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Highlights: Australia announces the new NT DAMA III effective from March 2025

• The Australian Government announced the new NT Designated Area Migration III on March 19, 2025.
• The new NT DAMA III will be effective from March 2025 to June 30, 2030.
• Through the third DAMA, Australian employers with workforce shortages can sponsor up to 1,500 overseas workers annually.
• Around 325 occupations were announced in the new Northern Territory list.

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Australia’s New NT Designated Area Migration Agreement

On March 19, 2025, the Australian Government announced the new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) for the Northern Territory. This is the third DAMA to be released for the Northern Territory. The latest NT DAMA III will be effective from March 19, 2 025 to June 30, 2030, with an annual quota of 1,500. As per the new update, Australian employers with workforce shortages can sponsor an additional 1,500 overseas workers to work in different occupations. A DAMA or Designated Area Migration Agreement is an official agreement between a designated area representative (DAR) and the Commonwealth of Australia.

 

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Highlights of the new NT DAMA III

The NT DAMA III will be valid from March 19, 2025, to June 30, 2030.

• It has an annual nominations quota of 1,500
• The occupations list is expanded to 325 occupations compared to the previous list of 135 occupations
• The processing of labour agreement requests will be more streamlined.
• There will be more concessions for skills, experience, and language proficiency
• The policies under the NT DAMA III are more in line with the state and territory migration plans

 

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Highlights: Canada’s new immigration minister Rachael Bendayan might introduce new means for PR & work permits

• The new Prime Minister of Canada has selected Rachel Bendayan as the new immigration minister of Canada.
• Rachel Bendayan will now be heading the immigration department of Canada after Marc Miller.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney will be prioritizing providing PR status to temporary residents in Canada.  
• The new cabinet reshuffle might impact immigration rules for PR, work permit, and study permit applications.

 

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Canada Gets New Immigration Minister

Following the 2025 federal elections in Canada, the newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney has nominated Rachel Bendayan as the new immigration minister. The new immigration minister will head the immigration department of Canada, taking over from the former immigration minister Marc Miller.

The new shift in the Canadian cabinet is likely to impact immigration policies of the country, including policy changes for Canada PR, work permit, and study permit applications. As a part of the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027, the new Prime Minister and the new immigration minister will prioritize providing Canada PR to the temporary residents already living in Canada.

 

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Changes to expect under Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canada’s immigration policy is now to be decided by the new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and the new Immigration Minister, Rachel Bendayan. Among other policies, Carney had previously advocated for:

• Introducing caps to a sustainable limit
• Prioritising offering permanent residency to temporary residents
• Keeping a check on the number of temporary foreign workers

Under Mark Carney and Rachel Bendayan's ministerial rule, major policy shifts and cap counts are to be expected, which might impact foreign nationals willing to migrate, study, or work in Canada.

 

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Highlights: Luxembourg Raises the EU Blue Card salary requirement to €63,408

• Luxembourg has increased the minimum salary requirements for EU Blue Card applicants.
• The salary requirement for an EU Blue Card has been increased from €58,968 to €63,408.
• The new salary changes apply to applications submitted from March 18, 2025.
• In 2024, Luxembourg had issued 825 EU Blue Cards to foreign nationals.

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Luxembourg Announces a 7.53% hike in the EU Blue Card Salaries

Luxembourg is another EU country that recently announced a salary hike to the EU Blue Card. As per the recent changes, EU Blue Card applicants must now meet the minimum salary requirement of €63,408 instead of the previous €58,968. The salary changes to Luxembourg’s EU Blue Card represented a 7.53% hike, with an increase of €4,440. The new EU Blue Card salary requirement was effective from March 18, 2025. Candidates applying for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card must now meet the minimum salary level of €63,408 to qualify. Around 825 EU Blue Cards were issued by Luxembourg last year, in 2024.

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Eligibility criteria for Luxembourg’s EU Blue Card

To be eligible for a Luxembourg EU Blue Card, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a non-EU citizen
• Have a valid passport
• A valid visa (if required, based on your nationality)
• Evidence of higher educational qualifications
• Proof of at least 5 years of professional experience
• An employment contract valid for at least 6 months
• Fulfill the salary requirement of €63,408

 

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Your US Study Visa or Green Card status no longer guarantees smooth travel in and out of America. Currently, immigration attorneys report unprecedented levels of scrutiny, with many visa holders facing extended questioning and even overnight detention at US airports.

However, these challenges affect different visa categories differently. If you hold an H-1B, F-1, or Green Card, you should know that the US State Department has reduced visa interview waiver eligibility from 48 months to just 12 months. Additionally, if you stay outside the US for more than six months, you might face intensive screening upon return. This guide explains the essential steps to protect your immigration status and navigate the new travel landscape safely.

US Immigration Officials Implement Stricter Travel Scrutiny

Multiple US agencies have dramatically intensified border screening under the Trump administration, creating unprecedented challenges for international travelers. This security crackdown extends across all immigration categories, with tighter scrutiny at ports of entry and lengthy processing delays at US consulates worldwide.

How New Policies Affect Different Visa Categories

The most significant policy change affects the interview waiver program. Previously, visa holders could avoid in-person interviews if their visa expired within 48 months. Currently, this window has narrowed to just 12 months. Consequently, F-1 students transitioning to H-1B status must now attend a consular interview, as must H-1B workers whose visas expired more than a year ago.

Furthermore, immigration officials are subjecting applications to extended "administrative processing" with no clear explanation. As Snehal Batra, managing attorney at NPZ Law Group, notes: "We know of individuals stuck in administrative processing for no apparent reason other than additional scrutiny and security clearances".

H-1B and F-1 visa holders should prepare for:

• Detailed questioning by Customs officers
• Secondary inspections lasting over two hours
• Thorough examination of social media accounts and digital devices
• Potential re-adjudication of previously approved applications

Even after USCIS approves an H-1B visa, consular officers can refuse it and send the application back for re-evaluation, stranding applicants abroad for 4-6 months minimum.

Why Green Card Holders Face Unexpected Challenges

Green Card holders, particularly elderly travelers, face mounting pressure at ports of entry. Reports indicate Customs and Border Protection officers are increasingly urging permanent residents to voluntarily surrender their status by signing Form I-407.

Since Vice President JD Vance's statement that "a green card does not give an individual an indefinite right to stay in the United States," heightened concerns have spread among permanent residents. Legal experts warn that extended absences can trigger questions about abandonment of residency.

Customs officers are actively monitoring social media, email accounts, and electronic devices during immigration inspections. Any digital evidence suggesting employment or residence abroad could jeopardize permanent resident status.

For Green Card holders, stays exceeding six months outside the US typically trigger intensive questioning. Rather than offering voluntary withdrawal of admission applications, officers may issue a Notice to Appear in immigration court, putting permanent resident status at risk.

Immigration attorneys now strongly recommend that Green Card holders avoid non-essential international travel or consider applying for US citizenship before their next trip abroad.

What Documents Must US Study Visa Holders Prepare Before Travel

Preparing thorough documentation is essential for F-1 visa holders planning international travel, especially given the heightened scrutiny at US ports of entry. Careful preparation reduces the risk of denial when attempting to reenter the United States.

Essential Papers for F-1 Visa Holders

Every F-1 student must carry several critical documents when traveling abroad. First, ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US. Your Form I-20 must contain a valid travel signature from your designated school official, typically valid for one year for enrolled students. Moreover, bring your valid F-1 visa stamp, I-901 SEVIS fee receipt (printable from fmjfee.com), and recent transcripts showing continuous enrollment. Financial documentation demonstrating sufficient funds is likewise necessary—bring bank statements or stipend letters matching or exceeding the amount listed on your I-20.

Additional Documentation for OPT Participants

F-1 students on Optional Practical Training face stricter requirements and shorter validity periods. While standard documents remain necessary, OPT participants must also carry their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and proof of employment directly related to their field of study. Unlike enrolled students, travel signatures on I-20 forms for OPT participants are valid for only six months. Additionally, employment verification documents should clearly show the employer name matching exactly what appears on page 2 of your I-20 form.

Digital Copies and Emergency Contacts

Above all, create digital backups of all travel documents. Store electronic copies in cloud storage and email them to yourself for easy access. In case of document loss or emergency, save crucial contact information—specifically the US Department of State's emergency numbers (1-888-407-4747 from the US/Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from overseas) and the nearest US embassy or consulate details. Upon return to the US, immediately download your new I-94 record to verify correct admission status (Class of Admission: F-1, Admit Until Date: D/S).

How Visa Stamping Delays Create Return Uncertainties

Recent policy changes at US consulates worldwide have significantly complicated return journeys for visa holders. Previously routine renewals now face extended delays, leaving many travelers stranded overseas for unpredictable periods.

Interview Waiver Changes Extend Processing Times

The US Department of State has drastically reduced the interview waiver eligibility window—commonly called "dropbox" applications—from 48 months to just 12 months. This policy shift forces significantly more applicants to schedule in-person interviews, creating extensive backlogs at consulates globally.

Most notably, this change affects:

• Students transitioning from F-1 to H-1B status (now require interviews)
• H-1B workers whose previous visa expired over 12 months ago
• Anyone changing visa categories, regardless of previous approval history

Legal experts from NPZ Law Group caution that even individuals with multiple previous visa approvals now face prolonged administrative processing without clear explanation. Applications flagged for "221(G) administrative processing" frequently stall for months with no guaranteed completion timeline.

Furthermore, consular officers now hold authority to refuse visas and return petitions to USCIS for re-adjudication—potentially leaving travelers stranded abroad for 4-6 months or longer.

Which Consulates Report Longest Processing Backlogs

According to State Department data, processing times vary dramatically between consular offices. Currently, three consulates—Abu Dhabi, Dhaka, and Accra—would take over two years to clear existing backlogs at current processing rates. Eight additional consulates report backlogs exceeding one year.

Unfortunately, consulates in African nations continue experiencing disproportionate delays compared to other regions. For instance, Nairobi reports 293 business days of backlog while Warsaw shows just 2 business days.

Due to these uncertainties, immigration attorneys strongly advise:

1. Scheduling visa appointments 4-6 months before planned travel
2. Checking alternative consulates with shorter wait times when possible
3. Developing contingency plans for potential delays
4. Avoiding unnecessary international travel, especially for visa holders nearing status transitions

The State Department acknowledges these challenges, noting that "although our processing capacity has rebounded faster than projected, demand remains at historically high levels in some countries."

When Should Green Card Holders Consider Citizenship Applications

Green Card holders increasingly consider fast-tracking citizenship applications as protection against tightening immigration enforcement. Currently, the naturalization process averages 5.5 months from submission to oath ceremony, making it a practical solution for those concerned about their residency status.

Elderly Travelers Face Heightened Surrender Pressure

Immigration attorneys report an alarming trend of elderly Green Card holders facing intensified scrutiny at US airports. Customs and Border Protection officers are increasingly pressuring permanent residents, particularly elderly Indians who spend winter months in their home country, to sign Form I-407 and voluntarily surrender their status. These individuals face secondary inspection, overnight detention, and even threats of removal if they resist.

Florida-based immigration attorney Ashwin Sharma notes: "CBP has targeted elderly Indian green card holders, particularly grandparents who spent longer outside the US, pressuring them to 'voluntarily' surrender their lawful permanent resident status". Legal experts emphasize that only an immigration judge can officially revoke Green Card status.

What Constitutes Abandonment of Permanent Residency

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Green Card holders absent from the US for over 180 days are considered seeking "re-admission" and may face grounds of inadmissibility. Nonetheless, simply staying outside the US for extended periods doesn't automatically constitute abandonment.

Several factors determine whether you've abandoned residency:

• Length of absence (particularly over one year without a re-entry permit)
• Intent when leaving
• Maintenance of US property or business ties
• Payment of US taxes
• Family connections in America
• Evidence of foreign employment or voting

To protect your status, maintain documentation showing US ties: property ownership, tax returns, employment records. Never surrender your Green Card under pressure—you retain the right to a hearing before an immigration judge.

For permanent residents planning frequent international travel, citizenship offers definitive protection. To qualify, you must: be at least 18 years old, maintain continuous residence for five years, demonstrate physical presence for at least 30 months during that period, and show good moral character.

Recent changes in US immigration policies demand careful planning for any international travel. Strict border screenings now affect all visa categories, particularly impacting H-1B workers, F-1 students, and Green Card holders. The reduced interview waiver window from 48 to 12 months has created significant processing delays at US consulates worldwide.

Permanent residents face additional challenges, especially elderly travelers who might experience pressure to surrender their status during extended stays abroad. These circumstances make thorough preparation essential before any overseas journey. Your documentation must prove strong US ties and justify any lengthy absences.

Smart travelers should evaluate their visa status carefully and consider long-term solutions. Green Card holders might benefit from pursuing citizenship, while visa holders need detailed travel documentation and backup plans for possible delays. Understanding these requirements helps protect your immigration status and ensures smoother border crossings during these uncertain times.

Highlights: US Gold Cards priced at $ 5 million each being issued daily

• The newly launched US Gold Card is priced at $ 5 million each.
•  The US Commerce Secretary reported around 1000 Gold Cards being sold in a day.
• The US Gold card launched by Trump offers permanent residency to foreign investors.
• The Gold Card will replace the old EB-5 Visa, which was a pathway to US citizenship via investment.

 

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US Gold Cards to raise economic gains of the country

According to recent reports by the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the US issued around 1000 Gold Cards in a day, marking a major milestone. Each US Gold card offers US citizenship to foreign investors willing to invest a minimum of $5 million in the US.

With 1000 Gold Cards being sold at $5 million each, the US economy has had a major boost of around $5 billion, accounting for the first success of the programme. The country is aiming to sell one million cards to wealthy foreign investors which would mean an economic gain of around $5 trillion.

 

Read more…

USA plans to issue Gold cards and Green cards

 

Key benefits of the US Gold Card

The recently-launched US Gold Card offers the following benefits to the holders:

• Unlimited right of residence without any restrictions on living, working, or studying in the US
• A pathway towards US Citizenship, which Trump refers to as “privileges plus”
• Migrate to the US and live with your family
• No need for creating jobs, unlike the EB-5 visa
• More secure way of obtaining US citizenship

The US Gold Card has replaced the 35-year-old EB-5 program, which issued residency rights to investors willing to spend $1 million on a US business that could create at least 10 jobs. President Trump has characterized the EB-5 program as fraud and includes concerns over verifying the legal source of investment funds and has therefore replaced it with Gold Cards.

 

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