Page 9 - Work Visa News Today

Poised to become one of Asias educational hubs, Chulalongkorn University is admitting Thai and international students to more than 100 international programs in all disciplines to create learning experiences without borders and prepare graduates

The Business Innovation and Investment Program, which includes the so-called Golden Visa that allows wealthy foreigners to effectively buy their way into the country, has been closed to new applicants. The Grattan institute estimates the decision will provide a multi-billion dollar boost to the economy over the next decade by opening the door to more skilled workers.

H-1B visa registration is expected to open in March. USCIS received over 780,000 H-1B registrations for FY 2024. Employers should review current employees immigration status and identify individuals to sponsor for H-1B visa or status. Candidates include recent graduates, individuals subject to the cap, those approaching status limits, H-4 EAD holders, and those considering permanent residence. There is a congressionally mandated quota of 65,000 H-1B visas per fiscal year.

There have been reports going around that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has temporarily stopped issuing work visas for Indians.

Hungary announced that it will cap the number of visas at 65,000 and release a list of approximately 300 off-limits professions. Prime Minister Orban aims to rejuvenate economic growth and address concerns about job availability. The 4.3% unemployment rate and economic challenges make these measures part of a strategy to prioritize local employment opportunities for Hungarian citizens.

South Korea plans to launch a workation visa on January 1, 2024, encouraging foreign nationals to stay for up to one year, aligning with the global workation trend. The visa promotes economic activity and aligns with the fourth edition of the 2027 foreign nationals-related policy plan, focusing on immigration, social integration, and human rights.

Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized that the overall plan aims to reduce net migration to the UK by an estimated 300,000 people compared to the previous year. Additionally, the government has announced changes to the list of occupations in short supply and measures to ensure immigrants can adequately support family members.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the government to reduce wait times for consular services. Currently, individuals on H-1B specialty occupation visas, commonly used in the tech industry and valid for three years, need to get an appointment at a US embassy or consular office for a visa stamp after traveling abroad.

Australia New Student Visa Rules: Two Australian universities -- Deakin University and the University of Wollongong -- are setting up campuses in India, making them the first international institutions to set up a campus in India.

The decision comes in response to a forecasted peak in net immigration at 510,000 in 2022-23, largely driven by international students. Official data indicates an anticipated decline to around a quarter of a million in 2024-25 and 2025-26, aligning with pre-COVID levels.