United States: August 2024 Visa Bulletin Update – USCIS to Honor Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.