How has COVID changed the global migration landscape?

Oct 12, 2021 | Global, Investor Visas

A once-in-a-century pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt and upended daily life. Freedom of mobility was put on pause as travel restrictions, lockdowns and border shutdowns became the new norm. All industries worldwide were impacted. In the global residency and citizenship by investment industry, the pandemic had a slightly unexpected impact among investors and entrepreneurs. The pandemic brought forward a new perspective on planning and a heightened interest in enhanced global mobility through RCBI programs in a post-pandemic world.

Where is the industry headed? WR Immigration Managing Partner weighs in – read the entire Q&A here.

Related Posts:

5 Takeaways on EB-5 Visas from State Department’s FY 2023 Annual Report

By Joey Barnett The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) finally released its long-awaited Report of the Visa Office 2023 over the weekend.  In particular, we have been waiting for the release of Table V, which counts the full number of immigrant visa numbers issued in FY 2023 – both immigrant visas issued abroad by U.S. consulates and embassies and adjustment of status applications approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) for those in the U.S.  Here are 5 things to know: 1. Total Number of EB-5 Visas Issued9,817 unreserved EB-5 visa numbers were used in FY 2023.  This actually exceeds the annual limitation for unreserved.  To understand how and why that occurred, make sure to listen to former Head of Visa Controls at DOS, Charlie Oppenheim, during our Chatting with Charlie:  Live EB-5 Investor Outlook  on March 28 at 11:00a PST.  2. Adjustments v. Immigrant VisasDespite the ability of those lawfully in the U.S. to now file an adjustment of status, 85% of unreserved EB-5 visa numbers came from visas issued abroad.  Over 63% of all unreserved visa numbers were issued to mainland-Chinese nationals who generally have the earlier priority dates.  3. No Reserved Visa NumbersNo reserved visa numbers […]

Senate-Passed Bill Would Remove Per-Country Limits on All Employment-Based Immigrant Visa Categories; Includes Controversial Provisions

On December 2, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed its version of H.R. 1044, the “Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020.” The Senate version of the bill now returns to the U.S. House of Representatives. If the Senate version passes in the House and is signed into law by the President, it would remove the per-country limits on all employment-based immigrant visa categories, among other things. Since Congress is scheduled to end its session shortly, chances for passage in the House are unclear. The bill includes several controversial provisions, such as an annual limit on the number of immigrants who could adjust from H-1B status to that of permanent resident and a bar on those affiliated with the military forces of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party or the Chinese military. Details: R. 1044, https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1044 Section-by-section summary of Senate bill, https://www.visalaw.com/siskind-summary-s-386-fairness-high-skilled-immigrants-act-2020-852020/