Just as the 2015 fiscal year ended on September 29th, the U.S. Congress passed a temporary spending measure to avoid a government shutdown. This temporary spending measure will allow the U.S. government to continue operating through December 11, 2015 at which time Congress must decide on a long-term re-authorization bill and funding plan. The extension also allows the EB-5 Regional Center Program to continue operating under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under the current federal rules. The EB-5 Regional Center Program allows qualifying entrepreneurs and their dependents to apply for permanent residence and is credited with stimulating the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment.

Many immigration operations are effected by the U.S. federal budget, including PERM and LCA filings that are processed by the U.S. Department of Labor and certain programs run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. EIG will continue to monitor government funding actions to ensure that any possible effects of delays are considered well in advance of the December deadline.

Immigration Registration Improvements in Dublin, Ireland

As of September 30, 2015, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) in Burgh Quay, Dublin, have instituted organizational improvements in an effort to reduce queuing time for those seeking to register immigration status. The implemented measures include a separate registration location for college students, specified days for new registrations and renewal registrations, additional staff, and extended hours. The INIS and GNIB are also working on new online appointment registration methods to streamline the process. For more information on new registration procedures please visit http://www.garda.ie/Controller.aspx?Page=31.

Saskatchewan Province in Canada Accepting Increased Applications

As of September 21, 2015, the Saskatchewan province in Canada has re-opened its Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) to accept an additional 1,000 applications for International Skilled Workers. This immigration category includes 57 eligible occupations and does not require a job offer or connection to the province in order to be eligible. The Saskatchewan government is seeking highly educated and skilled workers to boost the labor market.