DHS Issues Final Rule Allowing Remote I-9 Verification for E-Verify Participants; New I-9 Form Available Beginning August 1, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule today that will give qualified employers who participate in E-Verify and are in good standing the option to complete remote I-9 verification of employees’ identity and employment eligibility documents as...
Canada: Update on Tech Talent Strategy for U.S. H-1B Holders
Canada recently announced the introduction of a new open work permit to attract U.S. H-1B workers to Canada. As part of the country’s Tech Talent Strategy, this program began accepting applications for open work permits on July 16, 2023. Due to the demand for this...
United Kingdom: Dramatic Increase to Visa Application and Immigration Health Surcharge Fees Proposed
A proposal to increase both immigration visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge was announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on July 13, 2023. These increases will support the United Kingdom’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS) and will...
August 2023 Visa Bulletin Issued: Significant Retrogression for EB-1 India
The U.S. Department of State has released its August 2023 Visa Bulletin imposing per-country cut-off dates that regulate immigrant visa availability and the flow of Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications and consular Immigrant Visa application filings and approvals. ...
Poland: Further Epidemic and Ukraine Updates
Extension of Immigration Documents Based on COVID Regulations to End on July 31, 2023 The epidemic state in Poland (connected to COVID) will end on July 31, 2023. This means that the automatic extension of immigration documents that was previously permitted will end...
Portugal: Draft Law to Amend Golden Visa Program
Portugal’s Golden Visa program has long been a sought-after pathway for individuals looking to obtain residency through investment in the EU. However, recent developments have brought forth proposed changes that could significantly impact wealth management strategies...
OFLC Publishes Wage Increases Under New 2023-2024 OES Wage Data
On July 1, 2023, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) uploaded the newest prevailing wage data from the Occupational Employment Survey (OES) as collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data reflects prevailing wages determined for the period July...
USCIS Launches Online Self-Service Tool to Reschedule Biometrics Appointments
As of June 28, 2023, most recipients of a biometrics services appointment from USCIS who need to reschedule may do so using a new online self-service tool on my.uscis.gov. To be eligible to reschedule an appointment online: The request must be made more than 12 hours...
Europe: Digitalization of the Schengen Visa
On June 13, 2023, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union announced an agreement to allow for the digitalization of the Schengen visa procedure. This change will make the visa application process smoother, eliminating the need for visa stickers...
Israel: Palestinian American Travel through Israel
The Israeli Interior Ministry authorities have indicated that they will ease restrictions on the entry of American citizens of Palestinian descent at Ben Gurion Airport, in line with Israel’s effort to be included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. As of the middle of...