Immigration news update for Americas and APAC regions
Americas
United States: Automatic extension of Green Cards
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that lawful permanent residents, who have applied for naturalization, will have their Green Cards automatically extended. Â Once the naturalization request has been properly filed via Form N-400, the extension should be received regardless of filing of Form I-90 (extension of Permanent Resident Card). USCIS will issue receipt notices that extend the Green Cards for up to 24 months and said receipts can be presented along with the expired Green Cards as evidence of continued lawful status, as well as a form of identification and employment authorization.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the USCIS.
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 Rafael Pavanelli (Regional Immigration Manager, AMER).
Asia-Pacific
Australia: Australia-India Free Economic and Trade Agreement
The India Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IAECTA) passed the Australian Senate and this trade agreement will deliver new market access opportunities for Australian businesses and consumers from December 29, 2022.
Reflecting the importance of Australia’s education exports to India, Australia has for the first time confirmed post-study work rights in a side letter to a free trade agreement and will extend access for highly sought-after STEM graduates.
Australia will maintain opportunities for former Indian students to live, study and work temporarily upon the completion of:
- Diploma or trade qualification (up to 18 months), bachelor’s degree (up to two years),
- Master’s degrees (up to three years) or
- Doctoral degree (up to four years).
An additional year will be available for Indians who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in STEM and ICT with First Class Honors (from two to three years).
Australia will also provide new access for young Indians to participate in working holidays in Australia. Places in Australia’s Work and Holiday program will be set at 1,000 per year and Australia will have two years to implement the outcome in this new location.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Australian Government.
India: Resumption of e-visa
The High Commission of India has resumed the e-Visa facility for UK and Malaysian nationals with immediate effect. The e-Visa facility has been suspended since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the e-visa system has been restored, Malaysian and UK passport holders can now apply for three different types of e-visas, including those for visiting India for business, tourism, or medical reasons.
This is a piece of welcome news for British and Malaysian tourists and business visitors to India as they will no longer be required to make an in-person appointment at a visa applications centre.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Australian and Indian Government.
Mumbai Airport issues Advisory for Domestic & International Passengers
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) issued an advisory for both domestic and international passengers who are expected to travel from the airport in the coming weeks, advising them to arrive at the airport early.
According to the advisory, international travellers should arrive at the airport at least 3.5 hours before their scheduled departure times, and domestic travellers should arrive at least 2.5 hours before. The advisory comes as a large influx of travellers is anticipated at the airport in the upcoming weeks due to the festive season.
A large influx of travellers is anticipated in other cities as well and hence travellers should check with their respective airline about the boarding timeline.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from CN traveller.
Sri Lanka: Relaxation from submitting COVID vaccination certificate and COVID-19 test
Effective immediately, the requirement to produce a COVID vaccination certificate and COVID-19 test (RT PCR/ RAT) arriving in Sri Lanka via Airport and Seaport has been discontinued.
If foreign nationals are infected with COVID after landing in Sri Lanka, they should isolate themselves for seven days in a private hospital, hotel, or where they reside, and the cost of treatment or isolation should be borne by themselves.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Ministry of Health.
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 Debra Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
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