The Government of Canada has introduced stronger compliance measures under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, reinforcing that hiring foreign talent must remain a last resort when no qualified Canadians or permanent residents are available. Recent updates from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) show a sharp decline in program applications and...
Bill C-3 and the Return of Citizenship Rights for Lost Canadians
A major development is underway for individuals known as Lost Canadians. The federal government’s Bill C-3 seeks to restore citizenship to those who lost or were denied it under past policies. Following a 2023 Ontario Superior Court decision that struck down limits on citizenship by descent, this proposed legislation could reinstate citizenship...
The 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Is Open: What You Need to Know
The U.S. Department of State has opened the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Lottery for Fiscal Year 2026.
Often called the Green Card Lottery, this program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas each year to people from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States.
There is no fee to...
E-Verify Resumes Operations: Employer Compliance Deadlines and I-9 Guidance
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that E-Verify is now fully operational following a recent service disruption. All participating employers, HR professionals, and federal contractors should take immediate action to ensure continued compliance with employment verification requirements.
Action Required for EmployersLegal Challenge Filed Over $100,000 H-1B Fee: What Employers Need to Know
The first major lawsuit has been filed challenging President Trump’s recent Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. This legal action represents the beginning of what could become a significant test of executive authority in the immigration arena.
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a...
Canada Signals Plans to Attract U.S. H-1B Tech Workers After the New U.S. Fee Increase
The United States recently announced a US $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, a change that has drawn global attention across the technology and business communities.
In response, Canada has indicated renewed interest in welcoming highly skilled professionals, particularly those currently living and working in the United States...
Agency Clarifications on $100,000 H-1B Fee: What We Know, What’s Still Unclear
In the days following President Trump’s Proclamation imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, federal agencies have begun clarifying how this unprecedented requirement will be applied.
What Agencies Have Confirmed New Petitions Only: The Department of State (DOS), USCIS, and...Proposed H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Bill Reintroduced: What Employers Need to Know
On September 29, 2025, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at reforming the H-1B and L-1 visa programs.
The proposal—known as the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act—seeks to raise wage requirements, tighten compliance rules, and restrict third-party placement of foreign workers.
If enacted,...
September 2025 IRCC Immigration Backlog Update
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released its September 2025 backlog figures, showing over 2 million applications still in processing. While Canada continues to finalize millions of decisions each year, certain categories like temporary resident visas and family sponsorships remain well above service standards.
Applicants should prepare for...
Canada Tightens Rules for Intracompany Transfers: What Employers Need to Know
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...
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