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In an Era of Change

September 22, 2021

On September 20, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that it will rescind the COVID-19 travel restrictions banning most travel from Europe, Brazil, India, China, Iran, and South Africa. In its place, the Administration will impose new COVID-19 prevention protocols on all international air travelers, including those coming from countries not previously impacted by the COVID-19 travel bans. While many details regarding the new protocols are still unknown, the White House has shared some details with…

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Chile Introduces a Mobility Pass Relaxing Rules for Entry of Vaccinated Visitors

By María E. Ferré & Kelcey L. Baker

September 21, 2021

On September 16, 2021, Chile’s Ministry of Health announced major modifications to the country’s “Protect Borders” plan, which will now allow for vaccinated non-resident visitors to enter Chile with a “Mobility Pass” (Pase de Movibilidad). As of September 16, 2021, potential visitors to Chile can apply for a Mobility Pass with proof of vaccination* through the Chilean government’s website and receive a pass in approximately a month. Visitors with a Mobility Pass will be able…

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New COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Immigrants

By Morgan Bailey

September 17, 2021

Under the immigration laws of the United States, an individual who applies for an immigrant visa abroad, or who seeks permanent residency while in the United States, must undergo a medical examination to establish that they are free from any conditions that would render them inadmissible on health-related grounds. Effective October 1, 2021, in addition to the current list of mandatory inoculations, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mandates that applicants must also demonstrate completion…

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Japan in Midst of Heated Debate on Whether and How to Open the Country to Business Travel

By Satoru Murase & Kohshi Arnold Itagaki

September 9, 2021

The Japanese government has continued strict entry restrictions for essentially all foreigners due to COVID-19. At the same time, there have been heated debates amongst government officials and Japanese business groups on whether and how to loosen the entry restrictions for business travel, which have impacted both global business and the Japanese economy since the restrictions first came into effect. While the national emergency declaration has been extended to the end of September for many…

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Green Card Applicants Now Can Apply for SSN, Replacement Social Security Card via Form I-485

By Emily E. England & Kelcey L. Baker

August 9, 2021

Social Security: Files and folders in desk drawer with labels and tabs: Home office management

USCIS announced today, August 9, 2021, that applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status are now able to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. Previously, these individuals had to apply for a Social Security number at a Social Security office. USCIS has published an updated Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include the additional questions needed to…

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Biden Administration Considering Vaccination Requirement for Reopening Travel to the United States

By Paul W. Virtue, Elizabeth (Liz) Espín Stern, Grace Shie & Carl C. Risch

August 5, 2021

Several news outlets, including Reuters, AP and NBC, are reporting that a condition of reopening travel to the United States may include vaccination against the SARS-COV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. These reports come only ten days after the White House confirmed that the travel bans currently in place for travelers from 33 countries will remain in place in light of concerns over the transmissibility of the Delta variant. The Biden administration has a keen interest…

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Chile Continues Banning Entry of Foreign Nationals and Placing Restrictions for Exit

By María E. Ferré

July 13, 2021

Chile continues suspending the entry of foreign nationals due to the outbreak of Coronavirus until July 25, 2021. Exemptions have been carved out, including specific procedures for companies to apply for a a safe conduct (“Salvoconducto”) to allow entry to the country for essential or critical personnel.…

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Republic of Korea Introduces K-ETA

By María E. Ferré

July 12, 2021

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Starting September 1st, 2021, Korean immigration will require visa waiver entrants (traveling for tourism or business) to obtain an electronic travel authorization, known as, K-ETA, at least 24 hours prior to travel. Currently, K-ETA is an optional program but will become mandatory on September 1st.…

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In Response to Rising COVID-19 Cases, Taiwan Continues Banning Foreign Nationals

By María E. Ferré

July 11, 2021

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Taiwan continues suspending the entry of visitors and resident visa holders until July 16. Only foreign nationals with an Alien Resident Certificate are permitted to enter. Exceptions are being considered on a case-by-case basis for emergencies and on humanitarian grounds.…

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Decrease in Australia’s Incoming Passenger Cap

By María E. Ferré

July 9, 2021

The limit on the number of international arrivals coming into Australia via commercial flights, the so-called “passenger cap”, will be halved from July 14 due to concerns around the Delta variant of Covid-19. The new cap will be 3,035 international arrivals per week, and each major airport will be subject to these caps: Sydney: 1,505 per week Perth: 265 per week Adelaide: 265 per week Melbourne: 500 per week Brisbane: 500 per week (plus 150…

The Mobile Workforce

In an Era of Change

Blog Authors

Biden Administration to Replace Travel Bans with Vaccine Mandates

Chile Introduces a Mobility Pass Relaxing Rules for Entry of Vaccinated Visitors

New COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Immigrants

Japan in Midst of Heated Debate on Whether and How to Open the Country to Business Travel

Green Card Applicants Now Can Apply for SSN, Replacement Social Security Card via Form I-485

Biden Administration Considering Vaccination Requirement for Reopening Travel to the United States

Chile Continues Banning Entry of Foreign Nationals and Placing Restrictions for Exit

Republic of Korea Introduces K-ETA

In Response to Rising COVID-19 Cases, Taiwan Continues Banning Foreign Nationals

Decrease in Australia’s Incoming Passenger Cap

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