US announces changes for duration of work permit for Nigerians

The scheme builds on recent improvements to reduce processing times for EADs.

The measure aims to stop disruptions in employment authorisation for non-citizens and those authorised to work while waiting for the authorities to judge their pending application renewal.

The director of USCIS, Ur M. Jaddon, stressed the importance of the step, saying that extending the 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorisations, support the agency’s exploration of long-term solutions, and gather public feedback.

The scheme complements the agency’s efforts to support access to employment for authorised persons.

According to reports, the USCIS’s achievements include reducing EAD processing times for green card applications since 2021, processing more EAD applications, and engaging with communities to boost accessibility and support for applicants.

The measure applies to eligible applicants who have filed EAD renewal applications timely or after October 7, 2023, and whose applications are still pending on the publication date in the Federal Register.

The scheme to save asylum seekers, others Also, it covers those who filed their application timely for their Form 1-765 application within 540 days from the rules publication.

Reports say that the intervention aims to protect about 800,000 EAD renewal applicants, including asylum seekers, Temporary Protected Status, and green card applicants, who could face interruptions in their employment authorisation, affecting about 600,000 to 800,000 employers. USCIS invites public feedback to inform potential future regulatory actions as part of TFR.

The report said interested parties can find more information on the USCIS Automatic Employment Authorisation Document Exchange date. The move by the US government comes as Canada announced an increase in the application fee for permanent residence.

The Canada immigration department (IRCC) announced that it will raise fees for permanent residency applications on April 30, 2024. The fee will increase from $515 to $575, representing a 12% rise following the country’s regulations, which are connected to the Consumer Price Index.

Reports say the country waived the fee for dependent children accompanying adult applicants seeking permanent residence.

Japan invites 820,000 Nigerians, other foreign workers

Legit.ng reported that the Japanese government has disclosed plans to welcome about 820,000 foreign workers in the transportation and logistics sectors over the next five years.

The target is over twofold higher than the previous amount and aims to tackle a critical labour shortage in vital industries in the country.

The government is reportedly driven by a new regulation restricting driver overtime hours. The policy is expected to worsen the existing driver shortfalls.