Trump Administration Versus Foreign Students: An Update
In the latest volleys against Harvard University, the Trump administration ordered the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, announced a ban on all foreign student visas for study there, and ordered foreign students currently studying at Harvard to transfer or lose their right to study in the United States. After Harvard filed a complaint, a U.S. district court judge ordered the ban temporarily stopped while litigation plays out. According to reports, foreign students make up more than a quarter of Harvard’s student body.
Also according to reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently began sending warning notices to certain F-1 students engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT) stating that they have been enrolled in the OPT program for more than 90 days but have not reported any employment status.
The notices provide affected students with 15 days to update their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. If no action is taken, the student’s SEVIS record could then be terminated to indicate that a violation of status has occurred for failure to timely report OPT employment or for exceeding the permissible period of unemployment during OPT. The notice further warns that failure to take corrective action may result in the initiation of removal proceedings.
Details:
Supreme Court Says Trump Administration Can Revoke Venezuelan TPS
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a two-paragraph summary order that the Trump administration can move forward, while legal proceedings continue, with revoking Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an estimated 350,000 Venezuelans in the United States who received TPS in 2023.
It was unclear when the Venezuelans would lose TPS and related work authorization.
Details
E-Verify Alerts Employers About Mismatches in Social Security Information
On May 19, 2025, E‑Verify announced a technical issue with Social Security Administration (SSA) mismatch (tentative non-confirmation) cases that were referred between April 9 and May 5, 2025. This includes cases involving dual SSA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mismatches if the employee attempted to resolve the case by visiting an SSA office but did not contact DHS. E-Verify said, “Due to this system error, some of these cases may have incorrectly received a final nonconfirmation (FNC) even after the employee took steps to resolve the mismatch at an SSA office.”
E-Verify released the following tips:
- For any cases that received an FNC after an SSA or Dual SSA and DHS mismatch, for cases referred from April 9 to May 5, 2025, employers should create a new E‑Verify case.
- If the employer has already created a new case and received an Employment Authorized result for an affected employee, no further action is needed.
- Employers may notice the status message, “E‑Verify Needs More Time,” appearing longer than usual for these cases on the Case Status page.
Employers receiving an FNC for one of these affected cases should not take any adverse action or terminate employment based on that FNC result.
Supreme Court Keeps Block on Trump Administration’s Use of Alien Enemies Act to Deport Venezuelans, Sends Case Back to Fifth Circuit
On May 16, 2025, in a 7-2 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court sent a case back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to determine whether the Trump administration can summarily deport a group of Venezuelan detainees under the Alien Enemies Act. The Supreme Court also determined that the lower federal court should rule on how much notice the federal government must provide to allow the migrants to challenge the government’s plans to deport them.
Referring to circumstances such as the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was deported by mistake and subsequently left in a Salvadoran prison despite a Supreme Court order to facilitate his return to the United States, the Supreme Court noted in this case that “notice roughly 24 hours before removal, devoid of information about how to exercise due process rights to contest that removal, surely does not pass muster.” Lee Gelernt, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the decision “means that more individuals will not secretly be sent to a brutal prison in El Salvador,” and that the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law, “during peacetime, without due process, raises issues of far-reaching importance.”
DHS Terminates TPS for Afghanistan and Expands TPS for South Sudan for Six Months
Afghanistan
On May 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. The TPS designation for the country expires on May 20, 2025, and the termination will take effect July 14, 2025. The decision affects an estimated 9,000 Afghans in the United States.
Afghanistan was initially designated for TPS on May 20, 2022, based on ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions. On September 25, 2023, DHS extended and newly designated Afghanistan for a period of 18 months, beginning November 21, 2023, and ending May 20, 2025. The new DHS statement said that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem “determined that, overall, there are notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to ongoing-armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions. She further determined that permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.”
In April, Christian leaders and nonprofits reportedly lobbied the Trump administration to carve out an exception for Afghan Christians who they warned may face persecution if returned to the Taliban-controlled country. The administration has been silent on any policy on that front, but in response to questions about what those fearing death or torture if returned to Afghanistan should do, Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, said, “If there are individuals here who came in through the Biden administration who want to claim asylum, there is a legal process to do that, and those cases will be adjudicated by a judge on a case-by-case basis.”
South Sudan
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan for six months, from May 4, 2025, through November 3, 2025. The extension also automatically extends the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) previously issued under the TPS designation of South Sudan for six months.
DHS said that existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to apply for an EAD for the first time, or who already have an EAD and would like to obtain an updated EAD with an expiration date on the face of the card of November 3, 2025, may submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and the appropriate fee. TPS remains available to otherwise qualified nationals of South Sudan (or those with no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) who have been continuously residing in the United States since September 4, 2023.
DHS explained that “[u]nder the TPS statute, if the Secretary does not determine whether a foreign state continues to meet the conditions for designation for TPS at least 60 days before the current expiration of the country’s TPS designation, the period of designation is automatically extended for six months. The Secretary was unable to make an informed determination on South Sudan’s designation by the March 4, 2025 statutory deadline due to the lack of an updated analysis of current country conditions in South Sudan.”
Advocates Object to Alien Registration Form and Process Under Interim Final Rule
On May 12, 2025, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) published comments on a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interim final rule, “Alien Registration Form and Evidence of Registration,” published March 12, 2025, and the related Form G-325R (Biographic Information). Among other things, AILA asserts that:
- The interim final rule violates the U.S. Constitution, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Paperwork Reduction Act; exceeds the agency’s authority; and is inconsistent with the statutory requirements.
- The requirement on Form G-325R to list all addresses over a five-year period is unduly burdensome and goes far beyond the kind of information that is referenced in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- The only drop-down selections provided by the form are “Entered Without Inspection (EWI)” or leaving the section blank. There is no clear instruction on how to complete the form if the registrant did not enter EWI.
- Similarly, the G-325R asks for the registrant’s current I-94 number, which is confusing because someone who has been issued an I-94 is normally viewed as having already complied with the registration requirement.
- Another confusing section of the form asks for the date of immigration status expiration in a month, day, and year format. With several nonimmigrant statuses, such as F-1, J-1, and M-1, individuals are present in the U.S. for the duration of status (D/S).
- Further confusing is the selection of immigration status on the form. In the dropdown menu used to select one’s status, it is unclear whether all potential immigration status options are made available.
- The form contains ambiguous questions that lack instructions clarifying how much information should be provided for each.
- In certain portions of the form, it is unclear which questions are required fields, and which fields are optional.
- Form G-325R’s requirement for full disclosure of all arrests, charges, and convictions—regardless of age, expungement, or relevance—raises significant legal and due process concerns.
- The rule skips the usual notice-and-comment process and, thus, there has been no opportunity to suggest clarifications to the form, resulting in unnecessary practical complications.
AILA therefore recommends that both the interim final rule and Form G-325R be withdrawn.
DHS Rescinds Romania’s VWP Designation
Effective May 2, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State, rescinded Romania’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP) designation.
DHS explained that it decided that Romania’s VWP designation should be rescinded “to protect the integrity of the VWP and to ensure border and immigration security. Romania may be reconsidered for VWP designation in the future should they meet the statutory eligibility criteria.”
TSA Begins Full REAL ID Enforcement
On May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced full implementation of REAL ID enforcement measures at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints nationwide. DHS said that 81% of travelers are already REAL ID compliant. According to DHS, all states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories are REAL ID compliant and issuing REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and identification documents.
“Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant at TSA checkpoints and who do not have another acceptable alternative form of ID will be notified of their non-compliance and may be directed to a separate area to receive additional screening,” DHS said. The agency noted that REAL ID-compliant cards have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. Examples:
If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and will not be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft, DHS said. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and Enhanced Identification cards (EDL/EID) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. EDLs/EIDs can be identified by an image of the U.S. flag and the word Enhanced at the top of the card.
SEVIS Record Reactivations Not Retroactive; Uncertainty Remains
After the Department of Homeland Security suddenly reversed course under pressure on April 25, 2025, and restored many foreign students’ Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records along with their legal status, the administration sent out mixed signals, saying the action was temporary while the agency worked out an unspecified policy. According to reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reinstated many SEVIS records as of April 24, 2025—not retroactively to the date of termination of the records, thus leaving a gap that could be construed as rendering the students out of status during that time, which could have severe consequences.
A new ICE memorandum provides guidance to Student and Exchange Visitor Program managers on terminating SEVIS records on various grounds and notes that a terminated SEVIS record “could indicate that the nonimmigrant no longer maintains F or M status.”
The memo also states that “DOS may at any time, in its discretion, revoke an alien’s visa. [The Department of State] can consider derogatory information provided by ICE and other U.S. law enforcement agencies in its assessment of whether visa revocation is appropriate for an alien. When DOS revokes an alien’s visa with immediate effect, ICE should take steps to initiate removal proceedings.”
Litigation is expected to clarify whether students whose SEVIS records were terminated and restored remain at risk and whether the period during which their records were terminated constitutes unlawful presence.
USCIS Posts Warning Notice re Social Media Vetting of Applicants
Raising free-speech concerns after the Trump administration’s targeting of international students for participating in protests, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a warning on X (formerly Twitter) stating that “EVERYONE should be on notice. If you’re a guest in our country—act like it. Our robust social media vetting program to identify national security & public safety risks never stops. USCIS is on watch to find anything online that poses a threat to our nation & our way of life.”
USCIS also recently announced that it would require visa and permanent residence applicants to disclose social media handles for “identity verification, vetting and national security screening.” USCIS said it plans to include in certain application forms new sections requiring information about an applicant’s online social media presence for five years preceding the filing of the application. The revised applications and petitions include Forms I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), N-400 (Application for Naturalization), I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal), I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant), I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status), I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition), I-590 (Registration for Classification as a Refugee), and I-131 (Application for Travel Document). These sections ask for the names of the “Provider/Platform” and “Social Media Identifier” used by the applicant, USCIS said.
Gold Card Faces Snags Despite Trump Administration’s Claims
According to reports, President Trump’s proposed “Gold Card” is facing opposition in Congress despite the Trump administration’s claims that they’ve already made billions from the card, which would cost $5 million for U.S. citizenship.
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick claimed, “Yesterday I sold a thousand,” and that the administration had already made $5 billion from sales of the card. However, the program does not yet appear to exist. Rep. Darrell Issa attempted to codify the Gold Card visa program during budget negotiations in the Judiciary Committee, but conservatives who do not want to expand visa programs rejected the idea.
Canada: Visitor Visa Overhaul
In May 2025, Canada refined its visitor visa program, limiting Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) to just three specific visit purposes: tourism, business visits, and family visits. The change is part of a broader effort by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to reduce misuse of visitor visas and streamline case processing.
Under the updated framework, applicants must now clearly demonstrate that their travel falls within one of these approved categories. Supporting documentation, such as detailed travel plans, invitation letters, or evidence of family ties in Canada, will be critical to a successful application. The updated criteria reinforce Canada’s longstanding requirement that all visitors demonstrate a clear intent to leave the country at the end of their authorized stay.
This move follows earlier regulatory amendments from January 2025 that granted Canadian immigration and border officers expanded authority to cancel TRVs and eTAs based on changes in a traveler’s admissibility or intent.
For our global mobility clients – including multinational employers and their sponsored colleagues with cross-border families – these changes highlight the need for precise visa strategy and documentation. Individuals intending to visit Canada for purposes that fall outside the new TRV scope (e.g., prospective employment or extended exploratory stays) will likely need to pursue alternative immigration pathways.
As the Canadian government continues to fine-tune its immigration system, employers with cross-border capabilities should stay informed of evolving requirements and proactively counsel clients on compliance risks and strategic options.
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Ireland: New Online Work Permit System
On April 28, 2025, Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) launched a new digital platform, Employment Permits Online (EPO), marking a significant modernization in the country’s employment permit process. Replacing the older, outdated system, the EPO portal introduces a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly platform for employers, prospective employees, and agents handling employment permit applications.
The new system, part of Ireland’s broader push toward digital transformation in immigration services, introduces several notable features. These include multi-factor authentication, digital signatures, and real-time tracking of application statuses. Users are now required to create individual portal accounts, allowing for greater control and transparency. For employers, this also involves providing key documentation such as Revenue and Companies Registration Office (CRO) information before they can begin submitting applications.
One of the most important upgrades is the collaborative structure of the application process. All employment permit applications are jointly completed online by the employer, employee, and, where applicable, the agent. Each party fills in their respective sections and uses an e-signature to finalize the submission. This structure not only increases accuracy but also gives each stakeholder ownership over their part of the process.
All pending applications submitted through the previous system have been migrated to EPO, though any drafts or unsubmitted forms must now be re-entered. Despite retaining the same document requirements, the shift to a new system has created an initial adjustment period for users. Employers have reported some challenges, including bugs and delays, which the DETE is actively working to address. Stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to the EPO support desk for assistance, as high volumes of inquiries are currently being processed.
To assist users in navigating the new platform, DETE has provided a robust suite of support tools. These include step-by-step videos, a comprehensive user guide, and FAQs. These materials are aimed at making the transition smoother and minimizing disruption.
Importantly, the launch of EPO also marks the end of the Trusted Partner Initiative. Under the new system, all employers are now required to meet verification standards as part of their portal account setup, streamlining the process and creating a uniform application environment.
This development follows other digital advancements in Ireland’s immigration infrastructure, such as online renewals of Irish Residence Permits and the rollout of the Digital Contact Centre. Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how EPO will integrate with broader plans, including the potential unification of employment permits and visas under the EU’s Single Permit Directive.
Overall, the launch of Employment Permits Online signals a major leap forward in modernizing Ireland’s employment permit process, promising improved efficiency and transparency—once initial growing pains are addressed.
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United Kingdom: Post-Brexit Immigration Reforms
As KILP covered in this global migration alert, in May 2025, the UK government published a new immigration White Paper titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, announcing major reforms designed to reduce net migration and reshape the country’s immigration policy.
A key change is the reversion of Skilled Worker visa eligibility to RQF Level 6, limiting access to graduate-level roles only. The accompanying salary thresholds will also rise, while the Immigration Salary List – formerly used to ease shortages – be abolished. These changes aim to curb lower-paid migration and direct employers toward upskilling domestic workers.
The White Paper also targets adult social care recruitment. The dedicated visa route for care workers will close to new overseas applicants, though transitional protections will remain in place for current visa holders through 2028. The government frames this as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on migrant labor in essential services.
For international students, the Graduate Route visa will be shortened from two years to 18 months. Additionally, education providers will face stricter oversight, including more rigorous compliance requirements for those sponsoring international students.
Together, these reforms mark a shift toward a more selective and domestically-focused immigration system. Employers across healthcare, education, and service industries may face tighter hiring constraints and should prepare to adjust workforce planning accordingly.
Details:
- https://www.klaskolaw.com/united-kingdom-release-new-immigration-white-paper/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restoring-control-over-the-immigration-system-white-paper
Poland: Streamlined Hiring of Foreign Workers, Effective June 1
Starting June 1, 2025, Poland implemented a major overhaul of its employment-based immigration framework, introducing measures to modernize processing, promote compliance, and support employers seeking to recruit foreign talent. The changes stem from two new legislative acts passed in 2024, focused on eliminating administrative barriers and strengthening labor oversight.
Under the reforms, Poland will eliminate the labor market test requirement for employers hiring foreign nationals. This removes a previously mandatory step that required employers to demonstrate a shortage of local workers before offering jobs to foreign candidates – significantly accelerating the recruitment timeline for international hires.
Additionally, all work permit applications must now be submitted electronically, marking a shift toward fully digital processing. This modernization is expected to reduce paperwork burdens and create more transparency in application tracking.
To enhance labor law compliance, the reforms also introduce stricter employment standards:
- A signed employment contract must be in place before a foreign worker begins employment.
- Employers face higher penalties for illegal employment, including for failing to register contracts or for misclassifying work arrangements.
These updates reflect Poland’s efforts to align its immigration infrastructure with the needs of a competitive, globalized labor market while safeguarding against abuse. For multinational employers and HR teams, the digital transition and removal of pre-hire tests present opportunities for more efficient hiring pipelines, but also underscore the importance of robust onboarding practices and documentation.
The changes are part of Poland’s broader strategy to attract qualified foreign workers and respond to labor shortages in key sectors, including construction, logistics, and manufacturing.
Details:
Singapore: Easing Work Permit Restrictions
Singapore is updating its Work Permit framework for migrant workers in the services sector with significant regulatory changes taking effect in 2025. These adjustments aim to enhance workforce stability, expand the talent pool, and refine eligibility criteria, reflecting the government’s focus on addressing labor shortages while maintaining quality employment standards.
Work Permit Eligibility and Sector-Specific Criteria
Employers in Singapore’s services sector—including financial services, retail, transport, hotels, and food establishments—must meet detailed requirements when hiring migrant workers. Only companies with valid licenses, such as those issued by the Singapore Food Agency for food operators, can employ foreign workers. Eligible migrant workers must come from approved source countries or regions, such as Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, a list of Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) allows recruitment from other countries for specific occupations.
Age restrictions require applicants to be at least 18 years old, with current maximum application ages of 58 for Malaysians and 50 for non-Malaysians. However, from July 1, 2025, this will increase to 61 years for all applicants, with a new maximum working age of 63 years.
Removal of Employment Duration Limits
One of the most notable reforms is the removal of maximum employment duration caps for Work Permit holders, effective July 1, 2025. Previously, employment was limited to between 14 and 26 years depending on nationality, sector, and skill level. With this cap lifted, foreign workers can remain employed indefinitely, provided they meet eligibility criteria and continue to serve employer needs. This change aims to reduce employee turnover, enhance job security, and lower training costs for companies.
Quota and Levy System
Employers are subject to dependency ratio ceilings (DRC) limiting the number of Work Permit holders relative to local staff, set at 35% for the services sector. The levy—essentially a monthly fee per foreign worker—varies by skill level and quota tier, increasing as companies approach the maximum quota. Higher-skilled workers benefit from reduced levy rates but must meet academic and skills criteria, including certificates and assessments such as the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN) test for specific industries.
Expansion of Source Countries and Occupations
To mitigate labor shortages, Singapore is broadening the list of approved countries. From June 2025, workers from Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos can be employed, supplementing existing sources like Bangladesh and India. The NTS Occupation List is also expanding to include roles such as heavy vehicle drivers and specialized cooks, enhancing hiring flexibility in sectors with critical demand.
Revised S Pass Salary Thresholds
Complementing Work Permit reforms, the S Pass system for mid-level skilled workers will see salary qualification thresholds rise from September 1, 2025. The minimum monthly salary will increase to S$3,300 for most sectors, and S$3,800 for financial services, aligning with top-tier local salary benchmarks to ensure quality hiring.
Implications for Employers and Workers
These comprehensive reforms signal a strategic shift in Singapore’s foreign workforce management, encouraging longer retention of experienced migrant workers and expanding access to talent from a wider range of countries and occupations. Employers should review their hiring strategies to comply with updated age limits, quota rules, and levy payments while capitalizing on the expanded labor pool. Workers benefit from increased job security and broader employment opportunities in Singapore’s dynamic services sector.
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France: Expanded Shortage Occupation List
As of May 22, 2025, the French government has updated its list of professions en tension – occupations facing significant labor shortages – creating new opportunities for non-EU foreign nationals to obtain work authorization more easily. This policy change is especially relevant for U.S. employers managing global talent mobility or relocating staff to France.
The expanded list includes approximately 80 occupations across key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, transportation, and home care. Importantly, roles included on this list are exempt from the traditional French labor market test. This means that sponsoring employers no longer need to prove that no local candidates are available before hiring a foreign national for these roles, thereby accelerating the work permit process.
For U.S.-based multinational companies, this update presents a more streamlined route to place skilled foreign workers in France, particularly in operational and technical positions. It also opens doors for globally mobile professionals exploring European opportunities in sectors with persistent vacancies.
This move aligns with broader EU trends to attract qualified global talent to support essential industries and economic recovery. The update is regionalized, allowing employers to identify eligible shortage roles specific to the geographic area of employment in France.
Global mobility teams, immigration counsel, and international HR professionals should review the updated list and relevant application procedures to incorporate these changes into workforce planning strategies.
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Spain: Sweeping Immigration Law Reform
Spain has enacted a landmark overhaul of its immigration framework, with a wide range of reforms that took effect on May 20, 2025. The newly implemented regulation modernizes key pathways for work, study, residency, and family reunification – positioning Spain as a more attractive destination for global talent and improving integration mechanisms for undocumented migrants and refugees.
Among the most impactful changes:
- Initial work residence permits are now issued for one year, with renewals of up to four years, providing greater stability for foreign workers.
- Job-seeker visas have been extended from 3 months to 12 months, giving non-EU nationals a more realistic timeframe to secure employment.
- International students may now work up to 30 hours per week and are granted residence permits valid for the full duration of their studies, aligning with EU mobility norms.
The reform also introduces five new pathways to legalize undocumented migrants through social integration, lowering the required stay from three years to two under specific conditions. These measures are aimed at reducing the informal labor market and supporting long-term regularization.
Additionally, the law now allows most new permit holders to begin working immediately, without waiting periods, a move that boosts efficiency for both employees and employers. A new five-year residence and work permit has also been created for non-EU family members of Spanish citizens, strengthening family unity rights and access to labor markets.
Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration noted that the new regulation follows an “intense training and support campaign” to ensure effective rollout across immigration offices. Complementing the legal reform, the ministry also expanded its employment integration program for refugees, partnering with new companies to broaden job placement opportunities.
These reforms are widely seen as a significant step forward in aligning Spain’s immigration policy with both humanitarian commitments and labor market needs, especially in sectors facing persistent worker shortages.
Details:
- https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/w/el-gobierno-estrena-el-nuevo-reglamento-de-extranjeria-tras-una-intensa-campana-de-formacion-y-refuerzo-en-las-oficinas
- https://www.inclusion.gob.es/en/w/el-ministerio-de-migraciones-amplia-su-programa-de-insercion-laboral-de-personas-refugiadas-con-nuevas-empresas-y-convenios-
UK–EU: Youth Mobility Scheme Agreement
The Future of Youth Mobility Between the UK and EU: Progress, Challenges, and Realities
The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) currently offers young people from select countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and several others, the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UK for up to two years. Eligibility depends on nationality and age, generally ranging from 18 to 30 or 35, with specific rules on financial requirements and family circumstances. Despite its benefits, the scheme is restrictive: it is time-limited, does not lead to permanent residency, and generally excludes dependants.
Following Brexit, the freedom of movement between the UK and EU was severed, complicating travel and work opportunities for young people. The UK government’s immigration white paper published in May 2025 outlines wide-ranging reforms but did not explicitly address expanding the YMS. However, the political atmosphere suggests a pivot towards re-establishing youth mobility links with Europe.
Since 2024, EU institutions have proposed a reciprocal youth mobility agreement with the UK to ease restrictions resulting from Brexit. The European Commission’s ambitious plan envisages a visa allowing young people aged 18-30 to stay up to four years for work, study, or travel, without numerical quotas. The UK, however, remains cautious. Concerns over immigration control, university fee revenues, and political optics have slowed progress.
The recent EU-UK summit held in London on May 19, 2025, marked a historic step, with leaders acknowledging a “mutual interest to deepen people-to-people ties, particularly for the younger generation.” The deal, tentatively renamed the “youth experience scheme,” aims to facilitate work, studies, volunteering, and travel opportunities for young people on both sides. Yet, details remain vague, and key differences persist: the EU advocates for longer stays and access to home tuition fees for students, while the UK insists on shorter visits, capped numbers, and retention of international student fees.
This negotiation highlights a fundamental tension: while youth mobility is not the same as freedom of movement, its political and practical implications overlap. The UK government’s focus on reducing overall migration and protecting university revenues means any scheme will have limitations, including visa requirements, restricted duration, and no guaranteed path to residency or family accompaniment.
Moreover, the UK’s existing YMS includes invitation-to-apply systems for some countries to manage quotas, a method that might extend to EU nationals to maintain control. The bilateral dynamics also reflect a broader desire to rebuild post-Brexit relations without reversing key sovereignty decisions.
In summary, the UK and EU are cautiously moving toward an agreement that would restore some youth mobility but within tightly controlled parameters. While this initiative represents a significant political shift—especially as it formalizes talks once dismissed—it still faces hurdles over duration, costs, and immigration policy. For young people eager to live and work across the UK and Europe, the proposed “youth experience scheme” offers hope but not the open-door freedom of pre-Brexit times.
Details:
Klasko News
FIRM NEWS
I-9s and Worksite Enforcement: The Current State of Play
On June 5th, join Klasko attorneys Timothy D’Arduini, Natalia Gouz, and Nicholas Lowrey as they discuss the current state of play, potential government enforcement actions on the horizon, and best practices for building and maintaining a compliant program. Register here!
RECENT SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Anu Nair
On April 16th, Anu Nair spoke at the AILA Asia Pacific Chapter Annual Conference in Seoul, South Korea on a panel titled EB-5 State of Play Under the New Administration.
Maria Mihaylova | Nigel James
Maria Mihaylova and Nigel James presented to Rutgers University on April 18th in a session titled “What Happens Next? Visa Options for F and J Students”.
Maria Mihaylova | Andrew Zeltner
Maria Mihaylova and Drew Zeltner spoke with Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA on April 21st, in an Immigration Open Forum event for international students.
Maria Mihaylova | Sarah Holler
On April 23rd, Maria Mihaylova and Sarah Holler presented to Wistar University in an informational session about “Green Card Strategies for Researchers”.
H. Ronald Klasko
Ron Klasko spoke on the USA Immigration Panel at the Investment Migration Forum in Dubai on May 7, 2025.
Timothy D’Arduini
On May 12th, Timothy D’Arduini spoke at in this Smithsonian Institute webinar on Immigration Law Program Update.
Timothy D’Arduini
Tim spoke on an I-9 Compliance panel for the Philadelphia Chapter of AILA on May 13th.
Timothy D’Arduini
On May 15th, Timothy D’Arduini spoke in this AILA Web Seminar event titled Employer Compliance in the Second Trump Administration: I-9 Audits, Onsite Inspections, and ICE Raids. He also spoke on a panel discussing I-9 Compliance.
Carolina Regales
On May 20th, Carolina Regales presented in an ABIL Training Webinar titled Consular Processing Advice & Tips.
Elise Fialkowski
Elise spoke at NAFSA’s Annual Conference in San Diego, CA on the “Hot Topics in Advanced Employment-Based Immigration” panel.
UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Timothy D’Arduini | Natalia Gouz | Nick Lowrey
On June 5th, Klasko attorneys Tim D’Arduini, Natalia Gouz, and Nick Lowrey will be speaking in a KILP webinar event on I-9s and Worksite Enforcement. Register here!
Elise Fialkowski | H. Ronald Klasko | William Stock
On June 21st, three partners will be presenting at the AILA Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado. Elise Fialkowski is presenting on “Intro to the EB Immigrant Visas (Fundamentals)”; Ron Klasko will be presenting ”Navigating the Complexities of EB-5: Emerging Challenges and Untapped Opportunities”; and Bill Stock will be on the “Permanent Residence Strategies for Religious Workers” panel.
ICYMI: RECENT BLOG POSTS AND ALERTS
DOJ Prioritizes Immigration Violations in Expanded Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program
In this client alert, Duncan Fulton addresses the DOJ expansion of its corporate whistleblower program.
SCOTUS Ruling on TPS Causes Uncertainty for Beneficiaries and Employers Alike
In this client alert, Dallis Terc breaks down what the SCOTUS ruling on TPS means for parole programs and employers.
United Kingdom Announces Sweeping Immigration Reform in New White Paper
In this client alert, Timothy D’Arduini covers the UK’s proposed plan to have more restrictive immigration rules and discusses outlined key policy shifts.
ICE Issues Unemployment Warnings to F-1 Students on OPT
In this client alert, Allie Dempsey informs F-1 students and their universities what actions they should take if they were given a warning notice from ICE.
Trump’s Immigration Agenda: Progress and Problems in the First 100 Days
In this article, Grace Waweru covers the Trump Administration’s immigration agenda and policy changes in the first 100 days in office.
FIRM FEATURE
KILP Philly has a new home! In May 2025, our team settled into the sparkling new space at 2000 Market Street. The revamped office features bright workstations, sleek offices, conference rooms, cozy private phone booths, a wellness room for a mid-day recharge, and the shiny new “Klasko Kafe.” Don’t worry – the legendary fish tank made the move too. We kicked things off in style with our first happy hour bash on May 28!
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This newsletter was prepared with the assistance of ABIL, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, of which Klasko Immigration Law Partners is an active member.
