Recent developments in U.S. immigration policy mean businesses employing foreign talent will need to adapt to a new landscape. With intensified enforcement and policy shifts, employers must prepare for changes ahead. Our team is here to help your organization stay compliant and...
IRCC updates the duration of visitor visa
In Canada, a multiple-entry visa allows the holder to seek entry to Canada from any country as often as necessary during the visa’s period of validity, has a maximum validity date of up to 10 years or the expiry date of either the travel document or biometrics, whichever comes first and can...
Securing a Green Card Through the Employment-Based EB-2 NIW Visa for Healthcare Professionals
For healthcare professionals—including dentists and doctors—looking to establish a long-term career in the United States, the employment-based EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) visa is an advantageous pathway to securing permanent residency. Unlike traditional employment-based visas, the EB-2 NIW waives the requirement for employer sponsorship, offering more flexibility for skilled professionals whose work...
A Comprehensive Guide to the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit in Canada
Canada’s work permit options offer valuable opportunities for businesses looking to expand their global footprint. Among these, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit stands out as an efficient way for multinational companies to move key employees to their Canadian operations. This guide covers everything you need to know about the ICT program,...
USCIS REQUESTS FEEDBACK ON UPDATES TO EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION APPLICATION PROCESS
USCIS is inviting public comments on proposed updates to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and its instructions. The agency is considering changes aimed at reducing the application burden through technology and internal processes. USCIS is also seeking feedback on using smartphone apps for passport-style photo submissions and other emerging technologies. Additionally,...
USCIS Introduces PDF Filing for EAD Applicants
On October 8, 2024, USCIS announced the availability of a PDF filing option for certain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applicants. This new feature allows eligible individuals to upload completed Form I-765 and required evidence via their USCIS online account. Additionally, applicants can electronically file Form I-912 for fee waivers, marking the first...
USCIS Updates Policy on Expedited Requests for Urgent Travel and Critical Needs
On October 11, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated guidance about expedited requests, particularly for those needing to travel due to urgent professional, academic, or personal commitments. This policy now addresses both planned and unplanned travel, providing individuals with clear guidelines on how to seek expedited adjudication of their...
Canada Reduces Immigration Targets for Sustainable Growth: Key Highlights of the 2025–2027 Immigration Plan
On October 24, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, introducing a shift in immigration policy aimed at ensuring well-managed and sustainable population growth. For the first time, this plan includes targets not only for permanent residents but also for temporary residents, such as international...
O-1AビザとNIWの承認増加:高度技能移民への新たなチャンス
近年アメリカへの高度技能移民に大きな変化が見られ、特にO-1Aビザと国家利益免除(NIW)の承認が顕著に増加しています。この変化はバイデン政権の有利なガイダンスを背景に、特に科学、技術、工学、数学(STEM)分野のトップ人材を引き寄せることを目的としています。O-1Aビザは、科学、教育、ビジネス、スポーツなどの分野で卓越した能力を持つ個人を対象としています。H-1Bビザとは異なり年間の上限がないため、特に高度な資格を持つ専門家にとって魅力的な選択肢です。バイデン政権の2022年のガイダンスによりSTEM分野における資格要件が明確化され拡大されました。この結果、申請者が要件を満たしやすくなりO-1Aビザの申請と承認が増加しました。例えば、2021年から2022年にかけてO-1Aビザの申請数は8,010件から9,720件に増加し承認率は91%から94%に上昇しました。2023年は申請数は10,010件に増加し承認率は92%でした。これは多くの技能者がO-1Aビザを利用してアメリカで働けるようになり競争の激しいH-1Bビザの抽選に代わる選択肢が広がっていることを示しています。一方NIWはグリーンカード取得のための労働証明プロセスを回避する方法の一つであり国家的に重要と認められる仕事をしている場合、永住権を申請できます。2022年のガイダンスは特にSTEM分野の専門家がアメリカの革新や経済成長に貢献する場合にNIWの適格性を拡大しました。2021年から2022年にかけてNIWの申請数は11,210件から21,230件に倍増し承認率も86%から90%に上昇しました。2023年は申請数がさらに39,840件に急増し承認率は80%でした。O-1AビザとNIWはH-1Bビザに代わる選択肢としてアメリカ経済に貢献できる道を提供しています。しかしUSCISからの証拠追加要求(RFE)を避けるためにも十分に文書を整備し基準を満たしていることが重要です。
Understanding the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa and USCIS’s New Updates
The EB-1A visa, part of the Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1) category, offers a path to U.S. permanent residency for individuals with extraordinary abilities. This visa category targets top talent in science, arts, education, business, and athletics. One of its key advantages is that applicants can self-petition, meaning no job offer is required from a U.S. employer.