U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced it has begun issuing a redesigned, more secure Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550) as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity of the immigration system. The agency anticipates that over 600,000 new citizens will receive the enhanced certificate over the…
Immigration Lawyer Blog
Over 100,000 Nigerians given UK visa last year
The British High Commission in Nigeria said yesterday that it issued about 100,000 visas to Nigerians wishing to travel to the United Kingdom, out of the 170,000 that applied. The commission stated this in a statement signed by its press secretary, Hooman Nouruzi in Abuja. The statement said: “The British…
Job visas only for highly skilled, salaried foreigners: Govt. of India
In an attempt to prevent foreigners from getting non-technical jobs, the government has made it clear that citizens of other countries will be taken only for highly-skilled assignments in India and should draw an annual salary of over USD 25,000. In an order, the Home Ministry nullified a Labour Ministry…
Visa-free regime for BiH, Albania
The EU will decide whether to scrap visa requirements for Bosnian and Albanian citizens on November 8th, Sarajevo-based daily Nezavisne Novine reported on Monday (October 18th) ,quoting diplomatic sources in Brussels. The source also said that visas will be lifted by the end of the year. Several countries — including…
Russia hopes to join ranks of top tourist destinations
Tourism in Russia has seen rapid growth since the late Soviet times, first inner tourism and then international tourism as well. Rich cultural heritage and great natural variety place Russia among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The country contains 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while many more…
Immigration NZ trials ID biometrics facelift
Immigration New Zealand has begun trials of biometric technology that uses facial recognition to verify the identity of people coming through New Zealand customs.The trialled technology from biometrics technology firm Daon takes a photo of the person applying for a visa, and then uses this photo to verify the identity…
Canada: Immigrants can boost innovation
According to a new study by the Conference Board of Canada (CBC), immigrants can help boost innovation in Canada, which is currently lagging behind other developed nations. “Immigrants tend to be motivated individuals willing to take risks in search of greater opportunities, which should predispose them to be innovative,” said…
UK faces legal challenges in implementing migration cap
A high court challenge is likely to cause problems for the UK’s plans to implement a cap on immigration into the country. The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants and a number of businesses that depend on skilled immigration to deal with skill shortages have brought a judicial review…
Poland supports Bulgarian bid to join Schengen travel zone
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk backed on Thursday Bulgaria’s bid to join the European visa-free Schengen travel zone in 2011. “Bulgaria is on a fast track to join Schengen and Poland will help it in that direction. Tusk also praised the government’s “steadfast efforts against corruption and organized crime.” Borisov,…
Iraq opens embassy in Afghan capital
Iraq’s ambassador to Afghanistan celebrated the opening its new embassy Wednesday in Kabul, saying it will strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries that date to the 1930s and assist Afghans who want to visit holy sites in Iraq. “Iraqis and Afghans are almost brothers,” Ambassador Qais Subhi al-Yacoubi said…