Taiwan Loosens Travel and Quarantine Restrictions
The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) of Taiwan will allow foreign business travelers to enter the country beginning next week. The new policies outlined below take effect on 07 March 2022, beginning at 00:00 hours (based on the local time at the airport of...
Proof of Vaccination Now Required of Essential Travelers at U.S. Land Borders
Effective January 22, 2022, all noncitizen, non-LPR (Legal Permanent Resident) travelers seeking to cross the northern or southern land border (including ferry ports) into the U.S. must present proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, even if they...
DHS Expands Degree Fields Eligible for STEM OPT
On January 21, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) published an updated list of STEM Designated Degree Programs. This updated added 22 new programs that are considered part of the STEM fields—science, technology,...
U.S. Imposes Entry Ban on Travelers from Certain African Countries
On November 26, 2021, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation (PP) related to the ongoing national emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization recently identified a new variant of concern known as Omicron, first detected in...
Certain H-4, E, and L Nonimmigrant Spouses Now Qualify for Automatic EAD Extension of Up To 180 Days
On November 10, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) settled a lawsuit brought by the H-4 and L-2 spouses of certain H-1B and L-1 nonimmigrant workers. The plaintiff spouses experienced lengthy delays in the adjudication of their Employment Authorization...
U.S. Revokes Travel Bans, Announces Vaccine Guidelines for International Travelers
On October 25, 2021, President Biden signed a presidential proclamation aimed at resuming international travel to the U.S. next month. The proclamation—which is effective at 12:01am ET on Monday, November 8, 2021—revokes...
DHS to Allow Fully Vaccinated Travelers Across U.S. Land Borders Beginning November 8
On October 12, 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will lift restrictions and allow travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to resume nonessential travel (e.g., vacations and...
DV-2023–Diversity Lottery Registration Open To Applicants
On October 6, 2021 the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program known commonly as the “DV Lottery” opened up its annual online registration. The registration period will close on November 9, 2021. Applicants must submit registrations online at the following site:...
U.S. to Lift COVID-19 Travel Bans for Vaccinated Foreign Nationals in November
On Monday, September 20, 2021, major media outlets reported that the United States will lift its COVID-19 travel bans in early November for fully vaccinated foreign nationals. White House Coronavirus Response...
Virtual Right to Work Checks Extended
The UK Home Office has confirmed that temporary right to work checks have been extended to 5 April 2022. Current advice for employers carrying out right to work checks during coronavirus (COVID-19) adjusted measures The following temporary changes were made on 30...