Important Updates
Important Updates
July 11, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesThe National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible
July 11, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Cap Introduced for Family Reunification Applications in Quebec
July 11, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New EU Blue Card Rules Adopted
July 11, 2025 | FinlandFinland: New Employment Commencement Notification Obligation for Employers
July 11, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 11, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesThe National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible
July 11, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Cap Introduced for Family Reunification Applications in Quebec
July 11, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New EU Blue Card Rules Adopted
July 11, 2025 | FinlandFinland: New Employment Commencement Notification Obligation for Employers
July 11, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 11, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesThe National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: August 14-20, 2020

August 20, 2020

insight-news-default

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

In immigration news this week:

  • Worldwide: Jurisdictions around the world continue to adapt their coronavirus-related travel restrictions and quarantine measures, and many have implemented extension policies and other concessions. Visit Fragomen’s coronavirus-related news page for the latest immigration updates.
  • United States: USCIS ran a second H-1B cap lottery after the FY2021 quota of 85,000 was not reached during the initial filing period. Employers whose H-1B registrations were selected in the second drawing will have from August 17 to November 16, 2020 to submit their petitions. Due to COVID-19-related delays in the production of employment authorization documents (EADs), USCIS announced that under certain conditions, employers may accept through December 1, 2020 an EAD approval notice as a List C document when establishing employment verification in the I-9 process. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is extending its remote I-9 document inspection policy through September 19 and its border restrictions permitting only essential travel across the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders through September 21.
  • Ireland: The government is automatically renewing all immigration permissions expiring between August 20 and September 20 for an additional month, and the Department of Justice Registration Offices will temporarily close again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

These items and other news from the Dominican Republic, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

 

Important Updates in Immigration This Week

United States, August 20, 2020
USCIS Issues Temporary I-9 Verification Accommodations Due to EAD Production Delays

  • Through December 1, 2020, employers may accept an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) approval notice as a List C document when establishing employment verification in the I-9 process.
  • Only approval notices issued on or after December 1, 2019 and through and including August 20, 2020 will qualify under this accommodation.
  • For employment authorization to continue after December 1, 2020, employers must reverify employees with new evidence of employment authorization. EAD approval notices will not be accepted after this date. 

 

To view entire article, click here.

 

Ireland, August 19, 2020
Extension of Immigration Permissions and Temporary Re-Closure of Registration Offices

  • Due to issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Justice announced that the Dublin Burgh Quay Registration Office and Registration Offices outside of Dublin will temporarily close again, effective immediately.
  • Additionally, the government is automatically renewing all immigration permissions (including Irish Residence Permit cards, passport stamps and previously extended permissions) due to expire between August 20 and September 20 for an additional month on the same basis as the existing permission.

 

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, August 19, 2020
U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico Land Border Restrictions Extended Through September 21

  • CBP border restrictions permitting only essential travel across the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders will be extended through September 21. The restrictions do not affect air travel.
  • Essential travel includes travel by U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and foreign nationals traveling to work in the United States, among others.  
  • Visa Waiver and other business travelers may face additional scrutiny at the border. 
  • “Non-essential travel” at land borders is not permitted, which includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature.


To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, August 19, 2020
September 2020 Visa Bulletin: No Movement in Most Employment-Based Categories, Slight EB-1 and EB-5 Advancement

  • EB-1 China and EB-1 India will advance by almost three weeks to March 1, 2018. 
  • EB-2 China will remain at January 15, 2016, and EB-2 India will remain at July 8, 2009.
  • EB-3 Worldwide will remain at April 1, 2019, EB-3 China will remain at February 15, 2017, and EB-3 India will retain its October 1, 2009 cutoff date.
  • EB-5 China will advance by one week to August 15, 2015 and EB-5 Vietnam will advance by more than one week to August 1, 2017.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, August 18, 2020
ICE Further Extends Interim COVID-19 Protections for Form I-9 Compliance Through September 19

  • Due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is extending its remote I-9 document inspection policy for an additional 30 days, through September 19, 2020.
  • Eligible employers will not be required to review I-9 identity and employment authorization documents in the employee’s physical presence until the interim policy expires or until 3 days after the COVID-19 emergency is over, whichever comes first.
  • The relaxed policy only applies where company employees are working remotely due to the COVID-19 emergency.


To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, August 14, 2020
USCIS Runs Second Lottery to Select More FY 2021 H-1B Cap Cases

  • Earlier today, employers began receiving USCIS notifications that additional H-1B cap registrations were selected in a second FY 2021 lottery.
  • The additional selection is taking place because USCIS did not receive enough H-1B cap petitions during the initial 90-day filing period to meet the 85,000 quota for FY 2021.
  • Employers whose cases are selected in the second drawing have until November 16, 2020 to file petitions for their newly-selected registrations.

 

To view entire article, click here.

 

Other Weekly News Briefs

Dominican Republic: Government Transition to Cause Processing Delays – Immigration application processing is expected to be delayed for the next several weeks due to the transition to a new government. During the transition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Immigration Directorate will continue to accept and process applications for visas, residence permits, changes of status, employment contract registrations and requests for document apostille and legalization, among others. Fragomen will monitor the situation and report on relevant changes as they occur.

Israel/United Arab Emirates: Agreement Reached to Normalize Relations – The governments of Israel and the United Arab Emirates reached an agreement to normalize relations between the two countries. As a result of the accord, bilateral treaties are expected to be forthcoming which would allow tourism, investment, and direct passenger flights between the two countries, as well as the opening of embassies and trading of ambassadors for the first time.

United Arab Emirates: Return Permit Requirement Eliminated for Residence Permit Holders – The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) announced the elimination of the return permit requirement for UAE residence permit holders seeking to return to the United Arab Emirates. Instead, these foreign nationals are advised to register their personal details through the FAIC’s electronic portal. Although this change was announced by the federal government, the elimination of the return permit requirement does not currently apply to foreign nationals with a residence permit for Dubai who must obtain a Return Permit approval prior to traveling to the UAE via Dubai. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: What the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration White Paper Mean for the UK Games Industry

Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.

Learn more

Video

Grace Period for Submission of Documents for Temporary Residence Permits Eliminated in Portugal | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Named to Citywealth Leaders List 2025

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: AI Technologies Being Used in Effort to Reduce Risk of Fraud in Immigration Process

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Trump's Immigration Crackdown is Reshaping Financial Industry Hiring, Travel, and Dealmaking

Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Charting a Course: Securing Space-Sector Talent Amid UK Immigration Reforms

Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools

This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Learn more

Video

Canada Express Entry Explained: Who’s Eligible and How to Apply

In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy

Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: What the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Immigration White Paper Mean for the UK Games Industry

Director Laurence Keir-Thomas outlines how recent changes to UK immigration and industrial policy may affect talent planning and hiring across the games sector.

Learn more

Video

Grace Period for Submission of Documents for Temporary Residence Permits Eliminated in Portugal | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Senior Consultant Ada Plant discusses how Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) no longer accepts incomplete temporary residence applications.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Named to Citywealth Leaders List 2025

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is named to the prestigious Citywealth Leaders List 2025, which recognises leading professionals in wealth management and private client services.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: AI Technologies Being Used in Effort to Reduce Risk of Fraud in Immigration Process

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés discusses how Ireland’s Department of Justice is rolling out AI tools to reduce fraud risks in the immigration process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Trump's Immigration Crackdown is Reshaping Financial Industry Hiring, Travel, and Dealmaking

Partner Isha Atassi discusses the impact of immigration policy changes on financial firms’ global mobility and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Charting a Course: Securing Space-Sector Talent Amid UK Immigration Reforms

Director Laxmi Limbani discusses strategies for securing talent in the UK space sector amid recent immigration reforms.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools

This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Learn more

Video

Canada Express Entry Explained: Who’s Eligible and How to Apply

In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy

Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.