North American Border Closures Extended Through February 21, 2021
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the current North American border closure will be extended for another month through February 21, 2021.
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Biden Administration Announces Plans for Broad Immigration Reform
President Joe Biden sent an extensive immigration reform bill to Congress today shortly after his inauguration. Additionally, he signed a series of executive orders related to immigration.
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Biden Plans to Reinstate COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for the UK, Europe and Brazil
The incoming Biden administration has announced plans to block President Trump’s executive order ending COVID-19 travel bans in Europe and Brazil.
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Updated: Department of Labor Announces LCA Filing Changes for Third-Party Employers
On January 15, 2021, the DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) published an updated H-1B program bulletin revising its Labor Condition Application (LCA) filing.
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Former DHS Secretary Chad Wolf Issues Memo Ratifying Certain Regulations
On January 14, 2021, former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Chad Wolf issued a memo ratifying several measures.
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UAE: IATA COVID-19 Travel Pass to be Used on Flights from Abu Dhabi
The Government of the UAE has introduced a COVID-19 travel pass for certain travelers flying from Abu Dhabi. The travel pass will permit passengers with negative COVID-19 test results to fly.
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New U.S. COVID-19 Restrictions to Begin on January 26, 2021
The CDC issued an Order on Jan. 12, 2021 requiring all inbound travelers to the U.S. to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 beginning Jan. 26.
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Department of Labor Publishes H-1B Prevailing Wage Rule with Phased Implementation Plan
The DOL published the H-1B Prevailing Wage Final Rule in the Federal Register on Jan. 14, 2021. The agency outlined the rule’s phased implementation plan, with new wage levels effective Jul. 1, 2021.
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UK: COVID-19 Travel Ban Extended to South America and Portugal
Following the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant in Brazil, the Government of the UK has issued a travel ban for South America and Portugal.
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Understanding Consular Processing: What is it and how does Argo help?
Envoy Global has announced a new partnership with Argo, the world’s first company to create a cutting-edge technology platform which connects visa applicants with former consular officers.
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Turkey: Minimum Salary Wages Posted for Work Permits
The Turkish government has issued new minimum wage requirements for foreign work permit holders.
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Croatia: Post-Brexit Work and Residency Guidance is Available for UK Nationals
The Croatian government has provided new guidance for UK nationals living and working in the country after December 31, 2020.
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Bulgaria: New Guidance Announced for UK Nationals Following Brexit Transition
The Bulgarian government has issued additional details for UK nationals residing in the country after December 31, 2020.
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China: New Online Portal Launched for Foreign Work Permit Applications
The Expert Bureau will use a new online portal through the Ministry of Science and Technology’s (MOST) Service Platform to integrate processing of foreign nationals’ work permit applications.
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Ireland: New Residence Process Announced for Non-EEA Family Members of UK Nationals
The Irish government has introduced a new post-Brexit residence process for non-EEA family members of UK nationals.
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How to Avoid Phishing Attempts and Scams
Phishing attempts are serious security concerns and unfortunately, foreign national students, scholars and employees are often the target of these attempts and other security risks.
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Department of Labor Announces Final Rule to Strengthen Wage Protections for Foreign Workers
On Jan. 12, 2021, the DOL announced that it will issue a Final Rule to increase and reform prevailing wages for foreign worker programs on Jan. 14, 2021, to be implemented in 60 days.
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Russia: HQS Salary Notifications Due January 29, 2021
By January 29, 2021, employers must submit quarterly notifications on the salaries that they paid to highly qualified specialists (HQS) in the fourth quarter of 2020.
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Russia: Approvals for Entry Now Available for HQS Dependents
In accordance with governmental decree No. 3675-p, family members of HQS employees may enter Russia.
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Portugal: New Minimum Wage Levels Announced for 2021
The Portuguese government has increased minimum wage levels nationwide for 2021. Minimum wage levels will increase to EUR 665 per month.
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