Immigration Insights

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

By: Áine Hartigan, Ireland Office Lead.  Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) is putting a temporary arrangement in place to facilitate those with expired Irish Residence Permit cards who wish to travel internationally during the Christmas period. The Minister for Justice has issued a Travel Confirmation Notice requesting carriers to allow individuals to travel on recently expired IRP cards […]

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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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CANADA – Changes to multi-entry visa issuance.

November 18, 2024

IRCC officers are empowered to use discretion in deciding whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa and in determining the validity period.

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PANAMA: Changes are introduced for non-visa waiver nationals

November 13, 2024

Non-visa wavier nationals seeking admission to Panama without a consular visa are now required to meet fewer requirements.

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Mastering the L-1 visa: How the L-1 Blanket streamlines workforce transfers.

November 13, 2024

Learn how the L-1 Visa and L-1 Blanket Petition simplify U.S. employee transfers for multinational companies, saving time and reducing costs while ensuring compliance.

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THAILAND – A new electronic travel authorization will be required for entry. 

October 31, 2024

An ETA, expected to take effect between December 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, will be mandatory for individuals entering Thailand.

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CANADA – A reduction in immigration numbers is targeted for 2025-2027 

October 29, 2024

Reductions in both permanent and temporary resident annual targets. The plan includes controlled targets for international students and foreign workers.

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SOUTH AFRICA: New points-based system for critical skills and general work visa applications is introduced.

October 28, 2024

Details of a new points-based system for the issuance of work visas have been outlined by the government of South Africa.

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UNITED STATES – New Temporary Protected Status designation for Lebanese nationals amid ongoing crisis.

October 21, 2024

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week new temporary immigration benefits to Lebanese nationals currently in the United States.

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EUROPEAN UNION – Reminder of Upcoming Entry-Exit System (EES)

October 21, 2024

Changes to travelling in Europe are due to take place in 2024 and 2025 with the introduction of the Entry-Exit System (EES)

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