Global Immigration News – August 30, 2016

Get the latest update on global immigration news.

Source: Fragomen Worldwide 

In United States immigration news, a proposed regulation would give the Justice Department broader powers to investigate immigration-related employment discrimination cases.  The agency is accepting public feedback on the proposal through September 14, 2016.  Another proposed regulation by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is likely to be published in the coming days and is expected to speed the entry of certain foreign inventors, researchers and entrepreneurs into the United States.

U.S. consulates in India continue to experience significant backlogs in nonimmigrant visa appointments for H, L and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas.  The appointment backlog could delay U.S. employment start dates and reentry to the United States, unless applicants are able to secure a visa appointment at another consulate.

In Canada, 750 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residence in its most recent Express Entry draw.  The minimum qualifying score for this draw increased to 538, substantially higher than previous draws.

In Malaysia, tougher requirements take effect September 1, 2016 for Employment Pass applications submitted to the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation.

In Nicaragua, Venezuelan nationals seeking to enter Nicaragua now require a consular visa with a pre-approval from the General Directorate of Immigration, a process that takes 45-60 days

In the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended the issuance of all visas until further notice.

A strike by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs workers in Brazil will result in delayed visa processing and document legalization procedures, both within the country and at many consulates worldwide.