Latest Immigration Resources and News

As 2021 winds down, we are looking back at some key updates in U.S. employment-based immigration.

2021 has seen vast improvements with immigration processes around the globe. People are once again gaining the ability to move and travel more freely.

This past year has demonstrated the significant role that immigrants play within Canada, helping to improve the economy, bring innovative ideas, new skills and diversify Canada.

Beginning 22 Jan. 2022, the government of Switzerland is no longer requiring travelers who have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 to present a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry.

The government of Norway updated its entry restrictions on 17 Jan. 2022 for countries inside the European Economic Area and Schengen Area as well as the United Kingdom.

The government of Sweden has introduced stricter entrance requirements for all travelers entering the country beginning 21 Jan. 2022.

The government of Australia has recognized more vaccine types for the purpose of travel. This change will allow more travelers to enter Australia with government approved vaccines.

The government of the Philippines will now allow Filipino citizens who have recovered from COVID-19 but continue to test positive to enter the country if certain conditions can be met.

The government of Vietnam announced that regularly scheduled flights between Vietnam, Russia, the United Kingdom, France and Germany will commence beginning 24 Jan. 2022.

The government of Canada launched the Accelerated Tech Pathway for eligible foreign nationals who want to live and work in Alberta, Canada.

Beginning 24 Jan. 2022, the government of Austria will require all travelers to provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country.

The government of Belgium will reduce the validity of the accepted COVID-19 vaccination certificates from 270 days to 150 days beginning 1 March 2022.

On 12 Jan. 2022, the government of Portugal established a bilateral agreement with Morocco on the Employment and Stay of Moroccan workers in Portugal.

As of 19 Jan. 2022, the government of Australia will issue Visa Application Charge (VAC) refunds to Working Holiday Maker (subclass 462 & 417) pass holders who are outside of the country or traveling.

The Embassy of India has extended the timeline for re-issuance of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards to 31 Dec. 2022.

On 21 Jan. 2022, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) released a comprehensive guide for travelers entering the country’s capital city, Abu Dhabi.

On Jan. 21, 2022, USCIS issued new policy guidance for certain O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement visas.

DHS has published a notice in the Federal Register on Jan. 21, 2022 that adds 22 new qualifying fields of study to the STEM program.

The government of Cyprus approved a new Action Plan that aims to improve international travel health measures and reduce the transmission of COVID-19 beginning 1 March 2022.

On 14 Jan. 2022, the government of France applied new entrance rules for travel between the UK and France. Eligible travelers will be able to enter without presenting a compelling reason for travel.