Ireland: The Immigration Services Registration Office urges customers intending to travel over the coming Christmas holiday period, whose current Irish residence permission will expire, to submit a renewal application

The Immigration Services Registration Office at Burgh Quay Dublin is currently experiencing a very large volume of applications for a renewal of registration permission with a current processing time to renew an IRP card of 3-4 weeks, this period is likely to increase. READ MORE HERE

EU: More flexible visa suspension mechanism

Parliament has backed legislation to make it easier to remove the right to visa-free travel to the EU from countries posing security risks or breaching human rights. READ MORE HERE

USA: President Donald J. Trump Restricts the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats

President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation to protect the nation from foreign terrorist and other national security and public safety threats from entry into the United States. READ MORE HERE

Australia - Annual indexation of skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will be increased by 4.6%. Income thresholds are indexed annually so wages for skilled migrants increase at the same rate as Australian workers. 

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New Zealand - Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and median wage

From 10 March 2025, employers recruiting workers under the AEWV and seasonal SPWV policies will no longer be required to pay the median wage. 

Instead, there will be no set pay thresholds except the New Zealand minimum wage (currently NZD $23.15 an hour, increasing to NZD $23.50 an hour on 1 April).

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Scotland - Scottish Graduate Visa proposed

A dedicated visa for international graduates from Scottish universities or colleges who want to stay in Scotland after their studies has been proposed by First Minister John Swinney.

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UK - The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner rebrands as the Immigration Advice Authority

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) has on January 16 announced its transformation to the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), marking a significant evolution in the regulation of immigration advice services in the UK. 

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US: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Updates Filing Procedures for Form I-140

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on January 13 announced a Federal Register notice (FRN) providing updated procedures for submitting a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, accompanied by a permanent labor certification, application for Schedule A designation, or national interest waiver (NIW) request.

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Denmark - New fee rates for processing applications for residence permits

The fees for processing applications for residence permits in SIRI's case areas will decrease in 2025.

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China - Integrated 'Join in Card' launched for expats

China recently issued its first integrated foreigner's work permit and social security card to provide more convenience for foreigners living in the country.

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