H-1B Cap Season by the Numbers

Taiwan launched a pilot program for the issuance of employment permits for foreign professionals and their family members. The online application will open 1 July 2022.

The government of New Zealand will increase immigration fees and levies for most visa applications on 31 July 2022. The average increase will be around 43 percent (NZD 81).

The European Council and European Commission have approved a proposal to provide short-term visa-free travel for the citizens of Kuwait and Qatar.

Thailand will reduce COVID-19 measures beginning 1 July 2022. Travelers entering the country should also ensure that they hold the appropriate immigration authorization prior to arrival.

Denmark expanded the right for recent graduates to work in the country while their work and residence permit is processed, and granted more flexibility to employers when calculating AUB requirements.

The city government in Shenzhen will increase the monthly minimum salary requirement for Category A and B work permit holders effective 1 July 2022 .

The government of the Philippines announced changes for third-party providers who apply for alien employment permits (AEP) that will go into effect on 18 July 2022.

The government of Kuwait temporarily suspended the issuance of select visit visa categories on 26 June 2022. The suspension will apply to entry visit visas and family member or tourist visas.

The government of Japan introduced a new entrance measure that must be completed by the sponsor of foreign national employees seeking to enter the country.

The United Arab Emirates announced that its citizens will be permitted access to visa-free travel to the United Kingdom (UK) through the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.

The government of Sweden released information for a residence permit for highly qualified persons who seek to work or establish a business in Sweden.

Residents of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will be permitted to apply for Korean electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) to benefit from visa-free travel to South Korea.

The government of Russia and the government of Uzbekistan reached an agreement that extends the time granted to citizens for registering residence addresses with immigration authorities.

The governments of Turkey and Norway have established a temporary arrangement that will allow Norwegian national ID card holders to enter Turkey without providing passport information.

On 20 June 2022, the government of Ireland announced changes to the employment permit system, including updating the Critical Skills Occupations List for Employment Permits.

Denmark will allow accompanying family members of permanent residents or Danish citizens to extend their residence permits, even if the primary sponsor has been granted Danish citizenship.

Japan updated the validity period of the certificate of eligibility (COE) on 22 June 2022. Holders of a COE will need to continue to meet qualification requirements for the extension to apply.