birth certificates will be valid until September 18, 2020, even if they have since expired during the pandemic. Foreign nationals in Costa Rica with an expired DIMEX as… Read more »
Effective June 1, 2020, visa services at certain Mexican consulates have recommenced, depending on local conditions. Migration Institute (INM) is operating, but only a limited number of tickets are issued each day for application submission and other procedures, such as: Fingerprinting appointments; Delivery of residence cards, with the possibility ofdelay; Requests for visa authorizations for… Read more »
With the spread of the Coronavirus subsiding or at least holding steady in the U.S., many government agencies that are involved with U.S. immigration case processing are beginning to resume services. At the same time, some agencies have experienced processing issues as a result of fewer people working at government facilities. In addition, President Trump has… Read more »
Effective June 1, 2020, certain UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Centers will reopen overseas. UKVI centers overseas are partnered with two providers, TLScontact and VFS Global. Foreign nationals who had a previous appointment booked may now book a new appointment beginning May 26, 2020. The following service points will reopen on June 1, 2020: Brisbane,… Read more »
On Thursday, October 1, 2020, a U.S. District Judge ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority when he issued his Proclamation 10052 on June 22, 2020. The proclamation suspended entry of certain foreign nationals who hold nonimmigrant visas issued on or after June 24, 2020 in the H-1B, H-2B, J, or L categories. The proclamation… Read more »
Our team is eager to help your organization navigate the complexities of immigration law & relieve any visa processing frustrations that you are experiencing.
