Immigration Insights

UNITED STATES – It’s H-1B lottery time!

January 13, 2025

H-1B pre-registration begins in early March 2025. Information about your company and employees should be submitted by the end of January.

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CANADA – Flagpoling is targeted under changes to work and study permits.

January 6, 2025

Canada's recent immigration policy updates bring significant changes to work and study permits, effective December 23, 2024.

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CANADA – Express Entry system revamp: What employers need to know.

January 6, 2025

Canada has announced changes to its Express Entry system to tackle fraud and ensure a fairer immigration process.

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SOUTH AFRICA – Further extension of the temporary concession for visa, waiver, and appeal applicants.

December 30, 2024

South Africa has further extended temporary concessions for foreign nationals awaiting the outcome of visa, waiver, and appeal applications.

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UNITED KINGDOM – Update on the transition to eVisas for biometric residence permit and biometric residence card holders.

December 23, 2024

The UK will replace physical BRPs and BRCs with eVisas by the end of 2024. Discover key deadlines, benefits, and how to manage travel.

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PHILIPPINES – ACR-I annual reporting reminder.

December 19, 2024

Foreign nationals holding an ACR-I card must complete mandatory annual reporting between January 1, 2025 and March 1, 2025.

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UNITED STATES – What’s next? How the corporate immigration landscape could look under the second Trump Administration.

December 18, 2024

Corporations can expect significant changes to the immigration system, particularly in employment, foreign labor, and business operations.

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CHINA – Major changes to transit visa-free policies.

December 18, 2024

China’s transit visa-free policy now allows 10-day stays, more entry ports, and cross-regional travel. Learn about these important updates.

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UNITED STATES – Many J-1 visa holders are no longer subject to the two-year foreign residency rule.

December 11, 2024

The list of nationalities and skills subject to the INA 212(e) two-year foreign residency rule has been updated.

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AUSTRALIA – New Skills in Demand visa program is a game-changer.

December 9, 2024

Australia's new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa replaces the TSS visa, and features updated occupation lists, reduced work experience requirements, and streamlined pathways to permanent residency.

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SWITZERLAND – Federal Council lifts quotas for Croatian nationals in 2025.

December 6, 2024

From 1st January 2025, Croatian nationals coming to work in Switzerland will benefit from full freedom of movement.  

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SWITZERLAND – 2025 quotas for new work permit applications are announced.

December 6, 2024

The Federal Council of Switzerland announced quotas for new work permit applications submitted during the 2025 calendar year.

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IRELAND – Immigration Service Delivery announces plans to facilitate customers travelling at Christmas. 

December 4, 2024

Temporary arrangement to facilitate those with expired Irish Residence Permit cards who wish to travel internationally during Christmas.

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UNITED STATES – Navigating PERM audits: A comprehensive guide.

December 3, 2024

This guide covers the PERM process, audit triggers, response strategies, and best practices to ensure compliance and minimize delays when selected for a PERM audit.

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MALAYSIA – 2025 quota projections for ESD-registered companies.

December 2, 2024

Quota submissions for Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass applications for 2025 opened on December 1, 2024.

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CHINA – Work Permit and Social Security cards will be integrated for foreign workers from December 1, 2024.

November 26, 2024

A new regulation will integrate the Foreigner’s Work Permit Card with the Social Security Card to create a unified system.

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UAE – Stricter visa guidelines take effect.

November 26, 2024

The UAE's updated visit visa requirements include financial proof, accommodation details, and return ticket policies.

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EUROPEAN UNION – Proposed digital portal will streamline Posted Worker compliance.

November 25, 2024

Proposal for a single digital portal to simplify Posted Worker notifications, reduce cost and administration, and enhance compliance.

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INDONESIA – Annual manpower reporting and key immigration changes.

November 21, 2024

An important reporting period and key immigration regulation changes have been announced by authorities in Indonesia.

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VIETNAM – Foreign utilization mandatory reporting.

November 20, 2024

Employers in Vietnam who have foreign employees holding valid or current work permits are required to complete a bi-annual report regarding the utilization of foreign manpower.

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