The European Union (“EU”) has announced that rules of travel to member countries of the EU will change in mid-2025, impacting close to 1.4 billion people from visa-exempt countries, including U.S. citizens. Under a program...more
In a major decision issued Wednesday, the Michigan Supreme Court reinstated both the Earned Sick Time Leave Act (ESTA) and the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA). As discussed further below, the Mothering Justice...more
October 2023 not only provided amazing Halloween costumes but big updates to the United States and global immigration. The Cozen O’Connor catch-up this month highlights these changes and provides the details you need to...more
Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals who have a biometrically enabled passport book can begin applying for authorization to travel to the United States through the US Customs and Border Protection’s Electronic System for...more
The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State (DOS) announced in September that the agencies were expanding the list of Visa Waiver Program countries to include Israel, with a projected effective date of November...more
September 2023 saw major changes and updates in the United States and around the world. The Cozen O’Connor Immigration Catch-Up this month highlights these changes and provides the details you need to determine how or if...more
On September 27, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Israel into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). By November 30, 2023, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will be...more
The United States offers arguably the best opportunities in the world for artists and musicians from every country to express their talents, including on stage, on screen, and in recorded performances. However, the U.S. also...more
The launch date of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has been delayed to 2024, as reflected on the official ETIAS website. The date of entry into operation of ETIAS is not yet known, but it is...more
On July 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated the existing Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application to add questions focusing on an applicant’s travel and connection to Cuba,...more
On June 21, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the launch of a mobile app that will allow travelers from forty countries to apply for visa-free travel authorization directly on their handheld devices....more
By the end of 2023, it is anticipated that visitors to the European Union (EU) who do not require a visa will have to apply for authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This new...more
Effective May 2, 2022, eligible noncitizen visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) through land ports of entry will no longer be required to complete a paper Form I-94W upon arrival and instead, as they have...more
Recognizing “the positive impact of temporary work visa holders on the U.S. economy,” the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced an expansion of its previous policy permitting waivers of the interview requirement for...more
The U.S. secretary of state, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has authorized consular officers to waive in-person interviews for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants through the end of...more
On Monday, September 20, 2021, the White House announced that beginning in early November the Administration will be putting strict protocols in place to require foreign nationals travelling to the United States by air to be...more
On June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of State extended the period of validity for national interest exceptions (NIE) for travelers entering the United States from an area subject to ongoing COVID-related travel bans. ...more
On March 2, 2021, the U.S. Department of State provided guidance regarding the issuance of National Interest Exception (NIE) waivers for travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. This guidance will...more
U.S. agencies are rapidly adapting immigration policy to respond to shifting developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. Our immigration lawyers provide information on the unprecedented range of revised policies. U.S. Entry...more
U.S. Entry Restrictions- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and their immediate family members are not subject to the COVID-19 Entry Restrictions (“Entry Restrictions”). The same exemption...more
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) now allows travelers admitted under the Visa Waiver Program (“VWP”)/ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (“ESTA”) to make Satisfactory...more
COVID-19 is rapidly affecting business immigration in multiple ways. Below is an outline of key impacts to date. International Travel- •Most U.S. embassies and consular posts have temporarily suspended visa services......more
U.S. agencies are rapidly adapting immigration policy to respond to shifting developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. Our immigration lawyers provide information on the unprecedented range of revised policies...more
With the restrictions on travel both into and out of the U.S. as a result of the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, non-U.S. or non-resident individuals (“NRA”) may be forced to extend their status and spend...more
USCIS Suspends Premium Processing for all Form I-129 and I-140 filings - On March 20, 2020 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that effective immediately, it is temporarily suspending Premium...more