The Israeli Ministry of Interior released a new set of regulations for the Short-Term Employment Authorization (SEA) B-1 Work Visa. The new regulations include shortened visa processing times, increased duration of stay, and overall simpler application processes for candidates wishing to obtain a work visa for short stays.
Continue Reading Israel Releases Updates to the Short-Term Employment Authorization (SEA) B-1 Work Visas
Immigration
Republic of Korea Introduces K-ETA
Starting September 1st, 2021, Korean immigration will require visa waiver entrants (traveling for tourism or business) to obtain an electronic travel authorization, known as, K-ETA, at least 24 hours prior to travel. Currently, K-ETA is an optional program but will become mandatory on September 1st.
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State Department Extends Validity of National Interest Exceptions
On July 6, 2021, the Department of State extended the validity of National Interest Exceptions (NIE) for travelers subject to restrictions under the COVID-19 travel bans (Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, and 10199). Unless otherwise indicated, existing NIEs will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval and for multiple entries, as long as they are used for the purpose under which they were granted.
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Closure Of The EU Settlement Scheme – Not Quite The End . . . Yet
The official 30 June deadline to submit an initial application under the EU Settlement Scheme (“EUSS”) has now passed. There were a flurry of last minute applications and reports of people being unable to submit their applications due to technical difficulties caused by the number of people logging onto the on-line form. There is a significant backlog of applications and some applications have yet to arrive with the Home Office as they had to be submitted by post. Fortunately, whilst an application is pending, an applicant continues to have the right to live and work in the UK.
Whilst the deadline for applications has come and gone, there may still be hope for some who may not have managed to submit an application in time.Continue Reading Closure Of The EU Settlement Scheme – Not Quite The End . . . Yet
A Welcome (And Longer Than Expected) Extension To The Covid-19 UK Right To Work Check Concession
In an eagerly anticipated update, the Home Office has now announced that the Covid-19 adjustment to the right to work (“RTW”) check will no longer end on 20 June 2021 but will be extended to 1 September 2021.
The RTW check seems to be the most frequently changing area of UK immigration law at present…
USCIS Expands Criteria for Expedited Processing
On June 9, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy guidance on the expedited treatment of pending petitions and applications. The new updates, now included in the USCIS Policy Manual, restore the ability for IRS-designated nonprofit organizations to request expedited service, when the request “is in furtherance of the cultural and…
UK Government Publishes 1 July Right To Work Guidance
The Home Office has finally published its revised Code of Practice on Preventing Illegal Working (the “draft Code”) covering the changes to the right to work check requirements for EEA citizens which come into effect on 1 July 2021.
In this article, we look at the changes that the draft Code introduces, how this will affect UK employers and the areas of continued uncertainty.Continue Reading UK Government Publishes 1 July Right To Work Guidance
Supreme Court Rules Against Temporary Protected Status Recipients Trying to Adjust to Permanent Residence
On June 7, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a recipient of Temporary Protected Status (TSP) who entered the United States unlawfully is not eligible under the law to adjust status to lawful permanent residence (LPR) “merely by dint of his TPS.” Sanchez v. Mayorkas, 593 U. S. ____ (2021). Eligibility for…
Early Launch of Covid Certificate by Several EU Countries
The EU plans to launch its EU Digital Covid Certificate (the “Certificate”) across all Member States by 1 July, although some countries, such as Ireland, may implement it at a later date.
As discussed in our previous blog, the Certificate will facilitate travel within the EU by confirming someone has been fully vaccinated with…
State Department Broadens National Interest Exception Criteria for Business Travel
On May 27, 2021, the Secretary of State broadened the eligibility criteria regarding categories of business travelers eligible for National Interest Exceptions under Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, 10143, 10199, and similar subsequent proclamations related to the spread of COVID-19. As a result of this determination, together with national interest determinations already in place, travelers subject to these proclamations due to their presence in China, Iran, India, Brazil, South Africa, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, who are seeking to provide vital support or executive direction for critical infrastructure, and those traveling to provide vital support or executive direction for significant economic activity in the United States, may now qualify for National Interest Exceptions.
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