Employment
United States: H-1B Cap Is Close to Exhaustion
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has now received 64,200 filings against the fiscal 2010 H-1B cap. The agency is still accepting petitions for H-1B employment in the current fiscal year, but the cap could be reached imminently. »
United Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee Announces Tier 1 Recommendations
The United Kingdom’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended a number of changes to the country’s immigration programs for highly skilled foreign nationals under the Points Based System, including adjusting the points allocation for previous salary figures and lowering the minimum education requirement. The MAC’s recommendations will not take effect without further action by... »
Brazil: Travel Issues for Visa Nationals with Pending Renewal or Change of Status Applications; Strike at Government Offices Cause Processing Delays
To avoid problems on reentry, foreign nationals who travel outside Brazil during the pendency of a renewal or change of status application should ensure they are in possession of a valid visa prior to their return travel (unless visa-waived) and carry their Federal Police Protocol when traveling. In a separate development, government workers in... »
Ireland: New Program for Foreign Workers Who Have Lost Their Status
Ireland has created a new program for foreign nationals who were once lawfully present in Ireland pursuant to an employment permit but have since fallen out of lawful status through no fault of their own. Eligible applicants may apply for a four-month temporary residence permit to allow them time to become eligible and apply... »
United States: New Proposal Would Limit Nonimmigrant Hiring in the Event of Employer Mass Layoffs
Under a new proposed bill, employers that conduct mass layoffs would be restricted from sponsoring and employing foreign nationals in temporary visa categories. »