Changes in USCIS Affirmative Asylum Application Processing
On May 31, USCIS announced that it changed the filing locations for certain affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail. Form I-589, Application for Asylum and
Read More »July 2023 Visa Bulletin Released
In the July 2023 Visa Bulletin, EB-1 Worldwide (All Other) remains current. EB-2 Worldwide final action dates remain unchanged and EB-3 final action dates retrogress by 4
Read More »Canada Facilitated Opt-in Measure for Certain OWPs expiring Aug 1-Dec 31, 2023
Recently, IRCC announced their intention to introduce a facilitated process to extend certain open work permits expiring between August 1 – December 31, 2023. As of
Read More »Immigration Nerds Podcast | I-9 Verification Deadline & Compliance
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared July 31, 2023, as the end date for COVID-related I-9 verification flexibilities. They have also mandated that all I-9s
Read More »UK ETA Scheme for Gulf States and Jordan Announced
On June 6, the UK Government announced the details of the ETA program for nationals from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan. Eligible travelers would pay
Read More »Canada Expands Visa-Free Travel to 13 Additional Countries
On Tuesday, June 6, the IRCC announced that citizens of the following countries can now apply for an eTA instead of obtaining a visa to travel to Canada by air: Visa-Free
Read More »Australia and UK Updates to Shared Visa Schemes
Australia and the United Kingdom have agreed to establish more generous arrangements under the Working Holiday Maker program and Youth Mobility Scheme. This follows the entry
Read More »Malaysia Introduces New System for Support Letters
Between June 15 and August 15, 2023, the Malaysian government will gradually introduce a new single window system called the Xpats Gateway for companies to apply for the
Read More »Hong Kong Updates Visa and Entry Permit Application Requirements
Effective June 19, 2023, the Immigration Department will adjust application requirements for visas and entry permits for dependents, foreign domestic workers, imported
Read More »Canada Announces Category-Based Express Entry
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the first-ever category-based selection for Express Entry. Invitations to apply will be issued to
Read More »UK Home Office Updates Standard Visa Processing Times
The UK Home Office has published updated lists of its standard processing times for UK visa applications submitted inside or outside the UK. For applications made outside the
Read More »Spain Implements Revised EU Blue Card Directive
On 10 May 2023, the Spanish government passed amendments (Law 11/2023) to Law 14/2013 that implement the revised EU Blue Card Directive (EU 2021/1883). The changes, which
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