What’s new in global immigration?

04.10.2022

This week, the Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters would like to highlight the following updates from Jordan and Oman, Malaysia and the United States.

Jordan and Oman: Multiple-entry visas during Qatar World Cup

Jordan and Oman have announced multiple-entry visas valid for Hayya Card holders during the Qatar World Cup.

Oman will issue a free multiple-entry visa valid for a period of 60 days to Hayya Card holders, and Jordan will grant multiple-entry visas without the need for prior approvals for Hayya Cards of all nationalities without any exception to enter Jordan.

Foreign nationals who have tickets for a World Cup match can apply for the Hayya Card via the website or app. The Hayya Card acts as a valid visa for entry to Qatar during the World Cup.

In addition, Hayya Card holders will be permitted to apply for a 90-day multiple-entry tourist visa to enter the UAE and/or a 60-day multiple-entry visa for Saudi Arabia.

Malaysia: New Digital Nomad Pass

Effective 1 October 2022, the new DE Rantau Nomad Pass Program will offer a Digital Nomad Pass.

Foreign nationals earning at least USD 24,000 per year will be able to apply to stay and work in Malaysia for up to three to 12 months initially, extendable for up to 12 months per application. Applicants can be digital freelancers or independent contractors with an active project contract of at least three months with a local or foreign client, or a full or part-time remote worker employed by a foreign company.

Nomad Pass holders and any spouse or children can stay in Malaysia for between 3 and 12 months, with multiple entries.

United States: Form I-1693 and Form I-90 updates

Extension of 60-day rule waiver

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extending the temporary waiver of the requirement that civil surgeons must sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an individual applies for the underlying immigration benefit (including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status).

The waiver was originally effective until 30 September 2022, but has been extended it to 31 March 2023, to further ease processing delays and associated difficulties in completing the immigration medical examination in time.

This waiver applies to all Forms I-693 associated with applications for underlying immigration benefits that have not been adjudicated, regardless of when the application was submitted to USCIS or when a civil surgeon signed the Form I-693.

The waiver will help applicants who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related processing delays, which have sometimes delayed immigration medical examinations.

Extension of Green Card validity extension to 24 months for Green Card renewals

Effective 26 September 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is automatically extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 24 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired Green Card may receive this extension. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 12-month extension of the validity of a Green Card.

USCIS has updated the language on Form I-90 receipt notices to extend the validity of a Green Card for 24 months for individuals with a newly filed Form I-90. On 26 September 2022, USCIS began printing amended receipt notices for individuals with a pending Form I-90.

These receipt notices can be presented with an expired Green Card as evidence of continued status. This extension is expected to help applicants who experience longer processing times, because they will receive proof of lawful permanent resident status as they await their renewed Green Card.

Applicants who no longer have their Green Card and need evidence of their lawful permanent resident status while waiting to receive their replacement Green Card may request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office by contacting the USCIS Contact Centre, and may be issued an Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunications (ADIT) stamp after filing Form I-90.