Weekly Immigration Update: December 15–21, 2023

Ireland, December 21, 2023
Increased Occupations Eligible for Employment Permits and Increased Salary Thresholds, Among Other Changes

• The Irish government has announced the largest ever expansion of the employment permits system, resulting in a number of changes to immigration law and policy.
• Effective December 20, 2023, occupations added to the Critical Skills Occupation list and other, formerly ineligible roles, have been made eligible for an Employment Permit.
• Additionally, on January 17, 2024, a number of changes will go into effect including:
  • An increased salary requirement for most Employment Permit categories;
  • An increased salary requirement for healthcare assistants, home carers, horticultural workers and meat processors; and the
  • Extension of existing quotas for dairy farm assistants, butchers/deboners, meat processors and horticultural workers.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, December 21, 2023
Labor Department Solicits Input on Occupations Eligible for Streamlined Green Card Processing

• The U.S. Department of Labor has set a February 20, 2024 deadline for submission of public comments on expanding the list of “Schedule A” occupations exempt from the PERM labor certification process.
• The DOL notice presents a rare opportunity for organizations to suggest shortage occupations to be added to Schedule A, which has not been updated since the PERM program was introduced in 2005. 

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, December 20, 2023
Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot Program Opens January 29 to Limited Group of H-1B Visa Applicants

• The pilot program will be limited to eligible foreign nationals who received an H-1B visa from (1) a U.S. consulate in India between February 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021, or (2) a U.S. consulate in Canada between January 1, 2020 and April 1, 2023.
• The pilot will be limited to 20,000 H-1B visa applications total. The State Department will release approximately 4,000 application slots weekly between January 29 and February 26, 2024.
• Applicants must file the Form DS-160 visa application online and will begin the process at a dedicated State Department domestic renewal website.
• The pilot program will close on April 1, 2024 or when all application slots are filled, whichever comes earlier.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Worldwide, December 15, 2023
Immigration Processing Delays During the Holiday Season

• During the holiday season, many government offices worldwide will close or have reduced staff and operating hours, likely resulting in processing delays for work permits, residence permits and visas over the coming weeks and into the new year.
• Employers and foreign nationals with travel or relocation plans between now and early 2024 should contact their immigration service provider to discuss the impact of holiday closures on their specific circumstances.

To view entire article, click here.