Weekly Immigration Update: January 6–12, 2023

Finland, January 12, 2023
Relaxed Visa Requirements Introduced

• The government of Finland has introduced or will soon introduce multiple changes which relax its regulations governing visas.
• These changes include the expansion of D visa eligibility, Fast Track eligibility for residence permits and D visas, and the use of the Finnish Incomes Register for certain extension applications to confirm a fair salary is being paid.
• The government expects these changes will reduce processing times and streamline immigration processes, which should help to attract skilled talent to Finland

To view entire article, click here.

 

Vietnam, January 11, 2023
Stricter Immigration Rules Implemented for Ho Chi Minh City Work Permit Applications

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labour (DOLISA) announced that it will revert to stricter immigration rules for work permit applications, including:

• Removal of working location reports that previously allowed current work permit holders to work in another province or region in Vietnam for up to six months;
• Previously-issued work permits will no longer be accepted to prove the applicant’s work experience for a new work permit application filed under Decree 152;
• Higher scrutiny and implementation of educational qualification requirements related to job positions; and
• Implementation of the requirement to notarize or legalize passport copies that are submitted with work permit applications.

These rule changes, among others, are expected to increase the mobility-related administrative hurdles in Vietnam that were previously eased by a pandemic-era government resolution.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, January 6, 2023
DHS Increases Numerical Limit on Venezuela Parole Program and Expands Parole Process to Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua

• The Biden Administration has authorized a combined total of up to 30,000 parole travel authorizations per month from the countries of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
• Starting today, citizens of Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua and their immediate family members can be sponsored for parole via this expanded DHS entry program, while citizens of Venezuela will continue to be eligible for parole under the existing program that was launched in October 2022.
• To qualify, applicants must be outside the United States, be a citizen of one of the covered countries or the spouse, common law partner, or unmarried child of such a citizen, and undergo security vetting, along with several other criteria.
• U.S. sponsors initiate the process by filing a declaration of support with USCIS, certifying their commitment to provide financial and other support to named beneficiaries.
• Approved beneficiaries are eligible for parole into the United States and work authorization for up to two years.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Spain, January 6, 2023
Remote Work Visa Introduced; Entrepreneur’s Act Rules Relaxed

• The Spanish government has implemented the long-awaited remote work visa which offers a one-year stay (with the possibility for a renewal) with 10-business day processing to select teleworkers.
• The government has also relaxed rules related to permits under the Entrepreneur’s Act, including extending the maximum initial validity of permits, and expanding the definition of ‘highly qualified professional’ and ‘entrepreneurial activity,’ among other key changes.

To view entire article, click here.