Week in Review: 1/12 - 1/19

Hey all — In this week’s “In Review,” we’re leading off with the news that Congress has averted a government shutdown for now and sharing some recent updates from USCIS and global news and upcoming immigration policy events/changes. Please note the upcoming USCIS webinar about the new Organizational Accounts.

Please read on for plenty of US and global news and notables in this Week in Review — and, as always, all the immigration news is available on our website.?

US Immigration News & Notes

On Friday, President Biden signed a stopgap spending bill that will keep federal agencies funded and the government open through early March.

Agencies related to immigration, DHS, DOL, and DOS, are funded through March 8, 2024.

What’s next: The continuing resolution (CR) funds the government through March 1 and March 8, but now lawmakers must finalize a dozen annual spending bills.

• If Congress cannot pass those bills, Congress may need another stopgap funding bill through the rest of the fiscal year.
• A CR through the end of the year would require federal agencies to maintain flat budgets or to conduct budget cuts.

This is the third stopgap funding bill passed this year.

The bottom line: The CR passed today means there is no interruption of government services or immigration processing. Still, a shutdown remains possible until the appropriations bills are agreed to or another stopgap is passed.

More US Updates:

• State Department Releases Additional Guidance for H-1B Domestic Visa Renewal Pilot?
• H-1B Modernization Regulation Nears Finality?
• USCIS Reached Cap for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas?

Plan ahead: USCIS invites petitioning employers to participate in a webinar on Tuesday, January 23, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern to learn about the new online organizational accounts. Learn more?

Global Immigration News & Notes

Canada: On January 9, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the opening of a new temporary resident pathway for Gazans with extended family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

France: Effective January 1, 2024, the French government has increased the monthly minimum wage by 1.13% to EUR 11.65 gross per hour. The minimum monthly salary has increased from EUR 1747.20 to EUR 1766.92. This applies to the salary requirement for several work immigration categories.

Israel: On January 13, 2024, Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority issued a press release answering questions for foreign workers in this current period.

Lithuania: Effective January 1, 2024, the Lithuanian government has introduced a new minimum monthly salary and minimum hourly wage. The new minimum monthly salary is EUR 924; the minimum hourly wage is EUR 5.65. These changes apply to foreign nationals working in Lithuania.

Saudi Arabia: The Premium Residency Centre has announced the launch of five new Premium Residency Permits (PRP), which permit long-term, self-sponsored residence for qualifying foreign nationals.