Important Updates
Important Updates
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 21, 2025 | United StatesNegocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
May 21, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Extended Duration of Stay for Nationals of Lesotho
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • 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
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

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
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Weekly Immigration Update: February 11–17, 2022

February 17, 2022

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:

  • Worldwide: Jurisdictions around the world continue to adapt their coronavirus-related travel restrictions and health requirements based on several factors, including fluctuating infection rates and growing vaccination initiatives. Visit Fragomen’s COVID-19 website for the latest immigration updates.
  • United States: A forthcoming Department of Homeland Security regulation proposes to codify a policy for making a public charge inadmissibility determination. According to the March Visa Bulletin, there will be strong advancement in the Final Action Date EB-2 India category but future retrogression is possible. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications with a priority date that is earlier than the Dates for Filing listed in the March Visa Bulletin.
  • Cyprus: Certain foreign nationals seeking to work remotely in Cyprus can now apply for a Remote Work Visa, valid for up to one year, and renewable for an additional two years. 
  • Chile: Key changes took effect immediately following the Ministry of Interior’s publication of an implementing regulation, including a new Consular Short-Term Authorization for visa nationals seeking to conduct tourism or business for up to 90 days, restrictions on in-country change of status for most foreign nationals, and stricter eligibility rules for permanent residence permits, among others.
  • Bahrain: The Ministry of Interior launched a Golden Residency Visa program for current Bahraini residents and foreign nationals seeking to live and work in Bahrain. Interested foreign nationals can now apply under the program.
  • Minimum salary levels: Finland increased the EU Blue Card salary level and Ukraine increased its minimum monthly salary level for local hire work permits, as noted in our consolidated minimum salary alert page.

These items and other news from Canada, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Ivory Coast, Norway, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.  

Important updates in immigration this week

United States, February 17, 2022
DHS Proposes New Public Charge Rule That Maintains Status Quo

  • The Department of Homeland Security is proposing a new public charge rule that would largely codify its existing policy on the public charge ground of inadmissibility.
  • Consistent with longstanding policy, the new rule would deem a foreign national ineligible to receive a green card or visa stamp if they are determined likely to become primarily dependent on the government by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or by long-term institutionalization at government expense.
  • The proposal would not impose a public charge inquiry on nonimmigrant extensions and changes of status filed with USCIS.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Cyprus, February 17, 2022
Remote Work Visa Introduced

  • Foreign nationals (either self-employed or working for an employer who is abroad) seeking to work remotely in Cyprus can now apply for a Remote Work Visa, valid for up to one year, and renewable for an additional two years.
  • Applicants must earn at least EUR 3,500 per month, either from employment or from client service.
  • This new category provides an immigration pathway for remote workers, which was previously not available.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, February 16, 2022
March 2022 Visa Bulletin – Strong Advancement in EB-2 India, But Future Retrogression Possible; USCIS Will Accept Employment-Based Adjustment Applications Based on Dates for Filing

  • USCIS has announced that it will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications with a priority date that is earlier than the Dates for Filing listed in the March Visa Bulletin.
  • The March Dates for Filing remain unchanged from last month for EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Professional/Skilled Workers.
  • EB-2 India Final Action dates will advance by four months to May 1, 2013. EB-2 China will remain the same at March 1, 2019. However, EB-2 India may be subject to retrogression in future months if increased EB-5 demand eliminates a surplus of visa numbers that would have otherwise applied to EB-2.
  • EB-3 India and EB-3 China Professional/Skilled Worker Final Action dates will remain unchanged from the previous month, at January 15, 2012 and March 22, 2018, respectively.
  • EB-5 China (Non-Regional Center program) remains current next month, but may see cutoff dates imposed as early as April 2022.
  • EB-1 China and EB-1 India will remain current next month.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Bahrain, February 15, 2022
New Long-Term Residence Visa Scheme Launched

  • The Ministry of Interior in Bahrain launched a Golden Residency Visa program for current Bahraini residents and foreign nationals seeking to live and work in Bahrain long term, which was first announced in October 2021. Interested foreign nationals can now apply under the program.
  • The program allows investors, retirees and highly talented individuals to work upon obtaining work authorization under a 10-year renewable residence permit, and guarantees sponsorship of residence permits for immediate family members.
  • The Golden Residency Visa will allow eligible categories of foreign nationals to reside in Bahrain for extended periods of time without having to renew their residence permit, while attracting investment and highly-skilled professionals into Bahrain.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Chile, February 14, 2022
Published Regulation Creates Key Changes through New Immigration Law

As an update to the progress of the new immigration law approved in 2020 and published in April 2021 in Chile, the Ministry of Interior has published the first implementing regulation. The publication of the regulation creates the following key changes, effective immediately:

  • Restrictions on in-country change of status for most foreign nationals;
  • Replacement of the Consular Tourist Visa with a Consular Short-Term Authorization for foreign nationals seeking to enter Chile for tourism and business, which can be issued for multiple entries up to 10 years;
  • Stricter eligibility rules for permanent residence permits, limiting absence from Chile to 60 days (down from 180); and
  • Relaxed travel restrictions for permanent residents in Chile, among other foreign nationals.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Canada: New Immigration Streams for Rural Communities in Alberta – Alberta has introduced two new rural immigration streams, the “Rural Renewal Stream” and the “Rural Entrepreneur Stream,” for foreign skilled professionals and entrepreneurs settling in rural communities in Alberta. The rural immigration streams are part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (formerly the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program), a federal-provincial economic immigration program that nominates foreign nationals in Alberta to the federal government for permanent residence if they have the requisite skills to fill job shortages or are planning to buy or start a business in Alberta. Rural communities in Alberta interested in receiving foreign nationals must apply to become a designated community. To be eligible for the Rural Renewal Stream, communities must have a population of less than 100,000 and be outside the Edmonton and Calgary Census Metropolitan Areas; be represented by an economic development or similar organization; have an economic development plan; have expressed support from the town/municipality council and a local/regional settlement organization; and have local employers with permanent, full-time, non-seasonal jobs available. Entrepreneurs seeking to start a business or buy an existing business in a rural Alberta community can submit an Expression of Interest. Interested candidates should contact their immigration professional for case-specific advice.

Costa Rica: Visa Exemption Revoked for Nationals of Venezuela – Effective February 21, 2022, nationals of Venezuela will no longer be visa-exempt when transiting or entering Costa Rica for tourism or business and must instead obtain a consular visa for transit or entry. Venezuelan nationals will continue to be authorized to enter Costa Rica with a Venezuelan passport valid for at least one day at the time of entry (instead of the usual six-month validity required of other visa nationals). The consular visa is generally issued for a single entry (within 60 days from when the visa is issued) and typically allows a maximum stay of up to 30 calendar days, extendable for up to a total of 90 calendar days. Certain Venezuelan nationals may still be visa-exempt if they hold an eligible visa or immigration status from another country. As a reminder, all foreign nationals entering Costa Rica as visitors must be able to show proof of economic means of at least USD 100 per month and a return or onward airline or other ticket. Those arriving from high-risk countries/areas (such as certain areas in Venezuela) must also show a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Czech Republic/Ukraine: Operational Changes to Kyiv Consulate Causing Delays – Consular capacity at the Czech consulate in Kyiv, Ukraine has been reduced to essential staff, and appointments have been rescheduled for two to three weeks later. The consulate in Lviv remains fully operational. Fragomen recommends travel to Lviv during these delays as Ukrainian nationals must apply for visas and other immigration applications from their home country as usual.

Hungary: Foreign Nationals With Single Permit Approvals Can Begin Work Earlier Under Policy Change – In a recent clarification of immigration policy, foreign nationals holding a Single Permit approval in Hungary are now permitted to work immediately. Previously, they had to await the issuance of their Single Permit card, which occurs at a later stage in the process. As a result, Single Permit holders are able to start work one to 10 days sooner than under the previous policy. Additionally, the case number on the Single Permit approval letter is now sufficient for local social security applications and work start notifications, where previously these processes required a single permit card number.

Ivory Coast: Issuance of Residence Cards Resumes – The Office National de L’état Civil et de L’identification (ONI) has resumed issuing residence cards, which had not been issued in the past two years due to a technical issue with the card production service provider. The cards are valid for up to five years. During the issuance suspension, foreign nationals had to renew their temporary residence permits every three months. Foreign nationals waiting for their residence cards to be issued must now appear at the ONI to submit biometrics. Foreign nationals who fail to do so will have to keep renewing their temporary residence permits.

Norway: Delays in Obtaining National Identification Number – Locally hired non-EU nationals currently face several weeks' processing delay to obtain national tax and social security identification numbers. The application process for these numbers moved online to expedite processing and improve intra-agency cooperation, but interoperability issues between the tax and police systems are now causing several weeks' delay in completing registrations and obtaining local numbers. Foreign nationals are advised to submit paper applications after completing their police registration, where permissible, in an attempt to expedite processing. These delays may impact foreign national employees' ability to enter local payroll, thus causing delayed salary payments as well as issues in accessing local services. The delays do not affect EU nationals or foreign nationals on home employment contract.

South Africa: Adjudication of Long-Term Visas Centralized – Effective immediately, the Department of Home Affairs is centralizing the adjudication of long-term visas received by South African consular posts. South African consular posts abroad are now only authorized to receive and adjudicate visas valid for less than 90 days; study permits, including authorizations to undertake course related training; and airline crew member visas. There will be a delay in the issuance of visas submitted abroad that were received at the Department of Home Affairs after January 12, 2022. Employers seeking to relocate employees to South Africa must plan well in advance to compensate for delays. The centralization of the adjudication of long-term visas is aimed at promoting uniformity in decision-making in the South African immigration system.

South Africa: Remote Work and Start-Up Visas to be Introduced – An independent taskforce is reviewing the work visa system in South Africa to potentially introduce a remote work visa and start-up visa. The new visas would be aimed at attracting start-up investors and remote workers in order to bolster the economy which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A remote work visa would allow professionals to live in South Africa while working for a foreign entity. Currently, such foreign nationals can only enter for up to 90 days, with restrictions. South Africa would be the second country, after Mauritius, in sub-Saharan Africa to implement a start-up visa and the fourth country, after Cape Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles, in sub-Saharan Africa to implement a remote work visa.

Ukraine: Streamlined Registration of Stay – In a change of policy, registration of stay in Ukraine is now possible without submitting the original temporary residence permit. Registration of stay is the final step in the immigration process, which involves registering a private residence address with the town hall within 30 calendar days upon receipt of the temporary residence permit. Under the new policy, registration and de-registration of stay can be completed by an authorized representative with no physical presence in Ukraine required of the adult permit holder on the filing date. However, registration of children can no longer be completed by an authorized representative alone; presence of at least one parent is needed at the filing.

Ukraine: Stricter Border Checks – Ukrainian border authorities may implement stricter border policies for citizens of Russia and Belarus in the coming weeks, including for individuals holding valid Ukrainian work and residence permits. Affected travelers may be subject to additional and stricter border checks, and may have difficulty re-entering Ukraine in the case of travel abroad. Employers and foreign nationals are advised to review travel plans, consider reducing travel outside Ukraine, and to carry supporting documents to facilitate re-entry.

United States/Ukraine: Certain Travelers From Ukraine Exempt from COVID-19 Requirements for U.S. Entry Through March 1 -- Effective immediately until 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2022, certain nonimmigrants from Ukraine entering the United States are exempt from the COVID-19 vaccination requirements, according a Department of Homeland Security national interest exception (NIE) order. In addition, all U.S. citizens, green card holders, and nonimmigrants traveling with U.S. citizens and green card holders from Ukraine are exempt from the pre-departure COVID testing requirement through March 1, 2022, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) order. Nonimmigrants traveling from Ukraine will be permitted to enter the United States without showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding a flight to the United States if they: (1) are traveling with a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; (2) were physically present in Ukraine as of February 10, 2022; and (3) possess valid travel documents allowing them to travel to the United States. Additionally, nonimmigrants who traveled under the NIE to the vaccine requirement will be required to receive a COVID-19 test within three to five days of arrival in the United States; self-isolate in the event of a positive post-arrival COVID-19 test or the development of COVID-19 symptoms; and become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 within 60 days of arrival in the United States if intending to stay for more than 60 days.

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

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

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.