USCIS Proposes Wage-Based System for Annual H-1B Cap Selection
On Friday, January 8, 2021, the outgoing DHS published a Final Rule changing the structure of the annual H-1B lottery selection. This rule is set to take effect on March 9, 2021, but there are several ways it could be delayed or rescinded so as not to impact the...
Entry Permit Processing Resumes and COVID-19 Test Requirement Introduced
The authorities in the UAE have resumed the processing of new entry permit applications for most applicants currently residing outside the UAE. However, the processing of new entry permit applications are still suspended for citizens of the following countries:...
Fast Lane Arrangement to Facilitate Short-term Essential Business Travel between Singapore and China
Effective 8 June 2020, the Governments of Singapore and China have established a Fast Lane Arrangement to facilitate short-term essential business and official travel between Singapore and six Chinese Provinces & Municipalities (Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu,...
USCIS Application Service Centers Announce Reopening Schedule
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the reopening of its Application Service Centers (ASCs) across the United States. Under this schedule, some ASCs will reopen as early as 13 July 2020. The precise reopening date will vary among the...
Amendments to the Self-Isolation Requirement for Certain Arrivals
Starting 10 July 2020, travelers arriving at all ports of entry and staying in England and coming from a country on the travel corridors exemption list will be exempt from the self-isolation requirement, provided that they have not visited or stopped in a country that...
Partial Lifting of Entry Restrictions and Imposition of New Quarantine Requirement
The Swiss Federal Council is expected to follow the recommendations issued by the European Union (EU) Council on 30 June 2020 and will lift restrictions for non-essential travel to Switzerland by residents of Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New...
European Council Announces Guidelines for Lifting of Travel Restrictions into the EU
The European Council has adopted recommendations related to the lifting of the temporary restrictions of non-essential travel into the EU that were initially imposed in March. The Council’s recommendations represent guidelines to be implemented by the individual EU...
Russia Signs Bilateral Agreement with Belarus Regarding Mutual Recognition of Visas
The Governments of Russia and Belarus have signed a bilateral agreement on the mutual recognition of the visas issued by their respective immigration authorities. Under the agreement, foreign citizens can use any Belarussian visa to enter Russia (and vice versa) and...
Russia Lifts Restrictions on Entry of Highly Qualified Specialists
As of 25 June 2020, the Russian Government has amended its COVID-19 travel restrictions and will now allow holders of Highly Qualified Specialist (HQS) work visas to enter Russia. There are a several important caveats that HQS work visa holders need to observe. First,...
Guidelines Released for Travel of UAE Citizens, Residents and Tourists
The National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority (NCEMA) released guidelines governing the international travel for UAE citizens and residents as well as tourists coming to the UAE from overseas. Starting 23 June 2020, UAE citizens/residents, those with...