On April 1, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) started implementing a new fee rule that was published on January 31, 2024. This new rule has led to significant increases in almost all non-immigrant and immigration visa application fees. There is currently a strong discussion about the increased fees for the asylum program, which has reignited the topic of illegal immigration.

Globevisa has received an exciting update – on April 18th, one of our clients has received the first approval in principle for the new Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES). This approval signifies a promising start for applications under the Hong Kong Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and highlights Globevisa’s professional expertise and efficient execution in the field of immigration services.

In February of this year, during the UAE Innovation Month event, officials from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, as well as the Immigration, Customs, and Port Security Authority (ICP) of the UAE, conveyed an exciting message: “Residents owning properties worth 2 million Dirhams or more in the UAE may not have to go through the application process. Land departments in each emirate will be linked to the ICP website, and eligible investors may automatically obtain the UAE Golden Visa.” According to the spokesperson, this initiative will take effect soon, allowing people to directly visit the immigration office and obtain the visa. If implemented, this measure would undoubtedly be another significant boon for Golden Visa applicants.

The Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme has undoubtedly been a rising star in 2023 and 2024, as indicated by official data: As of December 31, 2023, the total number of approvals under the scheme was 50,612, with the B and C categories combined totaling nearly 40,000, the majority share. However, two months later, by the end of February 2024, the number of approvals had increased to 59,000, signaling an increase of nearly 8,500 approvals in just two months. This remarkable surge in approvals suggests significant demand and also implies an inevitable tightening of policies.