Weekly Immigration Update: October 13–19, 2023

United States, October 19, 2023
Israeli Nationals Eligible for Visa Waiver Program Starting Today

• Effective immediately, Israeli nationals are now eligible to apply for travel to the U.S. visa-free for business or pleasure under the Visa Waiver Program.
• The effective date for Israeli eligibility to travel under VWP has been moved up from the previously announced date of November 30.

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United States, October 18, 2023
Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Moves Closer to Implementation

• Details of the State Department’s long-awaited stateside visa renewal pilot are undergoing federal review, the next step toward executing the program.
• The pilot is expected to permit certain nonimmigrants with an expired or expiring visa to apply for renewal of their visas without the need to travel to a U.S. consulate abroad.
• The pilot is currently expected to start later this year.

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Malaysia, October 17, 2023
Opening of Projection Applications for Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Companies

• Companies in Malaysia registered with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MDEC), who plan to submit Employment Pass (EP) applications in 2024 are required to submit projections for the number of foreign nationals they seek to sponsor.
• MDEC will start accepting projection applications starting November 1, 2023.
• Although there is no deadline for submission, affected employers who do not have approved projections for 2024 cannot submit initial or renewal Employment Pass applications until they obtain the required approval.
• Foreign nationals already in Malaysia may need to leave if their new work passes cannot be obtained prior to the expiry of the current one.

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Costa Rica, October 13, 2023
Consular Registration Requirement Reinstated for Residence Permit Applicants  

• Effective October 16, 2023, foreign nationals and their dependents applying for initial residence permits in Costa Rica will again be required to register with their home country consulate in Costa Rica before they can apply for their initial Residence Identity Card (DIMEX).
• This requirement was implemented in Costa Rica in 2012 but subsequently suspended in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period.
• This may add administrative hurdles, possible additional costs, and potential delays for foreign nationals.
• Exceptions apply for foreign nationals whose home country does not have consular representation in Costa Rica, and those applying for a cross-border permit or for an extension of their tourist stay.

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