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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.
CROATIA: Croatia to simplify process of issuing work permits to foreigners
UNITED STATES: DHS Implements New Processes for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans and Eliminates Cap for Venezuelans
On Jan. 5, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a safe and lawful way for qualifying Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans with U.S.-based supporters to travel by air to and temporarily reside in the United States.
UNITED STATES: Updates regarding E visas: Portugal designated as a treaty country and there are new limitations for applicants who have acquired citizenship through financial investment.
Congress passed the James N. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (“NDAA”) on December 15, 2022 and it makes two important changes to eligibility for E visas
UNITED STATES: The U.S. Embassy in Cuba resumes visa processing and consular services for the first time since 2017
The United States is working to ensure safe, legal, and orderly migration of Cubans by expanding consular operations in Havana and restarting the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program (CFRP).
SPAIN: Passengers coming from China in 2023 – Sanitary control
Due to the increasing rate of infected by COVID, in recent months in the People’s Republic of China, is published on December 31, 2022, the Official State Gazette (BOE) of the Resolution of December 30, 2022, of the Directorate General of Public Health, regarding health checks to be performed at points of entry into Spain to passengers from the People’s Republic of China
UNITED STATES: New COVID testing requirements on travelers from China to the United States
Effective January 5, 2023, the United States will require most air travelers from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Hong Kong, and Macau to present a negative COVID test or documentation of recovery before boarding their flight
CROATIA: Croatia will be joining The Schengen Zone
The European Union (EU) officially adopted a decision to add Croatia to the Schengen Area beginning 1 January 2023.
SPAIN: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation published the updated list of all authorized sworn translators and interpreters in Spain.
This month the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation has published the list of sworn translators and interpreters authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These translators and interpreters are, therefore, authorized to carry out translations and interpretations for Spanish immigration matters.
CHILE: US INVESTOR VISA APPLICATIONS FOR CHILEAN NATIONALS / LEGAL RESIDENTS IN CHILE
At the moment, due to the limited resources related to the COVID pandemic, the US Embassy in Santiago is not processing E1 and E2 visa applications until March 2023.