Weekly Immigration Update: October 21–27, 2022
October 27, 2022
In immigration news this week:
- Worldwide: Jurisdictions around the world continue to adapt their coronavirus-related travel restrictions and health requirements based on several factors, including fluctuating infection rates and growing vaccination initiatives. Visit Fragomen’s COVID-19 website for the latest immigration updates.
- United States: Due to the continuing COVID-19 emergency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extending its response deadline extension policy through January 24, 2023. The Department of Homeland Security has announced an 18-month designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), to take effect upon publication of an upcoming Federal Register notice.
- Saudi Arabia/Pakistan: The second phase of the Professional Verification Scheme now applies to Pakistani nationals in select technical-based professions. More nationalities and professions are expected to follow in later phases.
- Minimum salary levels: Austria and Ukraine have revised minimum salary requirements, as detailed in our consolidated alert.
- European Union/Ukraine: In the Netherlands, the government has extended the national temporary protection status for eligible individuals until March 4, 2024. Also, starting November 1, 2022, Ukrainian refugees can only demonstrate that they are covered by the Temporary Protection Directive if they possess a sticker or O-document. See our consolidated alert for details.
- Colombia: The government confirmed the salary requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa, as detailed in our alert.
- Ireland: As of October 26, 2022, Russian and Belarusian nationals need a visa for short stays to Ireland, even if they hold a valid UK short stay visa. Details are available in our consolidated alert.
These items and other news from Bolivia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, and Qatar follow in this edition of the Fragomen Immigration Update.
Important updates in immigration this week
Saudi Arabia/Pakistan, October 27, 2022
Professional Verification Scheme Now Applies to Select Pakistani Visa Applicants
- Following the July 2021 launch of the Professional Verification Scheme, the second phase of the scheme has started and will involve the evaluation of skills of foreign nationals seeking work in Saudi Arabia, in their home countries.
- At this stage, the new requirement applies to Pakistani nationals seeking certain technical-based professions in Saudi Arabia (with more nationalities and professions expected to follow in the later phases).
- As a result, affected individuals will need to undergo theoretical and practical tests to evaluate their skills.
- Upon passing the exam, they will be issued an internationally recognized certification with a five-year validity, which will also allow them to apply for an entry visa for work
To view entire article, click here.
United States, October 24, 2022
USCIS Extends COVID-19 Accommodations on RFEs, NOIDs, Appeals, and Other Responses Through January 24, 2023
- Due to the continuing COVID-19 emergency, USCIS is extending its deadline extension policy through January 24, 2023.
- Petitioners and applicants will continue to have an additional 60 days to respond to requests for evidence, notices of intent to deny or revoke, notices of intent to terminate EB-5 regional investment centers, and certain other notices dated between March 1, 2020 and January 24, 2023, inclusive.
- Employers and foreign nationals will also continue to have 90 days to file a Form I-290B appeal or motion or Form N-336 hearing request to reopen a USCIS decision that was issued between November 1, 2021 and January 24, 2023, inclusive.
To view entire article, click here.
United States, October 21, 2022
DHS Designates Ethiopia for TPS
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), to take effect upon publication of an upcoming Federal Register notice.
- Ethiopian nationals eligible for this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since October 20, 2022 to be eligible for TPS.
- The Federal Register notice providing full details on applying for TPS and related employment authorization is expected shortly.
To view entire article, click here.
Other weekly news briefs
Bolivia, October 24, 2022
Strike and Protests Affecting Mobility and Immigration Processing
Canada, October 24, 2022
Invitations to Apply Under 2020 Intake of Parents and Grandparents Program Under Way
Dominican Republic, October 26, 2022
Update On Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement for Certain Travelers
Equatorial Guinea, October 26, 2022
Land Border Closure Due to National Elections
Germany, October 24, 2022
Pre-Approval Waiver for Specific Russian-based German Work Visa Applicants Extended
Qatar, October 21, 2022
Opening of Consular Service Center at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
