Weekly Immigration Update: May 3-9, 2024
May 9, 2024
In immigration news this week:
- Worldwide/Ukraine: Portugal has extended temporary protection until December 31, 2024. See our consolidated alert for details.
- Worldwide/Russia: Latvia extended the entry ban on certain Russian citizens until March 4, 2025. See our consolidated alert for details.
- European Union: It is confirmed that EU Member States have until May 21, 2026 to domestically implement the terms of the revised Single Permit Directive. See our alert for details.
- United States: According to the State Department June Visa Bulletin, most employment-based Final Action cutoff dates will remain the same, while EB-3 India will advance by one week. USCIS will honor Final Action dates for employment-based adjustment of status applications in June.
- Brazil: The Federal Police’s online passport application appointment system is back online, and passport services have been restored. See our news brief for more details. Additionally, the Federal Police has resumed issuing RNM Cards for foreign nationals. See our news brief for more details.
- Thailand: The government has extended the tourist visa exemption for nationals of India and Taiwan until November 11, 2024. See our news brief for details.
Important updates in immigration this week
Estonia, May 8, 2024
New EU Blue Card Rules Implemented
Estonia has introduced more relaxed EU Blue Card rules. Key changes include:
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- new professional experience eligibility pathways;
- reduced mandatory employment contract durations;
- relaxed rules around changing employers; and
- eased regulations around unemployment.
These reforms are part of Estonia adhering to the requirements of the 2021 EU Blue Card Directive.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, May 8, 2024
June 2024 Visa Bulletin – No Movement in Most Employment-Based (EB) Categories; USCIS to Honor EB Final Action Dates
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- The Final Action dates for EB-1, EB-2, and EB-5 will remain unchanged in June.
- The Final Action date for EB-3 India will advance by one week.
- USCIS will honor Final Action dates for employment-based categories in June.
- The State Department projects that the worldwide Final Action dates for EB-2 and EB-3 will most likely retrogress in July.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, May 3, 2024
State Department Releases FY 2025 Diversity Visa Lottery Winners Tomorrow
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- Starting at noon ET on May 4, 2024, lottery entrants must check the State Department’s official Diversity Visa Lottery websiteto learn whether they have been chosen to apply for a diversity visa. Entrants may experience delays accessing the official website due to heavy user traffic.
- The State Department does not send direct notification to lottery winners.
- Selected entrants can submit an application for permanent residence during FY 2025, which begins on October 1, 2024.
To view entire article, click here.
Other weekly news briefs
Canada, May 8, 2024
Enhancements to Permanent Residence Program for Hong Kong SAR Applicants
Canada, May 7, 2024
Invitations to Apply For Parents and Grandparents Program Forthcoming
European Union, May 6, 2024
Visa Application Facilitations Suspended for Ethiopian Nationals
Guyana, May 7, 2024
Expedited Process for Oil and Gas Companies Eliminated
Italy, May 3, 2024
Online Applications Now Possible for Non-Quota Intra-Corporate Work Permit
Kuwait, May 3, 2024
Expansion of Rule Allowing 100% Foreign-Owned Companies
Pakistan, May 6, 2024
Multiple-Entry Option for Work Visa Now Available
Slovakia, May 3, 2024
Forthcoming Policy Changes to Impact Employers of Temporary Residence Permit Applicants
Switzerland, May 6, 2024
Migration Authority Warns About Fraudulent Communications
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
