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The U.S. State Department's recent announcement has ushered in a new era for H1B and L1 visa holders. For the first time in nearly two decades, these visa holders will experience a significant policy shift: the revival of stateside visa renewal and processing.
In December 2023, the UK government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, announced a set of stringent visa restrictions aimed at reducing migration. These measures, introduced by Home Secretary James Cleverly, include a significant increase in the minimum salary requirement for skilled worker visas to around £38,000 and a ban on dependents for overseas care workers.
In an era where digitization is widespread, the U.S. Department of State is also taking steps to modernise the US visa processing system. With the successful completion of a pilot program, the department is ready to change the face of visa processing by introducing U.S. paperless visas. This move is set to take the traditional visa stamping process to a completely digital platform, making it more efficient and user-friendly.
The recent proposed UK visa restrictions on healthcare workers, have serious implications for the immigration and healthcare situation in the UK. There are concerns about the NHS and Social Care sector. Overseas workers are sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa and sponsor licence system.
The E2 Visa used by many French-owned companies and entrepreneurs has recently undergone a significant change. In a move that promises to boost Franco-American business relations, the duration of the E2 Visa for French nationals has been extended from 25 months to 48 months. This will benefit French businesses, who can now wait longer before having to extend their E2 visa status.
There is continuing controversy in the United Kingdom (UK) over rising immigration figures. Key figures like former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick have been central in voicing concerns and suggesting solutions to address what they view as an escalating issue.