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...
Canada: New Tech Talent Strategy Announced
On June 27, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced plans for a new Tech Talent Strategy aimed at attracting talent in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors into Canada. The Canadian government acknowledges that Canada’s high...
Terminating a Foreign National Employee Holding H-1B Status—The Employer Perspective
In this month’s blog, we will address an employer’s legal obligations when terminating the employment of a Foreign National (FN) employee who holds H-1B status by exploring frequently asked questions and providing insight into the steps employers must take to ensure...
Germany: New Immigration Law Aimed at Attracting Skilled Workers
On June 23, 2023, the German parliament approved a new immigration law aimed at attracting skilled workers. This move comes as a result of the ongoing labor shortages for skilled workers across the country. The new law will make access to the German labor market...
Tafapolsky & Smith LLP Ranked as a Top Immigration Law Firm in California; Partner A. James Vazquez-Azpiri Ranked in Band One for California Immigration Lawyers
We are pleased and proud to report that Chambers and Partners, the world’s most respected legal data and analytics provider, has once again recognized Tafapolsky & Smith LLP as one of the leading immigration law firms in California. Our firm placed among the top...
Canada: Category-Based Selection Process for Permanent Residence
On May 31, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the first-ever launch of category-based selection for Canada’s economic immigration management system, Express Entry. This category-based selection will allow Canada to invite prospective...