Weekly Immigration Update: October 20–26, 2023

Costa Rica/Honduras, October 26, 2023
Reciprocal Visa-Free Entry Reinstated

• Costa Rica and Honduras have reciprocally reinstated the visa-free entry policy for each other’s nationals effective immediately.
• This follows the reintroduction of the visa requirement in both countries for each other’s nationals earlier in October.
• Instead of a visa, nationals of both countries can now present a police clearance certificate when seeking entry to the other country.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Japan, October 26, 2023
J-Skip and J-Find Visas Offer New Pathways for Highly-Skilled or Highly-Educated Foreign Nationals

• The Japanese government has adopted two new visa programs, called the Japan System for Special Highly Skilled Professionals (J-Skip) and the Future Creation Individual Visa (J-Find) Visa as part of its strategy to stimulate the economy.
• The J-Skip Visa offers benefits such as eligibility to apply for permanent residency after a one-year stay in Japan, eligibility to use the Priority Lanes at Japanese airports and the ability for the visa holder’s spouse to apply for a visa that would allow for full-time employment in Japan, among other benefits.
• The J-Find Visa offers recent qualifying graduates benefits such as the ability to look for a job, start a business or engage in other remunerative activities in Japan (activities which were not previously allowed for this group of foreign nationals).

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United Kingdom, October 25, 2023  
Electronic Travel Authorisation System Open for Qatari Nationals

• The UK government’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme commenced operation today. Under the ETA system, all visa-free nationals will need to obtain digital permission to travel or transit through the country.
• From today, Qatari nationals can apply for an ETA – which will be necessary for travel or transit through the United Kingdom for such nationals from November 15, 2023.
• The scheme is set to expand to other nationalities throughout 2024 in phases.
• ETAs cost GBP 10, are valid for two years (unless the applicant’s passport expires before sooner) and allow multiple trips to the United Kingdom.

To view entire article, click here.

 

Hong Kong SAR, October 25, 2023
Policy Address Outlines Visa Improvements and Long-term Plans to Improve Trade

According to a Policy Address by Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive, the government plans to stimulate the economy by (among other changes):

• expanding the coverage of universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme;
• relaxing visa requirements under several categories; and
• reactivating the investor visa scheme that was suspended in 2015, under new conditions.

The new and planned programs will likely have a positive effect on businesses sending foreign nationals to Hong Kong SAR, as the government intends to create efficiencies in the immigration process to promote trade and establish Hong Kong SAR as a global business destination during the current tight labor market as part of a wider national plan to improve the economy.

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United Kingdom, October 23, 2023
Immigration Health Surcharge Increases Scheduled for January 2024

• Significant increases to the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) announced in July 2023 are expected to come into force on January 16, 2024.
• The annual IHS fees for adult applicants will increase to GBP 1,035 per person – a 66 percent increase from the current GBP 624.
• Businesses using or seeking to use the UK immigration system to employ foreign nationals will need to reassess their budgets and application strategies in light of these fee changes.

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Canada, October 20, 2023
Processing Delays Expected Due to Reduced Staff in India

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that it has significantly reduced the number of its employees in India and relocated these staff to offices in Manila and Canada.
• As a result, IRCC has temporarily suspended all in-person services at regional consulates in India.
• Though IRCC will continue to accept and process all temporary and permanent residence applications from India, foreign nationals from India and their employers should expect delays in immigration application processing times, interviews (when required), responses to inquiries, and returns of their visas or passports over the next few months.

To view entire article, click here.

 

United States, October 20, 2023
USCIS Proposes Modernization of the H-1B Program

• A new proposed rule seeks to enhance integrity and prevent misuse of the H-1B cap registration system, revise the definition of an H-1B specialty occupation, strengthen cap-gap protections for F-1 students awaiting a change of status to H-1B, and clarify when a nonimmigrant visa petition must be amended and when amendments are not required, among other provisions.
• The proposed rule will be published on Monday, October 23. USCIS will accept public comments for 60 days.
• The proposed provisions will not take effect until they have been finalized and cleared federal review.
• Some provisions could be finalized in time for the opening of the FY 2025 H-1B cap season in early 2024. USCIS says it may implement the provisions in stages through one or more final rules.

To view entire article, click here.