Travel advice and updates to online registration and visa bulletin
The media has repeatedly reported that individual travelers have been rejected or turned back when attempting to enter the United States. To be on the safe side when entering the country, check the validity of your passport in advance!
If you plan to travel with ESTA, apply for it no later than 72 hours before departure or check the validity of your existing ESTA, updating your destination airport and new place of residence if necessary. Otherwise, enter the country with a valid visa and the relevant documents.
Please note that with ESTA, you are only permitted to pursue limited professional activities and cannot reside in the United States permanently. Have statements ready stating that your main place of residence is in your country of origin.
Please also note that electronic devices may be opened and read by U.S. immigration officials upon entry. Be aware that your behavior on social media channels will be visible to the U.S. government and authorities.
Entry requirements must be met and will be reviewed. Further travel advice for the USA can also be found on the Federal Foreign Office website.
Two changes to US immigration law currently affect skilled foreign workers and travelers: a new registration requirement and postponements in processing deadlines for employment-based green card applications.
Online registration requirement since April 2025
Since 11 April 2025, certain foreign nationals have had to register online with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), submit biometric data and undergo a background check. Those who are required to do so and do not register risk fines or penalties. Those affected are:
- Canadian citizens who enter without a visa and stay longer than 30 days,
Persons who turn or turn 14 during their stay in the USA and
Travellers entering the country without official border control (Entry Without Inspection EWI).
Anyone who has already been in the country for more than 30 days and falls under the rule must register immediately – there is no transition period.
Foreign nationals who are in the USA – for example with a US visa, a green card, an I-94 entry document, an employment authorisation document (EAD) or a border crossing card – are generally already considered to be registered. Nevertheless, residence documents should always be carried and changes of address should be reported within 10 days.
Visa Bulletin May 2025: EB-3 for India makes progress, EB-5 falls back
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State that provides information on when applications for an immigrant visa can be processed and completed. For employment-based visas (EB-1 through EB-5), this is a central planning tool.
Since the number of available employment-based green cards per category and country of origin is limited annually, a backlog is created for many applicants. The Visa Bulletin therefore provides a Final Action Date for each category and country. Only those with a Priority Date before this cut-off date can expect a final decision on their application in the relevant month.The changes to the Final Action Dates can be found in the May Visa Bulletin.
Please contact us, if you need support in visa questions!
