Global Mobility
Canada: Labor Market Opinion Exemption to End
Effective October 1, work permit applications for all foreign information technology (IT) workers will require a labor market opinion, whether filed with Citizenship and Immigration Canada or with the Canadian Border Services Agency at a port of entry. On September 30, Canada’s facilitated processing program, which exempts employers from the labor market opinion requirement... »
Thailand: Immigration and Consular Services Resume in Bangkok
The Bangkok offices of the Thailand Bureau of Immigration (the Bureau) and foreign diplomatic posts in Bangkok resumed full operations on Monday, May 24. These offices were closed all of last week after the Thai government announced a public holiday to facilitate efforts to resolve political demonstrations in the capital. Processing delays are still... »
United States: June Visa Bulletin
Priority date cut-offs for the third preference employment-based immigrant visa subcategory for professionals and skilled workers will advance by three weeks for India, and by two months for China and all other countries except Mexico, which is unavailable. The cut-off date for the second employment-based preference category will advance by two months for China.... »
United States: Travel Delays Due to the Icelandic Volcano Eruption
Foreign nationals who are unable to timely depart the United States due to the Icelandic volcano eruption should contact their designated immigration professional as soon as possible to discuss options for extending their period of authorized stay. »
United States USCIS Will Not Implement New Signature Policy Until After H-1B Filing Season Opens
In a meeting with immigration stakeholders held today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officials confirmed that a revised policy memorandum regulating the use of powers of attorney would not take effect without notice, and would not be implemented prior to the start of H-1B filing season on April 1, 2010. »
United States: March 2010 Visa Bulletin Reveals Minor Advancements
According to the latest Department of State Visa Bulletin, employment-based immigrant visa cut-off dates will move ahead by several weeks in the second preference category (EB-2) for China and just over one week for EB-2 India. The third preference (EB-3) professional and skilled worker subcategory will advance for all countries except Mexico. »
Sweden: New Work Permit Exemptions for Certain Short Stays
As of January 1, 2010, work permits will no longer be required for certain foreign nationals coming to Sweden for short stays (1) to participate in practical training, internal training, or other educational development activities at an affiliated entity in Sweden; or (2) to participate in educational programs, conduct tests, prepare or finish deliveries,... »
United States: Frequently Asked Questions: Form DS-160, the New Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
All U.S. consulates and embassies will soon require nonimmigrant visa applicants to use Form DS-160, the Department of State’s fully electronic nonimmigrant visa application, instead of Form DS-156, the paper-based application. Form DS-160 has been in use at selected U.S. diplomatic posts for some time, but the State Department announced late last year that... »
Russia: 2010 Quota-Exempt Occupations Announced
The Russian government has released the list of occupations that are exempt from work authorization quotas for 2010. After January 23, employers may apply for work authorization for foreign nationals in these occupations even if they did not submit an application for a 2010 quota allotment. »
India: Foreign Nationals Face New Procedures and Increased Waiting Times
Foreign nationals residing within the jurisdiction of the Foreigners’ Registration Office (FRO) in Bangalore now must follow new registration procedures due to the elevation of the FRO to the status of Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on January 11. As an FRRO, the office will provide an increased immigration enforcement presence in the city.... »