Ireland allows travel on recently-expired IRP cards during summer backlog
IRCC Targets Senior Managers in Surprise Express Entry Draw
Interim notice lets employees keep working despite expired IRP cards
Latest News
India launches fully-digital e-OCI card, ending mandatory booklet for overseas citizens
India has switched to an electronic Overseas Citizen of India (e-OCI) card, available free on the OCI portal and accepted at all airports. The digital upgrade eliminates paper booklets, integrates with the IVFRT platform and speeds immigration processing—welcome news for the nine-million-strong Indian diaspora and the companies that employ them.
U.S. blocks citizens returning from DR Congo, requires 21-day third-country stay over Ebola surge
Citing a fast-moving Ebola outbreak, Washington has barred U.S. citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo from flying directly home. Americans must first stay 21 days in a third country and clear CDC checks. The policy disrupts corporate and NGO travel itineraries and forces firms to fund extended layovers and medical monitoring.
Federal Court Strikes Down Controversial $100,000 H-1B Filing Fee
A federal judge has voided the administration’s $100,000 surcharge on certain new H-1B petitions, reinstating the pre-2025 fee schedule and averting a major cost shock for U.S. employers seeking high-skill foreign talent. The decision provides immediate budget relief but could still be appealed.
Switzerland and UK clinch services-focused FTA with 90-day visa-free stays for professionals
Bern and London have concluded a modernised free-trade agreement centred on services. Key provisions include reciprocal visa-free stays of up to 90 days a year for service professionals, five-year intra-company transfers without Swiss economic-needs testing, access to Swiss e-gates for UK nationals and an end to mobile-roaming fees. The accord gives employers unprecedented flexibility in deploying staff between two CHF 60 billion service markets and is expected to enter into force in 2027.