Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced stricter standards for Intracompany Transfer (ICT) work permits under the International Mobility Program. These changes are designed to ensure that only genuine transfers of executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers qualify. For employers, the new requirements mean more documentation and closer review — and...
H-1B Lottery Changes for FY 2027 (March 2026 Registration): What Employers Need to Know
The H-1B cap registration process continues to evolve, and employers planning ahead for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season should be aware of important upcoming changes. While the H-1B program has always been competitive, recent regulatory developments signal a shift toward a more strategy-driven and compliance-focused registration process.
For employers...
Ontario Expands OINP Eligibility for Self-Employed Physicians in 2026
Ontario has introduced important changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that directly affect internationally trained physicians. Effective January 1, 2026, Ontario has broadened eligibility under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, making it easier for certain self-employed physicians to qualify for provincial nomination.
These changes reflect Ontario’s...
USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees Effective March 1, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that premium processing fees will increase beginning March 1, 2026. These changes apply to a wide range of employment-based and nonimmigrant filings and will affect employers, employees, students, and applicants who rely on expedited adjudication.
The increase reflects inflation adjustments authorized...
NEW H-1B FEES COULD REACH $100,000: HOW EMPLOYERS CAN PREPARE FOR FY2027
U.S. employers preparing for the FY2027 H-1B lottery may soon face a major budgeting challenge: a potential new fee reported at $100,000, depending on how and where an employee files.
While H-1B programs have always required careful planning, this change could make location and filing strategy more important than...
Employer Immigration in 2026: What HR Teams Should Prepare for Now
As 2026 begins, many U.S. employers are entering a more demanding immigration environment—one shaped by tighter review standards, higher costs, and increased enforcement activity. For companies relying on foreign national talent, the best approach this year is early planning and stronger internal coordination between HR, recruiting, and legal teams.
Ontario Introduces New Job Posting Rules Effective January 1, 2026: What Employers Need to Know
Ontario employers who advertise publicly advertised job postings should prepare for major compliance changes beginning January 1, 2026. Ontario has introduced new requirements under O. Reg. 476/24 under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) that affect how job postings must be written and how hiring information must be disclosed.
These...
Green Card Preparation for Employees: What to Do Before the Process Begins
For many foreign nationals working in the United States, employment-based permanent residence is an important long-term goal. While the green card process itself involves multiple legal steps, much of the success of a case depends on preparation well before filing begins.
Employees who understand what to expect—and take action...
Canada–Colombia Work Permit: A Practical Guide for Colombian Nationals Who Want to Work in Canada
Canada continues to welcome skilled talent from around the world, and Colombian nationals who are interested in working in Canada may have options depending on the type of job offer, work category, and immigration pathway. Whether you are a professional, skilled worker, or a temporary worker exploring Canadian opportunities, it is important...
January 2026 U.S. & Canadian immigration updates: H-1B lottery changes, Visa Bulletin movement, and major travel impacts
Start the new year informed. Our January 2026 newsletter highlights key U.S. and Canadian immigration developments, including DHS’s plan to replace the random H-1B lottery with a weighted selection system beginning FY 2027, new asylum and security-related rules, USCIS photo requirement updates, and important travel and visa appointment delays. Download the full...