At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government closed Canada’s Visa Application Centres (VACs) around the world. As some countries regain control over the spread of the virus, some VACs are reopening with limited service. In the case of India, after months of closures and uncertainty, the VAC centres have officially announced that… Read more »
The Swedish Parliament updated its measures regarding UK citizens currently living, working or studying in Sweden. UK citizens that live in Sweden as of December 31, 2020, must apply for “residence status”, which will allow them to remain and work in Sweden without a special permit. Applications for residence status can be filed as of… Read more »
The increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) from £400 to £624, will take effect on October 27, 2020. UK immigration applications submitted before October 27 will therefore be significantly cheaper. A reduced rate of £470 (previously £300) will apply to students, their dependents, Youth Mobility visa holders and anyone under 18. Applicants for a Health and Care… Read more »
Effective November 1st, Costa Rica will open its borders, however, the following requirements must be met upon entering: Travel insurance, offered by the Costa Rican National InsuranceInstitute, that must cover the following, as well as medical expenses generated by the illness of COVID-19: Medical expenses for at least 20,000 USD; Quarantine costs for at least… Read more »
As of January 1st, the salary threshold for Blue Card applications will increase to the following: Blue Card EU for shortage occupations: 44,304 Euro per annum /3,692 Euro per month Blue Card EU regular: 56,800 Euro per annum / 4,733 Euro permonth The new thresholds do not affect existing permits, only those that are issued… Read more »
From December 1st, 2020 to February 28th, 2021, passengers entering or transiting through Taiwan airports, regardless of the nationality (Taiwan or foreign nations) or purpose of coming (study, work, diplomatic service, etc.), must provide the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report issued within 3 working days before the scheduled boarding time. CDC stated that the COVID-19 RT-PCR… Read more »
Late November Visa Bulletin Preserves Forward Movement for Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Numbers The Department of State released the November Visa Bulletin about two weeks later than usual, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is allowing applicants to use the “Dates for Advanced Filing” chart (Chart B) for November. Chart B for November preserves the… Read more »
DOL Issues Interim Final Rule Raising Prevailing Wages for Foreign Workers The Department of Labor (DOL) issued an interim final rule on October 8, 2020, amending Employment and Training Administration (ETA) regulations governing prevailing wages for nonimmigrant H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 foreign workers and immigrant EB-2 and EB-3 and foreign workers. Specifically, DOL is increasing… Read more »
Federal Judge Issues Preliminary Injunction Against Trump Block on H, L, J Foreign Workers On October 1, 2020, a U.S. district judge ruled in NAM v. DHS against aspects of President Trump’s June 22, 2020, proclamation that effectively blocked visa issuance to many foreign workers. More specifically, the proclamation prevented visa issuance to intracompany transferees… Read more »
President-Elect Biden Pledges Immigration-Related Actions in First 100 Days President-elect Joe Biden has pledged in the first 100 days of his administration to set in motion a number of immigration-related actions. Some of his proposals could be launched immediately, while others may require new regulations or Congressional action. Trump administration rules finalized before President Trump… 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.
