August 2023 Visa Bulletin Released
In the August 2023 Visa Bulletin, Final action dates for EB-1 and EB-3 Worldwide (All Other) retrogress. EB-2 Worldwide (All Other) advances approximately 1.5 months. EB-1
Read More »Cuban Nationals No Longer Eligible for ESTA
The US Customs and Border Patrol issued a memo regarding Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ineligibility related to Cuba, on Thursday, July 6, 2023. This
Read More »USCIS Launches Biometric Appointment Scheduling Online
On June 28, 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) launched online rescheduling of biometrics appointments. Previously, benefit requestors and accredited
Read More »DHS Shortens Brunei ESTA Validity Period
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that, effective July 6, 2023, it has reduced Brunei Darussalam’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization
Read More »UK Youth Mobility Scheme Second Ballot Opens Late July
The UK Home office has announced that the second ballot of the Youth Mobility Scheme opens on July 24, and closes on July 26, 2023. Applicants from Hong Kong (SAR passport),
Read More »UK Makes National Insurance Number (NINO) Mandatory for Certain Users
On June 19, 2023, the UK Home Office made the National Insurance Number (NINO) mandatory for Level 1 users of the Sponsor Management System (SMS). According to an updated
Read More »Taiwan Extends Visa-Free Trial
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced a one-year extension of the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines (New
Read More »Russian Highly Qualified Specialist Salary Reports Due
Russia’s Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) program allows companies in Russia to employ foreign national workers for up to three years (renewable) with various benefits
Read More »Poland Increases Minimum Wage Rates
On July 1, 2023, the Polish government increased the minimum wage in Poland to PLN 3600. The monthly rate had previously been increased to PLN 3490 from January 1, 2023.
Read More »New EU Framework Agreement on Social Security for Cross-Border Teleworkers Takes Effect
On July 1, 2023, a new Framework Agreement on social security for cross-border telework, signed by 17 European countries, took effect. Under the multilateral agreement,
Read More »Denmark Updates Positive Lists for Higher Education and Skilled Work
The Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI) has published updated Positive Lists which are effective July 1, 2023. The new Positive List for People
Read More »Immigration Nerds Podcast | U.S. H-1B Visa Holders Wooed by Canada
The Immigration Nerds is back with the details on Canada’s aggressive new approach to attracting high skilled workers from right here in the United States. Immigration
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