Immigration news updates for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Canada: Update on prevailing wage
The Canadian government has updated the prevailing wage (median wage) information for occupations across the country.
- LMIA-based work permit: employers must ensure job postings and applications comply with the new wage requirements. If a foreign worker’s current salary falls below the new prevailing wage, it must be increased.
- IMP/non-LMIA work permits: similar considerations apply, especially for intra-company transferees.
- Annual salary reviews: employers must review foreign workers’ salaries annually to ensure they meet or exceed the median wage.
This summary was prepared using information from our local service provider Kranc Associates, Corporate Immigration Counsel.
United States: Revised Exchange Visitor Skills List
The Department of State has announced an update to the Exchange Visitors Skills List, applicable from December 9, 2024. This list identifies countries that require specialized knowledge or skills, as designated by the Secretary of State. It is used by the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to determine if a “J” non-immigrant exchange visitor is subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The “J” non-immigrant exchange visitors, or those who acquired such status in the United States, are ineligible to apply for an immigrant visa, for permanent residence, and certain non-immigrant visas until they have resided and been physically present in their country of nationality or last residence for a combined at least two years following their departure from the United States. The updated list of designated countries can be found here.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Federal Register
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Hungary: Changes related to the EU Blue Card salary
The salary for third-country nationals employed with an EU Blue Card must comply with the legislation in force at the time of application. For applications submitted in 2024, the salary should follow the current rules. It is recommended that the monthly salary in the preliminary agreement should not be less than the amount specified in Decree 44/2011 (NGM) or any subsequent legislation. Employers must monitor and adjust salaries according to changes in the minimum wage laws.
Employer’s Duties:
- Ensure compliance with current legislation and adjust salaries accordingly.
- Adjust salaries to the higher of either 883,671 HUF, the average salary for the position’s FEOR number, or the legally mandated minimum wage.
- The minister responsible for employment policy will publish the minimum wage data for the EU Blue Card annually by October 31. For 2025, the minimum monthly wages are set at 883,671 HUF (Section 3(1)) and 706,937 HUF (Section 3(2)) of the NGM Decree.
Additional changes related to the EU Blue Card allow its holder to work exclusively in the job their permit was issued for one year from the date of issuance , except in cases of Hungarian employment policy interests. After this period, the employee can change employers within the same job without needing to submit a new application for a consolidated permit, but must notify the OIF
This summary was prepared using the information from the local service partner.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Veronika Vitkova (Team Leader, EMEA) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Ireland: Expired IRP cards valid for holiday travel until January 31, 2025
Irish officials have announced that certain individuals will be permitted to travel this holiday season on a recently expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card, valid until January 31, 2025, due to a backlog in processing registrations. For individuals to travel the Minister has issued a Travel Confirmation Notice, which is valid from December 2, 2024, until January 31, 2025.
To be eligible, an application to renew the IRP card must have been submitted to Immigration Services Delivery prior to the card’s expiration date and to be legally residing in Ireland.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Irish Immigration
United Kingdom: The use of expired BRP’s extended
The government has announced that expired physical documents will be accepted for international travel from January 1, 2025, until March 31, 2025, to assist visa holders transitioning to the new eVisa system. Individuals are advised to carry Expired Biometric Residence Permits or Biometric Residence Cards with them. Individuals are also advised to check their online account to make sure their current passport is linked and to generate a share code and carry with them when travelling. This is to avoid any delays when returning to the UK.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the UK Parliament
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (Team Leader, UK) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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