Week: December 23 - 27, 2024

In this week's newsletter, USCIS announced it will publish a revised edition of Form I-129 on January 17, officials from the State Department and Mexican government dedicated the new U.S. Embassy Mexico City and CIS Ombudsman issued formal recommendations to USCIS for improving family-based petition routing procedures and preventing post-approval delays. Plus, the latest in global immigration news.

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• United States | USCIS to publish revised Form I-129 on Jan. 17

USCIS announced it will publish a revised edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker on Jan. 17, 2025.

• United States | Agency issues recommendations for USCIS family-based petition procedures

The CIS Ombudsman issued formal recommendations to USCIS for improving family-based petition routing procedures and preventing post-approval delays.

• United States | State Department dedicates new U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Officials from the State Department and Mexican government dedicated the new U.S. Embassy Mexico City on December 17.

• European Union | Bulgaria and Romania fully joining Schengen area Jan. 1
• Canada | Flagpoling for work and study permits ending
• Canada | Change in the Express Entry system
• China | Visa-free transit policy updated
• South Korea | K-ETA exemption extended
• Philippines | Change for Alien Employment Permit applications