Key Points Canada introduced a new plan for the future of its immigration system, intending to strengthen the country’s immigration system Overview The government of Canada introduced a new plan for the future of its immigration system to strengthen the country’s immigration system. These measures will include: Introducing new humanitarian routes to respond to global...Continue Reading
On Oct. 30, 2023, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence, with the goal of attracting more high-skilled foreign talent to the U.S. for related jobs. Overview The executive order intends to attract more high-skilled foreign talent to the U.S. for employment in artificial intelligence (AI) and other critical...Continue Reading
Key Points The EU introduced a proposal to strengthen its visa suspension mechanism and visa-free travel schemes Overview The government of the European Union (EU) introduced a proposal aimed at strengthening its visa suspension mechanism and monitoring visa-free travel countries. The proposed revision will: Expand the grounds to suspend visa-free regimes, such as...Continue Reading
As all HR teams and mobility managers know, managing global immigration involves handling personal and sensitive information for your foreign national employees. And in a digital age where cyber events leading to data breaches have far-reaching consequences, companies should always take proactive steps to protect their team. One crucial step in preserving privacy and protecting...Continue Reading
Key Points The UK received recommendations from MAC, an independent review committee, on proposed changes to the SOL Overview The government of the United Kingdom’s (UK) Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) introduced several recommendations for the country’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL). SOL is used as a measure for allocating the number of work permits issued in...Continue Reading
Key Points The European Union agreed to extend temporary protection measures for Ukrainian nationals until 3 March 2025 Overview The European Commission (EU) added an additional extension to temporary protection measures for people fleeing from Ukraine. The extension will move the expiration date of these measures from 4 March 2024 to 3 March 2025. What...Continue Reading
Key Points Canada will no longer require upfront medical examinations as part of the application process under the Express Entry system Overview The government of Canada will no longer require upfront medical examinations as part of the application for Express Entry. Instead, foreign nationals will need to wait for instructions from the Canadian government prior...Continue Reading
The U.S. government has announced that citizens and nationals of Israel will soon be eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Effective Nov. 30, 2023, Israeli citizens and nationals can apply to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes without first obtaining a U.S. visa. They can...Continue Reading
Key Points The European Commission is expected to delay the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETIAS) until 2025 Overview The European Commission is expected to delay the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETIAS) until 2025. Originally, ETIAS was anticipated to be introduced at the start of 2024. The date has been...Continue Reading
Key Points India announced the immediate suspension of visa services for Canadian nationals on 21 September 2023 Overview On 21 September 2023, India’s visa processing office in Canada, BLS International, announced an immediate suspension of visa services for Canadian nationals. As a result, Canadian nationals, including those residing in other countries, will be...Continue Reading