Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Update on visas
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has officially resumed the scheduling of F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), and M-1 (vocational student) visa appointments, following a temporary pause. As part of this resumption, the DOS has introduced updated screening procedures that place a stronger emphasis on applicants’ digital footprints.
Key Changes:
- Expanded Social Media Review: Consular officers will now examine applicants’ online presence across social media platforms. Content deemed hostile toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions or founding values may impact visa eligibility.
- Public Profile Requirement: applicants are required to make their social media profiles publicly accessible during the review period.
- National Security Screening: Officers are instructed to flag any content that may indicate support for terrorism, anti-Semitic rhetoric or violence, or other threats to U.S. national security.
- Rapid Implementation: these new vetting measures are expected to be fully implemented within five business days.
- Potential Delays: the additional screening may lead to longer wait times for both appointment scheduling and visa processing.
Guidance for Applicants:
- Ensure all social media accounts are set to public during the application process.
- Be ready to discuss past online activity during the visa interview, if asked.
- Allow extra time for both appointment scheduling and visa processing due to the enhanced review procedures.
This summary was prepared using information provided by our service partner Maggio, Kattar, Nahajzer + Alexander, PC.
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 Operations Director, Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Hong Kong: Implementation of stricter controls on imported labour
The Labour Department (LD) has announced the implementation of a series of measures under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS), effective June 17, 2025, to reinforce the protection of employment opportunities for local workers.
To prevent the displacement of local employees by imported labour, the LD has introduced an online complaint form on the ESLS dedicated webpage.
In addition, for ESLS applications that pass initial screening and enter the four-week local recruitment phase, the LD will now publish the names of applicant companies on the Interactive Employment Service website. This aims to encourage job seekers to apply for the advertised positions.
To prevent abuse of the scheme, employers who submit an ESLS application will generally be restricted from submitting additional applications within the following six months, except under exceptional circumstances such as contract renewals.
The LD will also launch a special inspection campaign to ensure compliance with the required 2:1 ratio of full-time local employees to imported workers. Employers will be required to report relevant staffing data, and any substantiated violations will result in administrative sanctions.
The ESLS strictly prohibits the replacement of local workers with imported labour. In cases of redundancy, imported workers must be the first to be retrenched. Violations may lead to the withdrawal of labour importation approvals and a two-year ban on future applications.
The LD will continue to monitor the labour market closely and review the ESLS to ensure it remains effective in safeguarding local employment.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Government of Hong Kong
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 Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Israel: Automatic extension of visas
The Population and Immigration Authority of Israel has announced an automatic extension of visas for foreign nationals who are legally residing in the country. This extension applies to all eligible visas that were valid as of June 12, 2025, and will now remain valid until September 30, 2025.
There is no need to visit the Authority’s offices to receive this extension – the process is automatic.
This measure is intended to ease the burden on foreign residents and visitors during this period and ensure continuity of legal status without requiring in-person visits or additional paperwork.
The automatic extension applies to holders of the following visa types:
- B/1 – General Work Visa
- B/2 – Tourist Visa
- B/4 – Volunteer Visa
- A/1 – Temporary Resident Visa
- A/2 – Student Visa (excluding agricultural trainees)
- A/3 – Clergy Visa
- A/4 – Companion Visa
- A/5 – Temporary Resident Visa
- DCL Permit – For family reunification and humanitarian cases
Foreign nationals holding any of the above visa types can continue their stay in Israel legally until the end of September without taking any further action.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the Israeli Government
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 Operations Director, Immigration).
United Kingdom: Global Talent Taskforce launched
The UK government has announced an initiative to attract top global talent in science, technology, and creative industries. Key highlights include:
- Global Talent Taskforce: a new body aimed at identifying and supporting elite researchers, entrepreneurs, engineers, and creatives to relocate to the UK.
- £54 Million Global Talent Fund: will cover relocation and research costs for world-class researchers over five years, distributed via UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), to leading universities and research institutions.
- Fast-Track Visa and Grant Routes: expansion of the High Potential Individual visa and new accelerated research grant routes from the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering.
- Additional Fellowships:
- Turing AI ‘Global’ Fellowships: £25 million for AI research teams.
- Encode: AI for Science Fellowship: Embeds AI researchers in UK labs, with new talent arriving by Autumn 2025.
This summary was prepared using information provided from the UK Government
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 (Immigration Team Leader) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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