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Articles by John Corgan
From Waiver to Waitlist: Fewer Travelers Can Skip the US Visa Interview | JD Supra
On February 18, 2025, the US Department of State announced a new policy requiring more foreign nationals to attend in-person interviews to apply for nonimmigrant visas.
From Waiver To Waitlist: Fewer Travelers Can Skip The US Visa Interview
On February 18, 2025, the US Department of State announced a new policy requiring more foreign nationals to attend in-person interviews to apply for nonimmigrant visas.
From Waiver to Waitlist: Fewer Travelers Can Skip the US Visa Interview
On February 18, 2025, the US Department of State announced a new policy requiring more foreign nationals to attend in-person interviews to apply for nonimmigrant visas.
How Employers Can Navigate the Legal Ramifications of the DOJ’s New Directives for Immigration Enforcement | JD Supra
AT A GLANCE On February 5, 2025, Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a series of internal memoranda directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement policy priorities of the Trump Administration. Several of these directives touched on immigration enforcement, including restrictions on DOJ funding for states or cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities.
How Employers Can Navigate The Legal Ramifications Of The DOJ's New Directives For Immigration Enforcement
MB Mayer Brown More Mayer Brown is a distinctively global law firm, uniquely positioned to advise the world’s leading companies and financial institutions on their most complex deals and disputes. We have deep experience in high-stakes litigation and complex transactions across industry sectors, including our signature strength, the global financial services industry.
How Employers Can Navigate the Legal Ramifications of the DOJ’s New Directives for Immigration Enforcement
On February 5, 2025, Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a series of internal memoranda directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement policy priorities of the Trump Administration. The memos set immigration enforcement as a departmental priority, creating a high enforcement environment that impacts all employers. In this Legal Update, we examine these directives and affirmative steps employers can take to ensure preparedness.
How Employers Can Navigate the Legal Ramifications of the DOJ’s New Directives for Immigration Enforcement
At a Glance On February 5, 2025, Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a series of internal memoranda directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement policy priorities of the Trump Administration. Several of these directives touched on immigration enforcement, including restrictions on DOJ funding for states or cities that do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement activities.
National Emergency At Southern Border Declared By President Trump
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump invoked the National Emergencies Act (NEA), citing a national crisis at the southern US border.
On January 10, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of Romania to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Under the Visa Waiver Program, qualifying foreign nationals may travel to the United States as tourists and business visitors for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visitor visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate. Travelers are still required to apply for and receive advance permission for travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Qatar Added to U.S. Visa Waiver Program
The Department of State (DOS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Qatari citizens and nationals will be able to apply for travel to the United States as temporary visitors under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Effective December 1, 2024, Qataris can travel to the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Instead, they will only need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online.
August 2024 U.S. Immigration Updates For Employers
As the federal fiscal year draws to a close on September 30, 2024, there are several notable updates from U.S. courts and federal agencies affecting the employment-based immigration system. H-4 Employment Authorization Continues The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued a decision on August 2, upholding the regulation that authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to extend employment authorization to the spouses of certain specialty occupation workers.
More Time on the Clock: DHS Extends Work Authorization Amid Processing Delays
In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking steps to prevent certain applicants from experiencing a lapse in employment authorization while their renewal requests remain pending.
Canada Updates Entry Requirements for Mexican Nationals
Effective February 29, 2024, the Canadian government has reimposed visa requirements on certain Mexican nationals. Under the new rule, Mexican nationals traveling by air who hold a U.S. nonimmigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa within the past ten years will be eligible to apply for electronic travel authorization (eTA) to visit Canada. Mexican nationals who do not meet those requirements will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
Canada Updates Entry Requirements for Mexican Nationals
Effective February 29, 2024, the Canadian government has reimposed visa requirements on certain Mexican nationals. Under the new rule, Mexican nationals traveling by air who hold a U.S. nonimmigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa within the past ten years will be eligible to apply for electronic travel authorization (eTA) to visit Canada. Mexican nationals who do not meet those requirements will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
South Korea Opens Pilot Program for Digital Nomad Visa
On January 1, 2024, the South Korean government launched a pilot program for digital nomad (or “workation”) visas. The pilot program will allow foreign nationals who work remotely for overseas corporations to live and work in South Korea for up to two years.
EU and Kosovo Launch Mutual Visa-Free Travel Program
Effective January 1, 2024, Kosovo passport holders may to European Union member states in the Schengen Area without a passport, and may remain in Schengen territory for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. EU passport holders are likewise now eligible to travel visa-free to Kosovo. The visa-free program includes travel to all EU member states that are part of the Schengen Area, as well as Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, plus non-EU members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Türkiye Enables Visa-Free Travel for USA, Canada, and Other Nationals
Effective December 23, 2023, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has lifted Türkiye’s visa requirement for six countries: United States, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Tourists from these countries are now permitted to spend 90 days out of a 180-day period in Türkiye without a visa. Previously, foreign nationals from these countries were required to obtain an e-visa for trade and tourism which could cost up to $78.50 depending on their nationality.
Australia Implements Changes To Permanent Residency Program
As of November 25, 2023, Australia's Department of Home Affairs is moving forward with key updates to the country's permanent residency pathway for temporary skilled workers. Under the changes, announced earlier this year, all subclass 482 visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Previously, subclass 482 visa holders in short-term occupations were unable to seek permanent residency.
Australia Implements Changes to Permanent Residency Program
As of November 25, 2023, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is moving forward with key updates to the country’s permanent residency pathway for temporary skilled workers. Under the changes, announced earlier this year, all subclass 482 visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Previously, subclass 482 visa holders in short-term occupations were unable to seek permanent residency.
Australia Implements Changes to Permanent Residency Program
As of November 25, 2023, Australia’s Department of Home Affairs is moving forward with key updates to the country’s permanent residency pathway for temporary skilled workers. Under the changes, announced earlier this year, all subclass 482 visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Previously, subclass 482 visa holders in short-term occupations were unable to seek permanent residency.
Mobility Resources For Employers & Employees
In this blog post, we provide responses to frequently asked questions about travel and mobility resources for foreign nationals in Israel, including US citizens. Considerations for Foreign Nationals Departing Israel Are flights leaving or arriving in Israel? Ben Gurion International Airport remains open with commercial flights available. Travelers should closely monitor the status of their flights and check the airport's operating status before traveling. Private charter flights may be available.
Israel: Mobility Resources for Employers & Employees
In this blog post, we provide responses to frequently asked questions about travel and mobility resources for foreign nationals in Israel, including US citizens. Considerations for Foreign Nationals Departing Israel Are flights leaving or arriving in Israel? Ben Gurion International Airport remains open with commercial flights available. Travelers should closely monitor the status of their flights and check the airport’s operating status before traveling. Private charter flights may be available.
India Suspends Visa Services In Canada
On September 21, 2023, the Indian government suspended the processing of visa applications in Canada. The Indian embassy in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver outsource visa operations to BLS International, a third-party provider of consular support services for diplomatic missions around the globe. According to a message posted on the BLS website, the suspension of Indian visa operations in Canada is "[d]ue to operational reasons" and is effective until further notice.
India Suspends Visa Services in Canada
On September 21, 2023, the Indian government suspended the processing of visa applications in Canada. The Indian embassy in Ottawa and consulates in Toronto and Vancouver outsource visa operations to BLS International, a third-party provider of consular support services for diplomatic missions around the globe. According to a message posted on the BLS website, the suspension of Indian visa operations in Canada is “[d]ue to operational reasons” and is effective until further notice.
Canada’s Work Permit Program for U.S. H-1B Visa Holders Maxes Out in 48 Hours, as U.S. Conducts Second H-1B Lottery
On July 18, 2023, Canada’s newly announced program offering open work permits to holders of U.S. H-1B visas closed after it reached the maximum number of applicants – less than two days after its launch. Under the Canadian government’s “Tech Talent Strategy,” ten thousand open work permits have been made available to foreign nationals who hold H-1B specialty occupation visas from the United States.
Italy Loosens Post-Arrival Requirements For Foreign Workers - Work Visas - Italy
On June 23, 2023, the Italian government announced that foreign workers would be permitted to begin working in Italy while they wait to sign a contratto di soggiorno (contract of stay) at the immigration office. The change is part of a package of reforms intended to enable qualified foreign workers to begin employment in Italy in a more rapid fashion.
Italy Loosens Post-Arrival Requirements for Foreign Workers
On June 23, 2023, the Italian government announced that foreign workers would be permitted to begin working in Italy while they wait to sign a contratto di soggiorno (contract of stay) at the immigration office. The change is part of a package of reforms intended to enable qualified foreign workers to begin employment in Italy in a more rapid fashion.
Canada Offers Open Work Permits to US H-1B Visa Holders as Part of “Tech Talent Strategy”
On June 27, 2023, the Canadian government announced a new “Tech Talent Strategy” aimed at increasing the country’s attractiveness to global talent. Central to the government’s strategy is a program that offers three-year open work permits to foreign nationals who hold H-1B specialty occupation visas in the United States. Spouses of US H-1B visa holders would also be eligible for work authorization in Canada, and children would be eligible for study permits.
Poland Relaxes Work Authorization Rules For Remote Workers
The Polish government has reportedly begun relaxing work permit requirements for certain individuals working remotely in the country for foreign employers. The policy change has been announced in agency guidance issued by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, which exercises responsibility over the Polish labor market.
Poland Relaxes Work Authorization Rules for Remote Workers
The Polish government has reportedly begun relaxing work permit requirements for certain individuals working remotely in the country for foreign employers. The policy change has been announced in agency guidance issued by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy, which exercises responsibility over the Polish labor market.
Australia Expands Eligibility for Permanent Residency Original
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has announced that all subclass 482 visa holders will be eligible to apply for permanent residency by the end of 2023. Currently, subclass 482 visa holders in short-term occupations are unable to seek permanent residency. The government will also allow short-term subclass 482 visa holders to renew their visas indefinitely, and will reduce the required employment period before seeking permanent residency from three years to two.
Australia Raises Income Threshold for Skilled Migrant Visas
Effective July 1, 2023, the Australian government will raise the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from AUD $53,900 to AUD $70,000. The move is a response to the government’s independent “Review of the Migration System,” which recently recommended actions for updating Australia’s immigration system.
Australia Raises Income Threshold for Skilled Migrant Visas
Effective July 1, 2023, the Australian government will raise the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from AUD $53,900 to AUD $70,000. The move is a response to the government’s independent “Review of the Migration System,” which recently recommended actions for updating Australia’s immigration system.
European Parliament Approves Visa-Free Travel for Kosovo
On April 18, 2023, the European Parliament approved a visa liberalization regime for Kosovar nationals that enables visa-free travel to the Schengen Area. Under the plan, citizens of Kosovo will be allowed to travel to the Schengen Area without requesting a visa, for periods of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. EU citizens will likewise be allowed to travel to Kosovo without a visa.
South Korea Announces Travel Authorization Exemptions
Effective April 1, 2023, South Korea has temporarily exempted travelers from twenty-two countries and regions from the requirement to obtain a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before entry. The exemption will be in place through at least December 31, 2024. Among the locations covered by the exemptions are the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.
South Korea Announces Travel Authorization Exemptions
Effective April 1, 2023, South Korea has temporarily exempted travelers from twenty-two countries and regions from the requirement to obtain a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before entry. The exemption will be in place through at least December 31, 2024. Among the locations covered by the exemptions are the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.
USCIS Completes Initial H-1B Registration Selection Process for FY 2024
On Monday, March 27, 2023, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it had received a sufficient number of H-1B registrations through its electronic registration system to reach the annual cap for FY 2024. The announcement includes registrations for both the 65,000 regular cap as well as the 20,000 slots allotted for the U.S. advanced degree exemption (or “master’s cap”).
USCIS Completes Initial H-1B Registration Selection Process for FY 2024
On Monday, March 27, 2023, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it had received a sufficient number of H-1B registrations through its electronic registration system to reach the annual cap for FY 2024. The announcement includes registrations for both the 65,000 regular cap as well as the 20,000 slots allotted for the U.S. advanced degree exemption (or “master’s cap”).
Brazil to Reinstitute Visa Requirement for U.S., Canada, Japan, & Australia
Effective October 1, 2023, Brazil will require nationals of the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia to obtain a visa prior to entering the country for tourism, business, and other purposes. The announcement reverses a visa waiver policy that had been in place since 2019 with the goal of promoting tourism.
UK and India Announce Reciprocal Visa Program for Young Professionals
The United Kingdom and India have announced a reciprocal Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) that will allow select nationals of each country to live, work, study, and travel in the other for up to twenty-four months. The visa program is open to Indian nationals between 18 and 30 years of age who hold at least a bachelor’s degree, have at least £2,530 in savings, and do not have any children. UK nationals seeking to travel to India are subject to similar requirements.
Singapore Adopts Education Verification Requirement
Effective September 1, 2023, the government of Singapore will require companies sponsoring foreign nationals for new Employment Passes (EPs) to verify the individual’s academic credentials. This policy will also apply to renewal applications as of September 1, 2024. Previously, verification of academic credentials was only required at government request and for select countries and institutions.
Singapore Adopts Education Verification Requirement
Effective September 1, 2023, the government of Singapore will require companies sponsoring foreign nationals for new Employment Passes (EPs) to verify the individual’s academic credentials. This policy will also apply to renewal applications as of September 1, 2024. Previously, verification of academic credentials was only required at government request and for select countries and institutions.
EU Delays Launch of Electronic Visa Waiver Program
The European Commission has delayed the implementation of the European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS is an automated electronic visa waiver program intended to facilitate travel across borders in Europe while better identifying security risks for the Schengen bloc. ETIAS was previously set to be launched in May 2023 but delayed until November 2023. With this new announcement, the launch of ETIAS is likely delayed until 2024.
Japan Eases COVID Requirements for Travelers from China
Effective March 1, 2023, the Japanese government has lifted some COVID-related travel restrictions for passengers arriving from mainland China. Previously, all passengers traveling from mainland China were subject to on-arrival COVID testing. Under the new regulations, only around 20% of passengers arriving on direct flights from mainland China will be subject to on-arrival testing, with the goal of collecting samples for genome sequencing.
Ireland Extends Temporary Protections for Ukrainian Nationals
On February 16, 2023, the Irish government the extension of a Temporary Protection program for individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine. As the initial Temporary Protection program was valid for only twelve months, the first set of permissions was set to expire on March 9, 2023. Under the terms of the announcement, the Temporary Protection program will be extended for an additional twelve months, to March 2024.
Ireland Extends Temporary Protections for Ukrainian Nationals
On February 16, 2023, the Irish government the extension of a Temporary Protection program for individuals fleeing the war in Ukraine. As the initial Temporary Protection program was valid for only twelve months, the first set of permissions was set to expire on March 9, 2023. Under the terms of the announcement, the Temporary Protection program will be extended for an additional twelve months, to March 2024.
Israel Begins Issuing B-1 Work Visas Electronically
According to new regulations issued by the Israeli government, foreign nationals seeking to work in Israel may now receive a B-1 work visa in an electronic format. Rather than issue a physical visa sticker, the Israeli government will email a digital B-1 visa sticker to the foreign national’s employer at an email address specified during the application process.
Spain Launches Digital Nomad Visa
Effective December 23, 2022, the Spanish government has introduced a to allow so-called “digital nomads” to work in Spain for companies located abroad. Part of a larger “Startups Law” aimed at encouraging an entrepreneurial business environment, the new visa category will enable foreign nationals to live and work in the country without obtaining sponsorship from a Spanish employer.
More Countries Institute COVID Requirements for Travelers from China
Following the end of the “Zero COVID” policy and a wave of new infections in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), several countries have implemented new COVID-related restrictions on travelers from the PRC mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau. Thus far, these restrictions mainly consist of pre-departure testing requirements, but they represent a departure from the previous global trend, which saw most countries relax or eliminate all COVID-related entry requirements.
New Zealand Implements Notable Immigration Updates
As 2022 draws to a close, the New Zealand government has announced a variety of immigration updates that affect foreign nationals’ work authorization and employers’ accreditation status.
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