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Weekly Immigration Update: May 26–June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023

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In immigration news this week:

  • United States: Effective June 1, all online PERM labor certification applications must be submitted through the Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system, using a new version of the Form ETA 9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification.
  • Spain: The Spanish government has implemented the EU Blue Card to align with the EU Blue Card Directive, and has amended the national residence permit for highly-skilled professionals.
  • Vietnam: Employers must file a report on their sponsorship of foreign nationals on a semi-annual basis, by July 5, 2023, and January 5, 2024, respectively.
  • Ireland: The government has published a new guidance document for adult naturalisation applications, which updates several rules and amends document requirements.
  • Worldwide/Russia: Estonia has added an exception to the policy requiring Russian and Belarusian nationals to leave Estonia once their legal stay expires. The exception applies to Russian or Belarusian students, doctors and dentists, and academic staff legally present in Estonia. These individuals can apply for a residence permit to remain in Estonia for a longer period of time. See our consolidated alert for details.

These items and other news from Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.

Important updates in immigration this week

United States, May 31, 2023
New FLAG-Based PERM Application Form Takes Effect June 1

  • Beginning June 1, all online PERM labor certification applications must be submitted through the Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system, using a new version of the Form ETA 9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification.
  • PERM applications submitted through the Department of Labor’s legacy PERM portal prior to June 1 will continue to be processed through that system, and the Department of Labor is not expected to begin adjudicating new PERM applications filed in the FLAG system until the agency has completed adjudication of the cases pending in the legacy PERM portal. As a result, applications filed June 1 or later may take longer to process.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Vietnam, May 29, 2023
Upcoming Deadlines for Semi-Annual Reports on Foreign Nationals

  • Employers sponsoring foreign nationals working in Vietnam must file the required semi-annual report by July 5, 2023 and January 5, 2024, respectively.
  • Foreign nationals working in Vietnam from December 15, 2022 to June 14, 2023 must be included in the July 2023 report, and those working in Vietnam from December 15, 2022 to December 14, 2023 must be included in the January 2024 report, respectively.
  • Failure to file the reports may result in administrative fines and possible delays in subsequent foreign labor demand or work permit applications.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Spain, May 26, 2023
EU Blue Card Implemented

  • The Spanish government has implemented the EU Blue Card to align with the EU Blue Card Directive.
  • The government has also amended the national residence permit for highly qualified professionals, including expanded eligibility rules and a longer validity period.

The changes come into effect on May 29, 2023.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Ireland, May 26, 2023
Naturalisation Document Rules Relaxed

The government has published a new guidance document for adult naturalisation applications which updates several rules including:

  • New proof of residency requirements and updated guidance about the weight given to these documents;
  • New list of acceptable documents in cases where proof of residence cannot be provided;
  • Fewer required bank statements;
  • New checklists and application form; and
  • Specific rules for those with refugee status.

To view entire article, click here.

Other weekly news briefs

Brazil, May 30, 2023
Technical Issues with Federal Police Online System Causing Delays

Canada, May 31, 2023
New Category-Based Selection Process for Express Entry Candidates Announced

Canada, May 26, 2023
Streamlined Family Reunification Measures Announced

Canada/Finland/South Korea, May 26, 2023
Bilateral Youth Mobility Agreements Signed

Denmark, May 31, 2023
Work Permit Waiver for Third-Country Nationals May be Forthcoming

France, May 29, 2023
Temporary Shutdown of Visa Online Platform

Kuwait, May 26, 2023
Suspension of Issuance of New Entry and Work Visas and Invalidation of Unused Visas for Nationals of the Philippines

Netherlands, May 31, 2023
Fees Forthcoming at Rotterdam Expat Center

Peru, May 30, 2023
Technical Issues with Online Visa Application System Resolved

Saudi Arabia, June 1, 2023
Additional Benefits Announced for Companies Located in Special Economic Zones, Including Exemption from Saudization

South Africa, May 30, 2023
Biometric Identification and One-Stop Border Post Bills Published for Comment

Sweden, June 1, 2023
Stricter Requirements for Permanent Residence Eligibility Forthcoming in 2027

United States, May 31, 2023
State Department Suspends Supporting Document Submission to KCC for Diversity Visa 2024 and Onward

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.

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Important Updates
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June 25, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
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