Weekly Immigration Update: April 28, 2023- May 4, 2023

Peru, May 2, 2023 
New Visa for Andean Nationals; Expanded Mercosur Visa Application Options, and Other Benefits Forthcoming 

• A change in regulations will, once it is effective, create the following streamlined processes: 
  
  • A new residence and work visa for Bolivian, Colombian and Ecuadorian nationals under the Andean Immigration Statute; 
  • The ability for Mercosur visa applicants to obtain their visa at a Peruvian consulate in their country of residence (whereas currently, they can only apply in Peru); and 
  • The ability for Bolivian, Colombian and Ecuadorian tourists to apply for an extension of their status up to 90 additional calendar days (whereas currently, the stay limit is 90 days). 
    

To view the entire article, click here. 

 

Serbia, May 4, 2023 
Proposed Law to Create Single Permit, Other Immigration Improvements  

• A proposed law would, among other changes: 
  
  • Implement a Single Permit; 
  • Create a longer validity period for Temporary Residence Permits; 
  • Create a faster path to permanent residence; and 
  • Create a biometric permit. 
  • The proposed law will likely come into effect in the first quarter of 2024. 

To view the entire article, click here. 

 
United States, April 28, 2023 
USCIS Received Record Number of Eligible Registrations for the FY 2024 H-1B Cap, Including Surge in Multiple Registrations Per Individual 

• USCIS received a record 758,994 eligible registrations for the FY 2024 H-1B cap season – a 60% increase over last year’s eligible registration pool. 
• The agency selected 110,791 beneficiaries to reach the H-1B quota of 85,000, for an overall selection rate of 14.6%. During the FY 2023 cap season, the overall selection rate was 26.9%. 
• USCIS reports that 408,891 registrations were submitted on behalf of individuals who were the beneficiaries of multiple registrations, raising concerns about potential misuse of the H-1B cap registration system. This has prompted USCIS to begin investigations and to prepare referrals to law enforcement in cases of suspected fraud. 

To view the entire article, click here.  

 
United States, May 2, 2023 
COVID Vaccination Requirement for International Air Travel Ends May 11; End to Border Travel Vaccine Requirement Forthcoming  

• After May 11, 2023, nonimmigrants traveling by air to the United States will no longer be required to show proof of Covid vaccination, according to a White House statement. 
• The announcement does not impact land border travel, but confirms that in the coming days, DHS will announce an end to the Covid vaccination requirement for nonimmigrants crossing land borders from Mexico and Canada.  

To view the entire article, click here. 

 
United States, May 2, 2023 
COVID Vaccination Requirement for Land Border Travel Ends May 11  

• After May 11, 2023, nonimmigrants crossing land borders from Mexico and Canada will no longer be required to show proof of Covid vaccination, according to the Department of Homeland Security.  

To view the entire article, click here.