GMS Flash Alert: Immigration

01/25/2024: United Kingdom – Immigration Health Surcharge Fees Increase from 6 February

01/19/2024: United States – “Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024”

01/18/2024: United States – February 2024 Visa Bulletin

01/18/2024: Indonesia – Enhancing Appeal of Golden Visa to Attract Expat Investors

01/12/2024: Chile – New National Immigration Policy

01/10/2024: Brazil – Postponement of Visa Requirements for Tourists from USA, Canada, Australia

01/05/2024: United States – Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers Expanded

01/03/2024: Malaysia – Updates on Entry Requirements

12/20/2023: European Union – Advocate General Opines on Posting of Third-Country Nationals

12/19/2023: People’s Republic of China – Expanded Visa Exemptions for Travellers from Certain Countries   

12/14/2023: United Kingdom – Restrictive Changes Announced to Reduce Net Migration

12/14/2023: United States – January 2024 Visa Bulletin  

12/13/2023: Ireland – Christmas Travel Initiative: Facilitating Travel over the Holidays

12/11/2023: Australia – Government Releases Migration Strategy with Eight Key Actions

12/07/2023: Brazil – Electronic Visas (e-Visas) for Tourists from USA, Canada, and Australia

11/21/2023: Ireland – Changes to Stamp 4 Immigration Permission Process

11/21/2023: Finland – Closure of Southeastern Border-Crossing Points

11/20/2023: European Union – Digital Visa Procedures Adopted

11/17/2023: Switzerland – Extension of Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Until March 2025

11/17/2023: United States – Federal Government Shutdown Temporarily Averted

11/16/2023: United States – December 2023 Visa Bulletin

11/14/2023: Nigeria – Increase in Visa-on-Arrival Fees

11/10/2023: Italy – Eased Conditions, Expanded Eligibility Under New EU Blue Card Rules

11/07/2023: Czech Republic – Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Through March 2025

11/07/2023: Australia – Expanding Employer-Sponsored Pathways to Permanent Residence

10/30/2023: United States – Changes Afoot for the H-1B Program

10/25/2023: Belgium – Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia: 2024 Minimum Salary Criteria

10/24/2023: Australia – Recent Immigration Updates 

10/23/2023: United States – Visa Waiver Program for Israeli Nationals Effective Immediately

10/20/2023: United States – Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Project Planned for Early 2024

10/18/2023: Finland & United Kingdom – Update: Companies with Employees in Israel

10/18/2023: European Union – Extending Temporary Protection to 2025 for War-Displaced Ukrainians

10/11/2023: Ireland – Christmas Travel Update  

10/10/2023: Sweden – Raising Income Requirement for Work-Permit Applications

10/09/2023: Vietnam – Modified Rules Facilitating Work Permits, Management of Foreign Labour

09/27/2023: United States – October 2023 Visa Bulletin

09/25/2023: Brazil – Immigration Rights for Community of Portuguese Language Countries’ Nationals

09/21/2023: KPMG International – KPMG Publishes Trends in Remote Working Report

09/20/2023: United Kingdom – Visa Fees to Increase from 4 October 2023

09/15/2023: Latvia – Lower PIT Rate for OECD Citizens Holding Latvian Digital Nomad Visa  

09/14/2023: United Kingdom – Tripling of Fines for Illegal Working and Renting Lodgings

09/13/2023: Czech Republic – EU Blue Card Directive Implemented in Czech Law

09/08/2023: Czech Republic – Small Steps Toward a Digital Nomad-Style Program

08/31/2023: Brazil – Visa Waivers Extended for U.S., Canada, and Australia

08/25/2023: Singapore – New COMPASS Framework Launch Draws Near

08/23/2023: Vietnam – Updates on Entry, Visa Rules

08/22/2023: Georgia – New Labour Migration Rules Enter into Force 1 September

08/18/2023: South Africa – Trusted Employer Scheme  Could Attract Much-Needed Talent

08/09/2023: Ireland – Changes to Naturalisation Rules

08/02/2023: United States – Second H-1B Lottery Conducted for FY2024

08/01/2023: Vietnam – Immigration Law Amendments to Facilitate Foreigners’ Travel to Vietnam

07/25/2023: United Kingdom – EU Settlement Scheme Updates

07/25/2023: United Kingdom – 17 July 2023 Statement of Changes Summary

07/21/2023: Malaysia – Update on Advertising Vacancies Requirement

07/18/2023: United Kingdom – Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge Fees to Increase

07/14/2023: United Kingdom – Electronic Travel Authorisation Update

06/30/2023: United States – Updates on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Four Countries

06/30/2023: Lithuania – Changes in National Visa Application Process

06/30/2023: United States – Issuing EADs Based on Compelling Circumstances

06/30/2023: United States – USCIS Expands Premium Processing for F, M, and J Applicants

06/29/2023: Australia – Update on Several Immigration Changes Taking Effect 1 July

06/27/2023: Malaysia – Xpats Gateway Update

06/21/2023: European Union - Council and Parliament Agree to Digitalise Visa Procedure

06/15/2023: Spain – New Rules for EU Blue Card

06/09/2023: United Kingdom – Youth Mobility Scheme Changes

06/09/2023: United Kingdom – Net Migration Hits Record Levels

06/08/2023: United States – New PERM Application Process Effective June 1  

06/08/2023: Canada – 13 Countries Added to Electronic Travel Authorization Program

05/25/2023: United Kingdom – Rises in Salary Thresholds for Sponsored Workers

05/25/2023: United Kingdom – Restrictions on Student Visas Announced

05/25/2023: United States – June 2023 Visa Bulletin

05/23/2023: Czech Republic – Prohibition of Entry for Russian, Belarussian Nationals Extended

05/23/2023: Sweden - New Work-Permit Application Process

05/18/2023: Czech Republic – Opening of Visa Centre at General Consulate in Dresden

05/17/2023: Singapore – Updates on COMPASS Framework and S Pass/Work Permit Medical Insurance

05/16/2023: South Africa – Document Requirements: Temporary Residence Visas, Permanent Residence Applications

05/16/2023: South Africa – Addressing Backlog of Waiver Applications and Temporary Residence Visas

05/15/2023: Malaysia – Extension of e-VISA Facility in Singapore

05/12/2023: Australia – Highlights of Federal Budget 2023-24

05/04/2023: Philippines – Full Implementation of the eTravel System

05/04/2023: United States – Lifting COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement on May 12

05/04/2023: Czech Republic – Secondary Migration and Some Relief for Temporary Protection Holders

05/02/2023: Sweden – New Rules for EU Blue Card  

05/01/2023: Australia – What Australia’s Migration Shake-up Means for Attracting Talent

04/14/2023: Ireland – Travel Instructions for Visa-Required Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection

04/13/2023: Italy – Entry Flows and New Rules for Working and Residing in Italy

04/07/2023: European Union – Digitalisation of Visa Procedures  

04/06/2023: Canada – Changes to Prohibition on Non-Canadians Purchasing Homes

04/05/2023: United States – Consular Fee Increase Effective May 30, 2023

03/30/2023: United States – FY 2024 H-1B Cap Lottery Developments; Petition Filing from April 1

03/30/2023: Singapore – New Education Verification Requirement for Employment Pass Applications/Renewals

03/27/2023: Australia – Government Announces Significant Reforms to Immigration Regime

03/23/2023: Chile – Longer Validity for Special Work Permits for Tourists

03/20/2023: People’s Republic of China - Resuming Entry Procedures, Visa Applications

03/16/2023: United States – COVID-19: Negative Test/Recovery Requirement Eliminated for China

03/14/2023: Croatia – Extension of Temporary Protection of Displaced Persons from Ukraine

03/07/2023: Switzerland – Relaxing Rules for Non-EU/EFTA Nationals in Skills Shortage Occupations

03/03/2023: Ireland – Extension of Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Nationals

03/01/2023: Malaysia – Improvements and Enhancements to Immigration Processes

03/01/2023: Finland – Changes to Aliens Act

02/22/2023: United States – March 2023 Visa Bulletin

02/17/2023: United States – USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation

02/16/2023: Bulgaria – Rules Amended Concerning Labour Mobility and Obtaining an EU Blue Card 

02/15/2023: Ireland – Closure of Immigrant Investor Programme

02/10/2023: Croatia – Now a Member of the Schengen Area

02/09/2023: Spain – Immigration Outlook 2023

02/01/2023: United States – FY 2024 H-1B Cap Lottery Registration Opens March 1

02/01/2023: People’s Republic of China – Immigration/Travel Reminders During New Year Holiday

01/31/2023: Germany – Overview of Important New Tax, Immigration, and Employment Law Rules

01/31/2023: Czech Republic – Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Extended on Registration

01/31/2023: United States – USCIS Settlement with Spouses of H-1B and L-1 Workers

01/30/2023: United States – Update on USCIS’ COVID-19 Flexibilities on RFEs, NOIDs, Others

01/24/2023: European Union – Delays for Automation of European Digitised Border-Crossing Systems

01/23/2023: Spain – Teleworking (Digital Nomad) Visa Makes Its Official Debut

01/20/2023: Hong Kong – Highlights of the Top Talent Pass Scheme

01/20/2023: Lithuania – Employment Regulation Relief for Foreign Nationals

01/19/2023: Thailand – COVID-19: Fully-Re-open Entry Policies for Travelers to Be Maintained

01/19/2023: Belgium – Increase in Administrative Fee Starting 1 January

01/17/2023: United States – USCIS Announces Next Phase of Premium Processing Expansions

01/17/2023: India – E-Visa Available for Nationals of U.K., Canada, and Others

01/13/2023: Ireland – Changes to Atypical Working Scheme

01/10/2023: Finland – Updates to Several Residence Permit Types

01/06/2023: United States – COVID-19: Negative Test Requirement for Travelers from China

12/23/2022: Canada – Prohibiting Non-Canadians from Purchasing Homes

12/23/2022: Canada – Global Talent Stream: Updated Occupations List

12/14/2022: Ireland – Initiative to Facilitate International Travel during Christmas Period

12/09/2022: Canada – Temporary Increase in Work Hours for International Students

12/02/2022: Switzerland – Services Mobility Agreement with U.K. Extended through 2025

11/30/2022: Czech Republic – Extension to March 2024 of Temporary Protections for Ukrainians  

11/21/2022: Vietnam – New Immigration Practices Affecting Foreign Labour in Vietnam

11/18/2022: United States – December 2022 Visa Bulletin

11/17/2022: Ireland – Re-Entry Visa Requirements Suspension for Minors under 16 Continues

11/15/2022: Canada – New National Occupation Classification System

11/04/2022: United States – ACICS-Accredited Institutions No Longer Recognized for U.S. Immigration

11/04/2022: Ireland – Revisions to Employment Permit System in New Bill

10/27/2022: Argentina – “Grandsons Law” Offers New Opportunities for Obtaining Spanish Citizenship

10/19/2022: Belgium – Flemish, Brussels, and Walloon Authorities Set New 2023 Minimum Salary Criteria

10/17/2022: United States – November 2022 Visa Bulletin

10/17/2022: Latvia – Digital Nomad Visa Introduced, Applications Being Accepted

10/13/2022: Taiwan – COVID-19: Latest Regulations Mean No Quarantine for Business Travelers

10/07/2022: Japan – Entry Restrictions Removed from 11 October

10/07/2022: Malaysia – New Category of Work Pass and ‘Digital Nomad’-Type Visa

10/05/2022: Hong Kong – COVID-19: Inbound Traveller Requirements Relaxed

10/04/2022: Finland – Changes for Tourist Visas from Russia; Issuance of Tourist Visas Stopped

10/03/2022: Canada – Presenting: Digital Nomad and Remote Work Visa Options Interactive Map

09/23/2022: Finland – Further Restrictions on Tourism from Russia to Finland Planned

09/16/2022: Brazil – COVID-19: Travel Restrictions Eased for All Travelers

09/15/2022: South Africa – Home Affairs Reverses Recently-Changed Position on Visa Adjudication

09/15/2022: United States – New Public Charge Rule

09/14/2022: United States – October 2022 Visa Bulletin and USCIS Declaration

09/13/2022: Singapore – New ONE Pass and Other Key Immigration Enhancements

09/07/2022: Japan - Entry Requirements Eased from 7 September

08/29/2022: Argentina – Government Updates Requirements for Entering Argentina

08/29/2022: Finland – Tourist Visas from Russia Limited, New Humanitarian Visa Proposed

08/29/2022: Czech Republic – Amendment to Lex Ukraine Tightens Temporary Protection Conditions

08/26/2022: People’s Republic of China - Recent Immigration Developments

08/25/2022: United States – FY 2023 H-1B Regular Cap and Master’s Cap Met

08/03/2022: Colombia – Digital Nomad Visa Introduced, Processing Time Increased

07/28/2022: United States – USCIS Extends COVID-19 Flexibility on RFEs, NOIDs, Others

07/28/2022: Romania – Release of “KPMG Guide to the Posting of Workers” (7th Edition)  

07/19/2022: United States – August 2022 Visa Bulletin

07/13/2022: Brazil – New Identity Card and Passport Models

07/13/2022: People’s Republic of China – COVID-19: Eased Travel Restrictions, Quarantine Requirements 

06/28/2022: Canada – Underused Housing Tax Obligations and Interplay with Provincial, Local Taxes

06/28/2022: Belgium – Mandatory Integration Programme for Brussels Region As of 1 June 2022

06/24/2022: Thailand – Long-Term Resident Visa for ’High-Potential’ Foreign Nationals

06/23/2022: People’s Republic of China – Cancellation of the Invitation Letter Requirement

06/22/2022: Ireland – Suspension of Re-Entry Visa Requirements for Minors under 16

06/21/2022: Finland – Changes for Residence Permits for Researchers and Students

06/17/2022: Canada – Suspension of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate & Randomized Testing 

06/17/2022: European Union – Update on COVID-19 Digital Certificate

06/17/2022: United States – July 2022 Visa Bulletin

06/16/2022: Finland – Introducing D Visa and Fast Track Processing for Specialists, Start-Up Entrepreneurs

06/15/2022: South Africa – Visa Process Centralised in Head Office

06/13/2022: United States – Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement Lifted for Entry by Air

06/09/2022: People’s Republic of China – COVID-19: Immigration Policy Updates

06/06/2022: Italy – COVID-19: Removal of Restrictions for Those Entering or Returning to Italy

05/25/2022: Ireland – COVID-19: No Further Extensions to Residence Permissions

05/23/2022: Chile – New Decree Provides Implementation Guidance on Immigration Reforms

05/20/2022: Taiwan – COVID-19: Shortened Quarantine Days for Business Travelers

05/18/2022: United States – June 2022 Visa Bulletin

05/12/2022: Argentina – Digital Nomad Visa Announced

05/05/2022: United States – Automatic Employment Authorization Extensions up to 540 Days

05/02/2022: Italy –Immigration Procedure for Digital Nomads Introduced

04/27/2022: United States – Uniting for Ukraine: New Program Welcomes Ukrainian Citizens

04/25/2022: United States – Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine, Sudan; Their Students Can Work

04/25/2022: Canada – New Immigration Measures to Address Labour Shortage

04/22/2022: Czech Republic – Measures for Ukrainian Refugees (Immigration, Education, Social Security)

04/20/2022: Chile – COVID-19: Entry Requirements Updated

04/19/2022: United States – May 2022 Visa Bulletin

04/13/2022: Argentina – COVID-19: Entry Requirements Updated

04/11/2022: Brazil – COVID-19: Travel Restrictions Eased  and Immigration Deadlines Extended

04/07/2022: Ghana – COVID-19: Easing of Travel and Other Restrictions

04/06/2022: Canada –Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map Introduced

04/01/2022: United States – USCIS to Expand Premium Processing Program in Phases

03/30/2022: Philippines – COVID-19: Updates to Entry Protocols and Travel Ban

03/29/2022: Taiwan – COVID-19: Easing Border Controls for Business Travelers

03/24/2022: France – Entry Measures and Temporary Protection for People Fleeing from Ukraine

03/22/2022: Canada – New Entry Measures for Ukrainians

03/21/2022: Vietnam – Immigration and Quarantine Policies Updated 15 March 2022

03/18/2022: Finland –Temporary Protection for People Fleeing from Ukraine

03/18/2022: Spain – Measures for Refugees from Ukraine

03/18/2022: United States – April 2022 Visa Bulletin

03/17/2022: Canada – Government to End Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Testing

03/16/2022: Poland – Legislation Just Approved Offers Relief/Integration Measures for Ukrainians

03/15/2022: Malaysia – COVID-19: Re-Opening Borders

03/15/2022: Singapore – Significant Changes for Work Pass Framework

03/11/2022: Romania – Measures Adopted to Ease Ukrainians’ Access to Labour Market

03/10/2022: United States – New U.S. Immigration Measures for Ukrainians Due to War

03/09/2022: European Union – Measures for Refugees from Ukraine; Steps by Spain

03/09/2022: Belgium – Entry and Stay Measures for Ukrainian Refugees

03/08/2022: Ireland - COVID-19: Lifting of Remaining Entry Requirements

03/08/2022: Lithuania – New Measures for Ukrainians Fleeing Conflict

03/07/2022: Brazil – New Visa for Ukrainian Nationals

03/04/2022: SPECIAL EDITION – Countries Move to Facilitate Migration from Ukraine Due to War

03/02/2022: Czech Republic – Entry and Stay Measures for Ukrainians

03/01/2022: Japan – COVID-19: Easing Border Controls, Travel Restrictions from 1 March

02/23/2022: Chile – Reform of Chile’s Immigration Laws

02/22/2022: United States – March 2022 Visa Bulletin

02/21/2022: Czech Republic – Relocating Foreign Workers Comes Under Stricter Rules and Scrutiny 

02/16/2022: Canada – Antigen Tests Accepted for Pre-Arrival Testing

02/15/2022: South Africa – New Critical Skills List Published

02/11/2022: Brazil – Global Entry Access for Brazilians to U.S.

02/10/2022: United States – Annotating Form I-94 for L-2, E Spouse Work Authorization Begins

02/08/2022: Thailand – “Test & Go” Scheme Resumed 1 February 2022

02/04/2022: Philippines – COVID-19: Changes to Entry Protocols and Travel Ban

02/02/2022: Canada – Measures Announced to Improve Client Experience, Modernize Immigration System

02/02/2022: Romania – Six-Month Digital Nomad Visa Introduced

02/02/2022: Vietnam – New Entry and Quarantine Rules in 2022

02/01/2022: United States – STEM-Based Non-Immigrant, Immigrant Visa Eligibility Expanded and Updated

02/01/2022: United States – FY 2023 H-1B Cap Lottery Registration Opens March 1

01/28/2022: Argentina - Requirements for Entering the Country Updated

01/28/2022: Malaysia – Simplifying Entry and Endorsement of Passes for Expatriates

01/27/2022: Brazil – Digital Nomad Temporary Visa / Residence Permit Implemented

01/24/2022: Brazil – COVID-19: Travel Restrictions for Southern African Nations Lifted

01/21/2022: Singapore – COVID-19: Mandatory Vaccination for Pass Holders, Permanent Residents

01/20/2022: Mexico - Visitor Visas to Be Required of Venezuelan Nationals from January 21

01/20/2022: Mexico - Visas Required for Brazilian Nationals Temporarily

01/19/2022: United States – February 2022 Visa Bulletin

01/05/2022: United States – Biden Administration Removes Travel Ban on Southern African Nations

01/05/2022: United States –Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waiver Expanded, Extended Through 2022