Immigration news

Some citizens of EU member states could pay more in UK work visa fees than other EU nationals, according to a report published by Politico. The report claims that citizens of at least five Eastern European and Baltic nations must pay more to obtain a work visa for the UK.

 

The row around visa-free travel for UK and EU musicians could be ended by changing one UK immigration rule, according to campaign group UK Europe Artswork. Founder of the group, Ian Smith, has urged the Home Office to exempt EU musicians from needing a certificate of sponsorship to enter the UK.

 

Alejandro Mayorkas has been confirmed by the US Senate as the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to become the first ever Latino and immigrant to be appointed to the role. Mayorkas secured US citizenship in 1973 after his father had fled Cuba and takes the DHS hotseat after a 56 – 43 vote in favor of permanently appointing him.

 

The row over visa-free travel for musicians between Brussels and Westminster escalated recently as UK Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, unleashed a furious attack on the EU. Dowden accused Brussels of being ‘absurd and self-defeating’ over the issue and pledged to support the UK music industry.

 

British music industry representatives have urged the government to take ‘urgent action’ over the issue, amid fears that red tape under the current Brexit deal could have adverse implications on the sector.

Switching employers for US E3 visa holders has effectively been barred amid the coronavirus pandemic and lengthy USCIS processing times. Currently reserved for nationals of Australia, the E3 visa allows Australian citizens to work in the United States in a speciality occupation. 

 

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) US immigration program, which allows international students to remain in the US for up to three years to work after they graduate, has survived a legal challenge over its extension. However, the labor union that filed the lawsuit is set to appeal the ruling.  

US District Court Judge for the District of Columbia, Reggie B.