Key Points Denmark reduced the number of documents required as part of the residence and work permit application process for foreign nationals applying under the Greenlandic Health care system Overview The Danish government introduced changes for healthcare professionals entering the country from Greenland. As a result, persons offered employment in the Greenlandic Health Care system...Continue Reading
Key Points Vietnam opened five entry system gates to simplify entry into the country for Vietnamese citizens holding valid chip-based passports Overview The government of Vietnam will open five entry system gates (autogates) at airport entry points. The five airports include Da Nang, Noi Bai, Cam Ranh, Tan Son Nhat, and Phu Quoc. Initially, autogates...Continue Reading
Key Points The UK’s language testing system announced changes to its English language testing rules Overview The government of the United Kingdom (UK) launched a new measure that will allow foreign nationals to retake one section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within 60 days of receiving the original test results. The retake...Continue Reading
ExKey Points Canada conducted its first draw for healthcare-related workers applying under the country’s Express Entry stream Overview of the STEM Express Entry Draw The government of Canada conducted its first draw for health-care-related workers and skilled foreign nationals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) applying under the country’s Express Entry stream. As...Continue Reading
Key Points South Africa is in the process of implementing a new biometric registration system for foreign nationals Overview The government of South Africa opened its newest draft National Biometric Identification and Registration Bill for public comment. Written submissions must be made on or before 30 June 2023. The bill aims to create a digital...Continue Reading
Key Points The government of Germany continues to seek digital systems for its migration program to expedite services Overview of Digital Efforts The government of Germany announced efforts to implement digital measures into its immigration system. These measures include providing digital services that allow various government agencies to share immigration information to create faster processing procedures. ...Continue Reading
Key Points South Africa will reform its immigration work visa system to attract further investment in the country Overview The government of South Africa will reform its immigration work visa system to attract further investment in the country. These reform measures include: Decentralizing the adjudication process for visa applications to foreign missions. Currently, visas are...Continue Reading
In a welcoming sign to global mobility professionals everywhere, Ireland is transitioning toward a fully digital immigration system. In recent years, top global corporations have increased their footprint in Ireland, emerging as a crucial entry point into the European Union (EU) market. Ireland’s tax, regulatory and immigration rules make it a favorable destination for...Continue Reading
Key Points The Philippines will replace paper-based departure cards with the eTravel system beginning 1 May 2023 Overview The government of the Philippines will discontinue the use of paper-based departure cards beginning 1 May 2023. As a replacement, the government will expand the use of the eTravel system. Through the eTravel system, travelers will be...Continue Reading
On March 6, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expanded premium processing to two additional categories, which are F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) OPT. Overview Effective immediately, USCIS will accept Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for F-1 students with a pending Form I-765, Application for...Continue Reading