Important Updates
Important Updates
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Mandatory Online Submission for Some Processes
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
July 25, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Mandatory New Health Insurance Requirement for Single Work and Residence Permit Holders
July 25, 2025 | PolandPoland: New Rule Requires Submission of Employment Contracts Online
July 25, 2025 | Slovak RepublicSlovakia: Mandatory Online Submission for Some Processes
July 25, 2025 | SpainSpain: Certain Work Permits Can Now Be Issued for Less Than 90 Days
July 25, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Digital Arrival Card System Replaces Electronic Travel Authorization System
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 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 ImmigrationAustralian 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
  • 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
  • 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 23–29, 2024

February 29, 2024

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:

  • Canada: Effective February 29, at 23:30 (local time), nationals of Mexico are no longer visa exempt when entering Canada for tourism, business, or transit, with certain exceptions. Also, the dedicated permanent residence pathway has officially opened for eligible individuals in Sudan who are extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See our news brief for details.
  • United States: Following the official launch of USCIS’ new online organizational accounts, employers can now create new organizational accounts or upgrade existing accounts, which will be used for the upcoming H-1B cap registration season.
  • Germany: Effective March 1, the German government will expand the working rights and validity periods of student permit holders, and will ease certain permanent residency and family reunification rules.
  • United Kingdom: The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the UK government’s independent advisor on immigration policy, has recommended that 21 roles be included on the new Immigration Salary List (ISL).
  • Worldwide/Ukraine: Greece, Iceland, Norway, and Spain have extended temporary protection until March 2025. See our consolidated alert for details.
  • Minimum salary updates: Germany’s minimum salary for specialists with extensive work experience has increased, and Slovenia has increased its minimum wage. See our consolidated alert for details.

These items and other news from Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Malta, the Netherlands, Nigeria, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

Canada, February 29, 2024  
Visa Exemption Revoked for Nationals of Mexico, With Certain Exceptions

  • Effective February 29, 2024, at 23:30 (local time), nationals of Mexico will no longer be visa exempt when entering Canada for tourism, business or transit and will need to instead obtain a temporary resident visa online via a consulate.
  • Certain Mexican nationals traveling to Canada by air under a Mexican passport may still be visa exempt if they either held a Canadian temporary resident visa in the last 10 years; currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa; or are entering Canada under a study or work permit. These individuals will still be eligible to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, instead of a visa.
  • As a result, affected Mexican nationals seeking to enter Canada may encounter administrative hurdles, possible additional costs and potential delays.
  • All eTAs issued to Mexican nationals before 23:30 (local time) on February 29, 2024 are automatically canceled, except for eTAs linked to Mexican passport holders with a valid Canadian work or study permit.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, February 28, 2024
H-1B Cap Update: USCIS Officially Launches New Organizational Account System

  • Employers can now create new organizational accounts and upgrade existing accounts in USCIS’s revised online H-1B cap registration system.
  • H-1B cap registration opens at noon ET on March 6, 2024. Employers must have an account in order to register beneficiaries for the FY 2025 H-1B cap lottery.
  • In preparation for the registration period, foreign nationals must ensure that their passport or travel document will be valid at the time they are registered.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Germany, February 28, 2024
Student Visa and Family Reunification Rules to be Relaxed

  • Effective March 1, 2024, the German government will expand the working rights and validity periods of student permits and will ease certain permanent residency and family reunification rules.
  • These changes are in addition to other policy changes which were announced last year and come into effect on March 1, 2024, including shorter duration requirements for acquiring permanent residence and the creation of immigration pathways for applicants with vocational experience.
  • These changes are part of a broader package of legal reforms which seeks to attract and retain foreign talent via reducing immigration barriers.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United Kingdom, February 23, 2024  
Migration Advisory Committee Review Recommends New Roles on New Immigration Salary List

  •  The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the UK government’s independent advisor on immigration policy, has recommended 21 roles be included on the new Immigration Salary List (ISL).
  • The ISL has been put forward as the government’s replacement of the Shortage Occupation List. Inclusion on the list means preferential criteria for employers who are seeking to sponsor overseas workers to fill vacancies in such occupations.
  • The MAC, while limited to giving independent advice to the government on migratory issues and making recommendations, is highly influential, and most of its recommendations are typically accepted by the government.
  • The MAC is likely to undertake a stakeholder engagement process as part of a fuller review of the ISL expected later this year. Accordingly, any ISL-related changes may be subject to further changes in the near future.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Australia, February 22, 2024
Forthcoming Law to Protect Workers from Exploitation and Create New Compliance Responsibilities for Employers

Austria/United States, February 29, 2024
Working Holiday Program Commences

Bahrain, February 26, 2024
Sponsor Now Required to Convert Visit Visas to Work or Dependent Residence Visas

Malta, February 27, 2024
Visa-Exempt Status for non-EU Students to Cease from March 1, 2024

Netherlands, February 29, 2024  
Stricter Document Retention Rule Forthcoming for Highly Skilled Migrants

Nigeria, February 29, 2024
Expatriate Employment Levy Introduced for Companies Hiring Foreign Nationals

Worldwide, February 29, 2024
Government Office Closures During Easter

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

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Ford and Other Premiers Want Provincial Work Permits for Refugee Claimants. It May Not Solve Anything

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Video

Transfer Tactics & Talent Pipelines – The UK Angle with Alex Hood ⚽ | #FragomenFC - Ep. 10

Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Ford and Other Premiers Want Provincial Work Permits for Refugee Claimants. It May Not Solve Anything

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses the potential option of decentralizing work permit issuance in Canada, emphasizing the need for clear coordination between the provincial and federal governments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Video

Transfer Tactics & Talent Pipelines – The UK Angle with Alex Hood ⚽ | #FragomenFC - Ep. 10

Fragomen FC hosts are joined by Manager Alexander Hood to examine how immigration rules are reshaping global football, from EPL transfers to the rise of international transfers into the Women’s Super League.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: More Declines Loom in “Seriously Concerning” US Visa Trends

Partner Aaron Blumberg noted that enhanced screening measures, including social media vetting, may be contributing to delays in US student visa processing.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Reforms: What’s Next for Construction Employers?

Associate Ilaria Iovieno outlines how recent UK immigration reforms will impact construction employers and their ability to sponsor overseas talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Grand Designs Magazine: How to Buy Your Dream Home Overseas

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how changes to golden visa programmes are affecting UK buyers pursuing overseas property investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechInformed: Global Talent, Local Growth: Immigration’s Role in the Tech Economy

Senior Associate Tayyaba Karim and Associates Aisha Shahid and Yinny Tan outline how UK immigration changes affect tech talent access and business alignment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.

Partner Parisa Karaahmet is quoted on a new country-specific, $250 "visa integrity fee" introduced by the current US administration as part of a domestic policy bill.

Learn more

Media mentions

New Civil Engineer: The immigration white paper and the government’s Industrial Strategy – how do they compare?

Paralegal Sean Pearce discusses the UK government's immigration White Paper in the context of its Industrial Strategy, noting the importance of overseas talent in meeting infrastructure and housing goals.

Learn more

Video

Update on U.S. Tariffs | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Partner Christian Dallman shares an update on US tariffs as the August 1 deadline for trade negotiations approaches.

Learn more

Media mentions

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia’s Skill-Based Work Permit System Reshapes Expat Employment Landscape

Partner Haider Hussain discussed how Saudi Arabia’s new skill-based work permit system is reshaping employer compliance and recruitment strategies.

Learn more

Podcast

Visa Policy Changes in Nigeria

Director Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa and Manager Tarissa Wareley are joined by Bloomfield Law Practice's Kunle Obebe and Peace Lotechukwu to discuss Nigeria's 2025 visa policy reforms.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

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.