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• Colombia Sees Increased Work Visa Delays and Heightened Scrutiny
• USCIS Extends Somalia TPS Work Authorization Through August 10
• USCIS Extends Burma TPS Work Authorization Through August 7

Colombia Sees Increased Work Visa Delays and Heightened Scrutiny

Employers sponsoring foreign nationals in Colombia may experience longer processing times and greater uncertainty as immigration authorities increase scrutiny of work visa applications. While no formal legislative or regulatory changes have been announced, recent adjudication trends suggest a more discretionary review process ahead of the country’s presidential transition on August 7, 2026. 

Reports indicate that work visa processing is increasingly exceeding the statutory 30-day adjudication period, with many applicants experiencing delays of several additional weeks. Authorities have also been exercising broader discretion by declaring some applications inadmissible or treating them as withdrawn, even where applicants believe they have submitted complete documentation. 

In addition, visa required foreign nationals have reportedly been instructed to refile under different visa categories than those originally selected. These developments may result in additional costs, longer processing times, and delayed employment start dates. 

The heightened review comes as Colombia prepares for a change in government, a period that often brings operational and administrative shifts. Employers should anticipate that visa processing practices may remain fluid while the new administration establishes its immigration policies. 

Impact: Although no formal policy changes have been announced, employers should anticpate longer visa processing times and increased documentation requests when hiring foreign talent in Colombia.  Starting the immigration process early and building additional time into onboarding plans may help minimize disruptions while adjudication practices continue to evolve.

USCIS Extends Somalia TPS Work Authorization Through August 10

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced another short-term extension of employment authorization for certain Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries from Somalia. Eligible Employment Authorization Documents issued under Somalia’s TPS designation will now remain valid through August 10, 2026,  providing continued work authorization while related litigation remains pending. 

The extension applies to TPS- related EADs with original expiration dates of March 17, 2023, September 17, 2024, and March 17, 2026. USCIS stated that the extension is automatic and is intended to maintain employment authorization while litigation involving Somalia’s TPS designation continues. 

The agency continues to issue these brief extensions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2026 decision permitting the Department of Homeland Security to proceed with terminating  certain TPS designations. USCIS also remains subject to a federal district court order concerning automatic EAD extensions for certain TPS beneficiaries who timely filed renewal applications before October 30, 2025. 

USCIS has emphasized that additional guidance may be issued as court proceedings continue and the legal status of Somalia’s TPS designation evolves. 

Impact: The latest extension provides continued, short-term work authorization for eligible Somalia TPS beneficiaries while the underlying litigation continues. Employers should continue monitoring USCIS announcements and review employment authorization records regularly, as additional  court decisions or agency action could result in further changes.

USCIS Extends Burma TPS Work Authorization Through August 7

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced another short-term extension of employment authorization for certain Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries from Burma (Myanmar). Eligible Employment Authorization Documents issued under Burma’s TPS designation will now remain valid through August 7, 2026, extending the previous automatic validity period that had been set to expire on August 3. 

The extension applies automatically to TPS-related EADs with original expiration dates of November 25, 2022, May 25, 2024, and November 25, 2025. USCIS stated that the extension is intended to preserve employment authorization while litigation over the termination of Burma’s TPS designation continues. 

The agency continues to issue these brief extensions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2026 decision allowing the Department of Homeland Security to proceed with terminating certain TPS designations. USCIS also remains subject to a federal district court order concerning automatic EAD extensions for certain TPS beneficiaries who timely filed renewal applications before October 30, 2025. 

USCIS has indicated that these extensions are temporary and that additional guidance may be issued as the underlying litigation progresses. 

Impact: The latest extension provides continued short-term work authorization for eligible Burma TPS beneficiaries while the litigation continues. Employers should continue monitoring USCIS guidance and review employment authorization records regularly, as additional extensions or changes to TPS guidance may occur on short notice.