Category: Americas

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

US Extends Visa Interview Waiver Authority Through 2024

The United States State Department will continue to exempt certain visa applicants from in-person interviews next year, extending the waiver authority that was set to expire on December 31, 2023. This policy, known as the visa interview waiver authority, permits consular officers to bypass in-person interviews for low-risk visa applications. Acting in conjunction with the…
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Romania Nearing Visa-Free Travel to the US

Romania is on the brink of an important juncture in its foreign relations, with the possibility of joining the Visa Waiver Programme with the United States.  Recent negotiations and assurances from both the Romanian and US ambassadors indicate that Romanians may be able to travel to the US visa-free as early as 2025. According to…
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Brazil Unveils Enhanced eVisa Platform for Australian, Canadian and US Travellers

On December 1, Brazil marked a significant milestone with the launch of its upgraded VFS Electronic Visa (eVisa) platform, catering specifically to citizens from Australia, Canada and the United States seeking authorisation to visit the South American nation. The newly revamped eVisa application process is now entirely online, offering greater convenience and accessibility. Effective from…
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EU Adapts Regulations for Acquiring Long-Term Resident Status

EU Adapts  Regulations for Acquiring Long-Term Resident Status

The European Union has recently amended its guidelines within the EU Long-Term Residents Directive, outlining the prerequisites for third-country nationals to obtain long-term resident status within member states. The proposed amendments include a more flexible approach to residency requirements, targeted integration measures, and enhanced intra-EU mobility. These changes are expected to benefit millions of third-country…
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US Passport Processing Gets a Boost: Reduced Waiting Times

US Passport processing times have been reduced for the second time since early October, according to the US State Department. The passport processing times are now down to 7 to 10 weeks. That’s down from eight to 11 weeks in early October. Expedited service will take between three and five weeks, dropping from five to…
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