Tag Archive

Canada: CIC to Limit Immigration Benefits for Children, Lift Hold on Parent and Grandparent Cases

  Effective January 2, 2104, children over the age of 18 will no longer qualify for immigration benefits as dependents under any Canadian immigration program. Also on January 2, 2014, the government will resume accepting new applications to sponsor parents and grandparents for permanent residence, with an annual cap of 5,000 applications for 2014.... »

United Kingdom: New Immigration Bill Proposes Tougher Penalties for Noncompliant Employers and Unauthorized Workers

The bill would increase fines for unauthorized foreign workers and the businesses that employ them, make it easier for the UK government to deport those without valid immigration status, and prevent immigrants from accessing public services to which they are not entitled. Temporary migrants would be required to pay for some health care. The... »

Kenya: Short-Term Work Visa Holders Incorrectly Required to Pay Additional Fee at Port of Entry

  Some border officers in Kenya are not applying new immigration regulations and may require Special Pass holders to pay additional fees upon entry. Though the fee is refundable, Special Pass holders should carry sufficient cash in preparation for any potential requests. Foreign nationals can submit refund requests to the Immigration Department for processing.... »

United Kingdom: Home Office to Eliminate UK Border Agency

Executive Summary The UK Border Agency will be replaced by two separate agencies within the Home Office, an immigration and visa processing service and an immigration enforcement service. In a statement delivered to Parliament today, the Home Secretary announced plans to eliminate the UK Border Agency and replace it with two new agencies. One... »

USA: Impact of the Federal Budget Sequester on Immigration Processing

DHS, DOL and the State Department have not yet released specific plans for dealing with across-the-board budget cuts, but immigration processing could be delayed if a budget compromise is not reached in Congress. As has been widely reported in the media, across-the-board funding cuts are set to take effect today at U.S. government agencies... »

During the random checks, individuals are asked to provide proof of valid immigration status. The inspections are being conducted in bus, subway and train stations, public stores, and during routine traffic stops. The Portuguese Immigration Services and local police forces in recent days have been conducting random individual immigration checks in public locations such... »

Fragomen Expands International Reach with New Offices in Switzerland, Mexico and Brazil

Global immigration law firm also names three new partners NEW YORK – (January 31, 2013) – Fragomen, the world’s leading firm exclusively devoted to counseling corporate clients on global immigration law, has further expanded its global presence with the opening of new offices in Switzerland, Mexico and Brazil. Fragomen now has a total of... »

United States: President Obama Voices Support for Employment-Based Immigration Reforms as Senate Begins Work on the Details

The White House outlined several key proposals to reform the employment-based immigration system, including more green card numbers and streamlined permanent residence for STEM graduates. Meanwhile, a slate of detailed business immigration reforms has been introduced by a bipartisan Senate group. Envisioning the United States as “a magnet for the best and brightest,” President... »

Fragomen Bolsters Leadership with Election of New Partners

Fragomen announced today the election of seven new Partners, effective January 1, 2013. The knowledge, experience and commitment to client service from these new Partners fortifies Fragomen’s position as the global leader in immigration law. “At the cornerstone of our firm is our employees’ dedication to delivering world-class immigration services that strengthen our clients’... »

Singapore: Chinese Educational Certificates May Require Additional Verification

Employment pass applicants holding an academic degree issued by a Chinese educational institution may be required to have their degree certified by an independent verification agency, under a new Ministry of Manpower policy that takes effect February 4, 2013. Foreign nationals who hold an academic degree from an institution of higher learning in China... »