Weekly Immigration Update: May 26–June 1, 2023

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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