Key Visa Updates
Today, the Chinese government released the following policy changes: Chinese multiple entry visas issued prior to March 28, 2020, that are still currently valid, can be used to enter China starting March 15, 2023. Chinese Embassies, Consulates, and visa centers...
Educational Qualifications Declared to MOM in Employment Pass (EP) Applications Will Require Verification Proof
Currently, only educational institutions which are not listed in MOM’s list of accredited institutions are required to provide verification proof for educational qualification issued by these institutions. What Are the Changes? From September 1, 2023, educational...
CDC Eliminates Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement for Persons Arriving from China
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it is rescinding with immediate effect its December 28, 2022 Order that required persons entering the United States from the People’s...
Premium Processing Available for I-765 EAD Applications of F-1 Students
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the Premium Processing service, which reduces the processing time for certain petitions and applications, will be available to F-1 students. Premium Processing is available immediately for F-1...
March 2023 Visa Bulletin Dates Remain Largely Unchanged Across EB Categories
The U.S. Department of State has released its March 2023 Visa Bulletin, imposing per-country cut-off dates that regulate immigrant visa availability and the flow of Adjustment of Status (AOS) application and consular Immigrant Visa application filings and approvals....
State Department May Reintroduce Visa Revalidation Within the United States for H and L Nonimmigrants
According to recent reports regarding statements made by the United States State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, the agency plans to introduce a temporary pilot program later this year that will allow H-1B and L-1 nonimmigrants (and presumably, their...
USCIS Expected to Announce New Application Process for ADIT Stamps
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is expected to announced the implementation of a new program for Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp applications. An ADIT stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp) can be...
Relaxed Work Permit Requirements for Certain Non-EU/EFTA Nationals
The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has implemented various changes to the work permit requirements for the hiring of certain categories of non-EU/EFTA nationals. Starting in February 2023, in professional categories that are deemed by the Cantonal authorities...
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
After an initial announcement in January 2022 by the Economic Affairs Minister, and subsequent approval by Parliament in November 2022, Spain’s Digital Nomad visa is finally available and will give non-EU nationals the chance to live and work in Spain for up to five...
USCIS Announces Opening of Initial FY2024 H-1B Cap Registration
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday, January 27, 2023 that the initial registration period for the 2024 fiscal year H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern time on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The registration period will close...