Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
United States: Final phase of premium processing expansion 
In an effort to increase efficiency and reduce the burdens to the overall legal immigration system, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing its final phase of the premium processing (an expedited processing service) expansion, applicable to Form I-140 (Immigration Petition for Alien Workers), under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications.
Effective January 30, 2023, Form I-907 must be filed to request premium processing.
This phase applies to new (initial) applications as well as all previously filed Form I-140 applications under E13 or E21 classifications.
Future expansions include premium processing for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking STEM OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765 (Employment Authorization application).
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Rafael Pavanelli (Regional Immigration Manager, Americas) or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Manager, Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Malaysia: Registration with the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) 
In line with the announcement made by the Minister of Human Resource on December 21, 2022, effective January 01, 2023, companies are required to register with the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) for the employment of Expatriate/Foreign Knowledge Workers (FKW).
The registration is completed online at the JTKSM website where a form is completed under the expatriate employment application.
For Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) or ICT status companies, the approval letter must be submitted at the stage of applying for the projection.
For companies under the Expatriate Services Division (ESD), the approval is required during:
- The company registration process, or
- The projection application process
This registration is only applicable for new Employment Pass applications (not applicable for renewals), including change of position applications and the approval is valid for 6 months only.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Germany: Increase to minimum salary thresholds 
Effective January 01, 2023, the minimum salary thresholds for immigration categories have increased. Only applications submitted after January 01, 2023 will have to meet these requirements.
- EU Blue Card: €58,400 per annum (regular) and €45,552 per annum (shortage occupations)
- First time Residence Permit applications for those older than 45 years (certain categories only): €48,180 per annum
- IT Specialists (without academic training): €52,560 per annum
These thresholds are due to be reviewed and adjusted again during 2023.
No source at time of writing.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Manager, Immigration) or Sabrina Crespo (Team Lead, EMEA).
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