Weekly Immigration Update: May 5 – 11, 2017
May 12, 2017
In United States immigration news this week, cutoff dates for final issuance of an immigrant visa will be imposed on EB-1 India and China, according to the State Department's June Visa Bulletin. Final action dates for EB-2 will advance by over a week for India and three weeks for China; and EB-3 will advance by seven weeks for India and four months for the Philippines, while remaining unchanged for EB-3 China.
Also in the United States, foreign nationals planning to travel internationally this summer should make sure that they have all necessary documents to reenter the United States and familiarize themselves with procedures at U.S. consulates and ports of entry.
In India, foreign nationals moving to or residing in Bengaluru must submit a copy of the Form C with their in-country immigration applications.
Employers in Panama are subject to stricter corporate document requirements when submitting work permit applications at the Panama Pacifico office of the Ministry of Labor.
Portugal and Italy have suspended the Schengen Agreement exemptions for a limited time. Foreign nationals entering Portugal through May 14, 2017 and those entering Italy through May 30, 2017 are subject to border control procedures.
These items and other news from the Schengen Area and the United States follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important Updates in Immigration This Week
United States, May 9, 2017
June 2017 Visa Bulletin: Retrogression for EB-1 India and China; Some Advancement in Most Other Backlogged Categories
In June, cutoff dates for final issuance of an immigrant visa will be imposed on EB-1 India and China. In the EB-2 category, cutoff dates will advance by over a week for India and three weeks for China. Final action dates for EB-3 will advance by seven weeks for India and four months for the Philippines, while remaining unchanged for EB-3 China.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, May 8, 2017
Summer Travel Planning for Foreign Nationals
If you are a foreign national planning to travel internationally this summer, make sure that you have all the necessary documents, including a passport with sufficient remaining validity, a valid U.S. visa in the appropriate classification, and advance permission to travel if necessary. If you will need to apply for a visa while you are abroad, be prepared for possible delays in visa issuance. On reentry to the United States, expect thorough screening at the port of entry.
To view entire article, click here.
Italy, May 11, 2017
Schengen Agreement Exemptions Suspended Through May 30, 2017
European Union nationals entering Italy now through May 30, 2017 will be subject to border control procedures as the Schengen Agreement exemptions will be temporarily suspended due to the G7 Summit in Taormina. This change does not affect non-EU nationals, who are already subject to border control measures when entering Italy. Standard Schengen Area exemptions are expected to be restored on May 31, 2017.
To view entire article, click here.
Schengen Area, May 10, 2017
Processing Delays Expected at Schengen Area Consulates
Foreign nationals requiring a Schengen Visit Visa should schedule their appointments as soon as possible if they plan to travel to the Schengen Area countries during the summer 2017. Wait times at certain consulates of Schengen Area countries in the United States can be up to three months, without an option for expedited processing or emergency appointments. Applicants must create a personal profile and schedule their appointments through an online appointment system for the respective consulate.
To view entire article, click here.
Portugal, May 10, 2017
Schengen Agreement Exemptions Suspended May 10-14, 2017
European Union nationals entering Portugal May 10 through 14, 2017 will be subject to border control procedures as the Schengen Agreement exemptions will be temporarily suspended due to the Pope's visit. This change does not affect non-EU nationals, who are already subject to border control measures when entering Portugal. Standard Schengen Area exemptions are expected to be restored on May 15, 2017.
To view entire article, click here.
Panama, May 5, 2017
Stricter Documentary Requirements for Panama Pacifico Work Permit Applications
Employers are now subject to stricter corporate document requirements when submitting work permit applications at the Panama Pacifico office of the Ministry of Labor. Collecting documents that meet the new requirements may delay the application preparation process.
To view entire article, click here.
India, May 5, 2017
Residence Reporting Form Introduced In Bengaluru
Effective immediately, foreign nationals moving to or residing in Bengaluru must submit a copy of the Form C with their in-country immigration applications. This will allow the Ministry of Home Affairs to maintain updated records and to curb potential overstays. As part of this new requirement, hotels and landlords must now report the occupancy of foreign guests and tenants upon arrival.
To view entire article, click here.
Weekly News Briefs
United States: Latest PERM and PWD Processing Times – As of April 30, 2017, the Department of Labor (DOL) was conducting analyst review for PERM applications filed in February 2017 or earlier, and processing audited cases filed in October 2016 or earlier. There is no update on the government error queue. DOL is working on standard reconsideration requests submitted in April 2017 or earlier.
DOL is issuing prevailing wage determinations (PWD) for PERM and H-1B requests filed in February 2017. The agency has been processing PERM and H-1B redeterminations requested in February 2017, and PERM and H-1B center director reviews requested in March 2017.
PERM and PWD processing times are available on the iCERT homepage.
Global Immigration News Links
U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Ken Buck (R-CO) have proposed legislation that would grant states greater power over immigration, the Washington Post reports. The proposal would authorize states to admit guest-workers from abroad for up to three years, renewable by the state.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated the Conservative Party will once again promise to cut net migration in their election manifesto.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
