Happy New Year! In this first “Week in Review” of 2024, we’re calling to attention some key recent updates and upcoming immigration policy events/changes.
? 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.?
This week, USCIS issued a policy guidance regarding how they analyze an employer's ability to pay proffered wages for immigrant petitions for first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications.
- The updated guidance explains when a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, beneficiary moves to a new employer, while Form I-140 is pending, USCIS will determine the ability to pay requirements by reviewing facts in existence from the priority date until Form I-140 is filed.
- Generally, employers looking to classify prospective employees under the first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications that require a job offer have to show their continuing ability to pay proffered wages as of the priority date of the immigration petition until the beneficiary receives lawful permanent residency.?
More information on the policy guidance can be found here.?
- Brazil: The visa requirements for Canadian, American, and Australian nationals to enter Brazil has been extended to April 10.
- China: Effective January 1, 2024, tourist visa applicants within the United States will no longer be required to submit proof of a round-trip air ticket booking, proof of a hotel reservation, an itinerary or an invitation letter.
- Finland: Finland has increased the daily financial requirement for short-stay visitors to EUR 50 per day of stay (previously EUR 30). This financial requirement applies to visits of no more than 90 days.
- New Zealand: The Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Act 2023 will come into effect on January 6, 2024. The Act introduces a suite of changes to combat migrant exploitation.
