Weekly Immigration Update: December 23–29, 2022
December 29, 2022
In immigration news this week:
- Worldwide: As we enter the endemic phase of the COVID-19 era, travel restrictions and health requirements are waning based on growing vaccination initiatives. We are tracking related updates on our COVID-19 website.
- United States: Congress passed a spending bill that funds the federal government – including immigration operations – through FY 2023, which ends September 30, 2023. Further, the State Department is extending its interview waiver program for certain temporary workers, students and exchange visitors until December 31, 2023. Additionally, effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States.
- Minimum salary updates: Croatia’s minimum wage will increase in 2023 (and will be in EUR); Luxembourg, Romania and France have revised minimum salary levels for 2023. See our consolidated alert for details.
These items and other news from Argentina, Costa Rica, Estonia, Israel, Romania, Singapore, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important updates in immigration this week
United States, December 28, 2022
COVID Test Required for Travel from China, Starting January 5
- Effective January 5, 2023, airline passengers traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau must provide either a negative COVID test or documentation of COVID recovery in order to travel to the United States.
- The new requirement will apply to airline passengers two years and older, regardless of nationality and vaccination status – including U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
- The requirement will apply to both direct and indirect flights from China, and will include travelers who have been in China in the previous 10 days and who are arriving in the United States via certain foreign transit hubs commonly used for travel from China to the United States.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, December 27, 2022
State Department Extends Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waiver Program Through 2023
- The U.S. State Department’s visa interview waiver program for certain temporary workers, students, and exchange visitors has been extended to December 31, 2023.
- The separate interview waiver program for certain applicants renewing a visa in the same category within 48 months of expiration remains in effect on an indefinite basis.
- U.S. consulates are not required to implement these interview waiver policies but may do so as local conditions and resources allow.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, December 23, 2022
Congress Passes FY 2023 Omnibus Spending Bill, Funding Immigration Operations
- The spending bill funds the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Labor, and other federal agencies through FY 2023.
- The package reauthorizes E-Verify and other expiring immigration programs through September 30, 2023.
To view entire article, click here.
Other weekly news briefs
Argentina, December 23, 2022
Streamlined Online Process Available for Certain Short-Term Work Permits
Costa Rica, December 29, 2022
Digital Residency Identity Cards Forthcoming
Estonia, December 29, 2022
2023 Quotas Released and Residence Permit Policy Amended for Short-Term Workers
Israel, December 27, 2022
Normal Operations at Israeli Consulates Resume After Strike Ends
Romania, December 28, 2022
2023 Work Permit Quota Released
Singapore, December 28, 2022
Employee Information Must be Submitted Soon
Türkiye, December 29, 2022
Changes to Work Authorization for Foreign Press
United Arab Emirates, December 23, 2022
Discontinuation of In-Country Visit Visa Renewals
United Arab Emirates, December 28, 2022
Entry Visa Conditions Announced for Foreign Residents of GCC Member States
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
