HolidayBlogging

Tag: Visa

  • EU seeks to triple entry fee for short-termvisa-exempt visitors

    EU Backs a Tiny €20 Charge for Non‑EU Visitors – All in the Name of Budget Boosting

    Picture this: if you’re a non‑European Union traveler stepping onto EU soil, you’ll be asked to hand over a modest €20. The Commission’s idea? Turn that small sum into a fresh stream of “own resources” to tighten the Continental budget.

    Why the €20? What’s at Stake?

    It’s not about sending a tiny rug to the EU fund, but about teaching the EU to stand on its own feet.

    • Own Resources, Own Control: The weighty principle that the EU’s finances should be driven by its own revenue streams, not just a cash‑flow from the larger economy.
    • The Price of Freedom: A lifetime ticket to advocacy and peace, but those who cross the border still shoulder the €20 – it’s licensing for claiming the EU’s gear.
    • Euro‑Friendly Fees: When a non‑EU guest walks in, the Commission will count the €20 as a footnote in the Budget scalability.

    That said, we’re looking at a well‑adjusted price boost. It’s a pandemic‑inspired policy that has the power to bring comfort into the EU’s fiscal structure.

    Some of the Less‑Gross Moves Coming With the €20

    Beyond the single extra €20, the European Commission is breathing new life into a series of policies that could open a new chapter for future budgets.

    • Clear a few fees and let EU citizens in for a brighter horizon.
    • Extend more generous boundaries for the packaging of these lifted resources.
    • Boost social programmes within communities that need a boost.

    The $20 charge isn’t merely a bill – it’s a learning moment for the EU: “take responsibility and still keep the doors open for those that need help.” It’s a call for all. And if you’ve ever been a part of the EU’s financial ecosystem, you know the weight of this new policy in shaping future budgeting and EU freedom.

    ETIAS Fee Gets a Price Hike: From €7 to €20

    Travelers from visa‑free countries – think the UK, the US, Australia, Brazil, and others – are about to see their short‑stay passport gets a bit pricier. The European Commission wants to jump the current €7 fee up to a cool €20 before the new system kicks in.

    What’s Behind the Hike?

    • The extra funds are meant to boost the EU budget, especially under the upcoming 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework.
    • It’s one of five fresh “own resource” ideas tossed into the mix, and the ETIAS upgrade alone could bring in roughly €300 million out of every year.
    • Unlike other EU budget tweaks, this fee bump doesn’t need a unanimous vote from every member nation.

    Who’s Affected?

    • Nationals from visa‑free states who plan a short stay of up to 90 days in one of the 30 friendly countries (all EU members except Ireland, plus Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland) will need an ETIAS authorization.
    • Kids under 18 and seniors over 70 get a sweet free pass to dodge the charge.

    The Play Book

    The Commission has already rolled the proposal out to the Council and the European Parliament. If they give a thumbs‑up, the 20‑euro fee will start collecting cake‑money for the EU’s long‑term coffers.

    So, next time you’re just planning a quick trip across Europe, remember: you’re not just buying a visa; you’re also helping power the EU’s budget.

  • EB-2 NIW Visa Requirements: How an Immigration Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Petition

    EB-2 NIW Visa Requirements: How an Immigration Lawyer Can Strengthen Your Petition

    If you’re a highly skilled professional looking to live and work in the United States, the EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) may be one of your best options. This category allows applicants to bypass the traditional labor certification process by proving that their work is in the national interest of the U.S. However, qualifying for an EB-2 NIW visa is not simple—and that’s why legal guidance is so valuable.

    In this guide, we’ll walk through the key EB-2 NIW visa requirements, explain how to build a strong petition, and discuss why working with an immigration lawyer can be the difference between approval and denial.

    What Is the EB-2 NIW Visa?

    The EB-2 visa is for individuals who hold advanced degrees or possess exceptional ability in their field. The National Interest Waiver is a special provision that allows eligible applicants to request a waiver of the job offer and labor certification typically required for employment-based green cards.

    With the NIW, you do not need an employer to sponsor you. Instead, you self-petition by proving that your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance—and that waiving the job offer requirement would benefit the United States.

    Basic Eligibility for an EB-2 NIW

    To apply for an EB-2 NIW, you must first meet the underlying requirements for the EB-2 category:

    1. Advanced Degree or Equivalent

    • You must hold a U.S. advanced degree (master’s or higher) or a foreign equivalent, OR

    • You must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalent) plus at least five years of progressive work experience in the field.

    2. Exceptional Ability

    If you don’t meet the advanced degree requirement, you may qualify based on exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. You must meet at least three of the criteria set out by USCIS, such as:

    • Academic records showing a degree in your field
    • Letters documenting at least 10 years of experience
    • Licenses or certifications
    • Salary or remuneration that demonstrates your exceptional ability
    • Membership in professional associations
    • Recognition for your achievements

    National Interest Waiver Requirements

    Once you qualify for the EB-2 category, you must satisfy a three-part test established by the case Matter of Dhanasar (2016). To win a National Interest Waiver, your petition must demonstrate: