Global Mobility
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.... »
India: NASSCOM Obtains Additional Clarification on Foreign Worker Quota
The Indian government has issued further information and clarified its position on the foreign worker quota system that was imposed earlier this month. »
Worldwide: Holiday Season May Delay Work Permit, Visa Application Processing
Government offices generally are short-staffed or closed during the holiday season. Clients should plan ahead as processing delays are expected for visa and work permit applications during the months of December and January. »
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... »
United States: DOL Publishes Notice on New Prevailing Wage Process
The Department of Labor (DOL) is announcing today in the Federal Register that it is opening its National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC) in Washington, DC and will begin centralized processing of prevailing wage determinations on January 1, 2010. The processing of prevailing wage determinations for the permanent labor certification program and for... »