In 2025, Canada introduced the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in Sault Ste. Marie, a program designed to draw skilled foreign workers and international graduates to one of Ontario’s most vibrant rural communities. Replacing the former RNIP, this employer-driven initiative targets specific labor needs in critical sectors like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and...
Canada’s 2025 Immigration Plan: What It Means for Students, Workers, and Returnees
On May 2, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a pivotal speech outlining Canada’s updated immigration priorities. The government is introducing a population-based cap to reduce the number of temporary residents—including international students and foreign workers—to below 5% by 2027, citing pressure on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. While this may signal tighter...
Major 2025 Updates to the U.S. Marriage-Based Green Card Process: What You Need to Know
If you’re planning to file a marriage-based green card application in 2025, you need to be aware of several significant changes that could affect how your case is processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or the U.S. Department of State.
At NPZ Law Group, we’ve been closely...
New 48-Hour Rule for DS-160 Submissions Before Visa Interview Scheduling
The U.S. Department of State has announced a key procedural update that will affect how nonimmigrant visa applicants prepare for their interviews. Effective immediately, the DS-160 form—required for most nonimmigrant visa categories—must be submitted at least 48 working hours before an interview can be scheduled at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
DHS Launches New Voluntary Departure Program with Travel Assistance and Financial Incentive
In a significant policy move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rolled out a voluntary departure initiative designed to streamline the process for individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and wish to return to their home countries. Through the newly introduced CBP Home app, eligible individuals can...
Navigating U.S. Visa Challenges: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know in 2025
The U.S. visa landscape is undergoing significant changes. Applicants and employers accustomed to a relatively predictable system are now facing longer wait times, increased security checks, and more unpredictable outcomes. Whether it’s administrative processing, social media screening, or unexpected visa revocations, the stakes have risen—making preparation more important than ever.
New U.S. State Department Tools Help Track Visa Interview Timelines – For Both NIV and IV Applicants
On April 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) introduced two important tools designed to improve transparency and help visa applicants worldwide monitor interview scheduling trends. These tools serve two major categories: Nonimmigrant Visas (NIV) and Immigrant Visas (IV).
Tool 1: Global Visa Wait Times Tool – For...New E-Verify Case Alerts for Revoked EADs: What Employers Should Know
As of April 23, 2025, E-Verify has begun issuing Case Alerts to notify employers when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revokes an employee’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD). These alerts now appear under “Cases with Expiring Documents” in the E-Verify system.
Who Is Affected?
E-Verify participants—including federal contractors and employers in states that mandate...
What Immigrants Need to Know About REAL ID and Domestic Travel After May 7, 2025
The countdown is on: starting May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will be fully enforced. For immigrants—whether here on a visa, green card, or awaiting adjustment of status—this development carries important implications for domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities.
Here’s what you need to know...
F-1 Visa Guide: How International Students Can Maintain Legal Status in the U.S.
Are you studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa? Maintaining your student status is crucial to staying in compliance with U.S. immigration law. This guide outlines the essential steps for keeping your F-1 status active—from required documents and academic obligations to travel, work authorization (CPT/OPT), and dependent rules. Download our PDF...