DHS Updates STEM OPT Degree List
On July 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of new STEM fields of study within the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (“STEM
Read More »UAE Expands Emiratization Requirements to Smaller Businesses
Effective January 1, 2024, employers with at least 20 employees working in certain economic sectors would be mandated to meet the Emiratization requirements. Currently, the
Read More »UAE Eases Visit Visa Extension Process
The United Arab Emirates has eased the process for extending visit visas. Changes Visit visas valid for 30, 60 or 90 days can extend their visa for an additional 30 days via
Read More »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.
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