Important Updates
Important Updates
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
September 9, 2025 | GabonGabon: New Foreign National Quota Introduced
September 9, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaGulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC
September 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: EB-3 Immigrant Visa Category Unavailable Through September 30 After Reaching Annual Limit for FY 2025
September 8, 2025 | Poland Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
September 9, 2025 | GabonGabon: New Foreign National Quota Introduced
September 9, 2025 | United Arab Emirates, Saudi ArabiaGulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC
September 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: EB-3 Immigrant Visa Category Unavailable Through September 30 After Reaching Annual Limit for FY 2025
September 8, 2025 | Poland Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk
September 8, 2025 | EcuadorEcuador: Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement Update
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
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 ImmigrationView More
  • 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
  • View More

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
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: August 4–10, 2023

August 10, 2023

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:

  • United States: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is soliciting public comments on a proposed pilot program that will allow certain employers not enrolled in E-Verify to use remote I-9 document inspection procedures similar to those recently authorized for qualifying E-Verify employers. In September, the EB-2 worldwide and EB-3 China Professional/Skilled Worker Final Action Dates will advance, while other employment-based categories will hold steady. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications from foreign nationals with a priority date that is earlier than the Final Action Dates listed in the State Department’s September Visa Bulletin.
  • Canada: A new three-year Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) will be available for certain eligible employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The REP will open in September 2023 for employers in the Primary Agriculture stream and in January 2024 for employers in all other industry sectors.
  • Slovenia: A new law has eased certain immigration rules to attract non-EU nationals to the workforce, while forthcoming stricter language requirements will apply starting November 1, 2024.
  • United Kingdom: Fines are set to triple in early 2024 for employers hiring and landlords hosting migrants without the required work permission.
  • Worldwide/Russia: Information regarding the disruptions and/or closures of Finnish consular posts in Russia has been clarified. See the Finland section of our consolidated alert for details.

These items and other news from Canada, Iceland, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

Canada, August 8, 2023
New Recognized Employer Pilot Introduced

  • Employment and Social Development Canada has announced a new three-year Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program aimed at reducing administrative hurdles for eligible employers and addressing labor shortages in Canada.
  • The REP will open in September 2023 for employers in the Primary Agriculture stream and in January 2024 for employers in all other industry sectors. Applications will be accepted until September 2024.
  • To participate in the REP, employers must have a minimum of three positive Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) for the same occupation over the past five years from a list of occupations designated as in-shortage under the Canadian Occupational Projection System.
  • Under the pilot program, recognized employers will benefit from a longer validity and simplified process for LMIAs and a recognized status designation on Canada’s Job Bank.

To view the entire article, click here.

 

United States, August 8, 2023
September Visa Bulletin: EB-2 Worldwide and EB-3 China Professional/Skilled Workers Advance, Other Employment-Based Categories Hold Steady; USCIS to Honor Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories

  • In September, the EB-2 Final Action Date for all countries except India and China will advance by three months, to July 1, 2022.
  • The EB-3 China Professional/Skilled Worker Final Action Date will also advance by three months, to September 1, 2019.
  • All other employment-based Final Action Dates remain unchanged from last month.
  • In September, USCIS will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications from foreign nationals with a priority date that is earlier than the Final Action Dates listed in the State Department’s September 2023 Visa Bulletin.
  • The State Department confirms that the FY 2023 limit for employment-based immigrant visas is 197,091.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United Kingdom, August 8, 2023
Illegal Worker Fines to Triple in Early 2024

  • According to an August 2023 government statement, starting early 2024 (no exact date was provided), businesses convicted of hiring migrants without the required work permission will be fined up to GBP 45,000 per illegal worker, up from the current maximum of GBP 15,000; and repeat offending businesses will be fined up to GBP 60,000 per worker, up from the current maximum of GBP 20,000.
  • This policy change comes amid broader efforts by the UK government to deter irregular migration, and includes increased fines for landlords who host migrants without the required work permission.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Slovenia, August 7, 2023
Relaxed Immigration Rules Implemented, but Stricter Language Requirements Forthcoming

  • A new law eases certain immigration rules in Slovenia to attract non-EU nationals to the workforce.
  • Key changes (among others) include the ability of residence permit renewal applicants to receive their permit by mail; and a new practice for fingerprints to be kept on a digital government system for a longer period of time, easing the application process for residence permit renewal applicants.
  • Notably, however, stricter language requirements will apply starting November 1, 2024.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, August 4, 2023
DHS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Pilot Program to Allow Remote I-9 Document Examination by Certain Non-E-Verify Employers

  • DHS is soliciting comments from the public on a proposed pilot program that will allow certain employers not enrolled in E-Verify to use remote I-9 document inspection procedures similar to those recently authorized for qualifying E-Verify employers.
  • DHS proposes to limit participation in the pilot program to employers with 500 or fewer employees.
  • Employers interested in participating in the pilot program will be required to apply for and be accepted into the program and will be subject to certain conditions of participation.
  • Comments on the proposal are due by October 2, 2023.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Canada/Iceland, August 8, 2023
Bilateral Youth Arrangement Signed

Panama, August 4, 2023
Electronic Platform Launched for SEM and EMMA Applications

Saudi Arabia, August 8, 2023
Electronic Visa for Tourism Expanded to Additional Nationalities

United States, August 9, 2023
July 2023 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the 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

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Investment Residency Explained: Requirements and Options

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman discusses Costa Rica investment residency options and requirements for foreign investors, retirees and rentiers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf Business: Why Immigration Due Diligence is as Critical as Financial Scrutiny in the GCC

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses why immigration due diligence is important in GCC mergers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Partner Karolina Schiffter to Poland Practice, Adds to Poland Presence with New offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk

Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Wrocław and Gdańsk, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter to its Poland practice.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Get Luxembourg Citizenship: Requirements, Benefits & Application Process

This blog post by Manager Virginie Todesco and Immigration Consultant Chiara Caredda, available in English and Portuguese, outlines the requirements, benefits and application process for obtaining Luxembourg citizenship.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan Named 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs Winners

Fragomen and Regional Partner for the Asia Pacific Mark Buchanan were recognized at the 2025 FEM APAC EMMAs.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: A War on Fraud: USCIS to Train Special Armed Agents with Powers to Arrest Applicants and Lawyers

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how USCIS’s new rule could potentially increase enforcement and affect how applicants interact with the US immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

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.