Market Intelligence

Foreign nationals visiting the DMV may unknowingly register to vote through automatic voter registration systems, creating serious immigration consequences years later during green card or citizenship applications. With expanded federal verification programs and stricter USCIS enforcement, employment-based immigrants and their families must understand how routine driver's license transactions can jeopardize their immigration status.

The Long Residence route to UK indefinite leave to remain may soon be eliminated under proposed 'earned settlement' changes, prompting a surge of applications from individuals who have exceeded permitted absence thresholds. While Home Office guidance suggests discretion may be exercised for excess absences in certain circumstances, securing such exceptions in practice proves exceptionally challenging for applicants and their representatives.

The UK Government's Farming Roadmap 2050 presents new opportunities for EU farming families to invest in British agricultural land and rural businesses. However, post-Brexit immigration rules create complex challenges that must be navigated alongside any acquisition, as property ownership alone does not confer residency or work rights in the UK.

Employers face a choice between one-off immigration advice for specific questions and annual retainers for recurring support needs. The right decision depends on workload forecasts, internal HR capability, and precisely what each arrangement includes—particularly the distinction between access to advice and responsibility for completing tasks.

Businesses changing immigration advisers face practical questions about transferring live matters, records and responsibilities. This guide explains how to prepare a handover brief, assess the incoming adviser's proposal and confirm when the transfer is complete without recreating unclear arrangements.

Every two months, our experts from around the world compile an update on immigration and global mobility practice, setting out recent changes to the law, policies and procedures.