EMS Blog
Ireland: closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP)
Effective February 15, 2023, the Irish Government has announced the closure of the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) to further applications. The IIP was introduced in 2012 with the aim of supporting investors and business professionals from outside the European Economic Area with their business interests in Ireland.
United States: Extraordinary payments taxable or not taxable
The IRS (U.S. Internal Revenue Service) has finally stated on how to declare extraordinary payments made during 2022. It did so through its publication 2023-23.
United States – New Green Card and Employment Authorization Document Design
USCIS announced new designs to improve security of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS began issuing the redesigned cards on Jan. 30, 2023.
Spain – Immigration updates regarding the large companies and strategic groups unit
There are migration updates in Spain and, specifically related to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (‘Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos’).
US – China: China has reopened select visa application offices in the US (Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York)
The government of China reopened select visa offices throughout the United States (US), including Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. To secure an appointment, applicants must take several steps.
Poland: Increase to minimum wage
The minimum wage requirement (except for EU Blue Cards) in Poland has increased and the new minimum monthly salary is PLN 3,490.
UNITED STATES: FY 2024 H-1B Cap initial registration period opens on march 1
On January 27, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using the H-1B registration system.
UNITED STATES: Class action filed against USCIS for Extreme Processing delays
Last week, a group of immigrants filed a federal class action lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), challenging bureaucratic delays that have left them in a limbo.
UNITED STATES: USCIS Announces final phase of Premium Processing Expansion for EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions and future expansion for certain student and exchange visitors
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing the final phase of the premium processing expansion for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications.
