Marrying a U.S. citizen is often seen as one of the most straightforward pathways to obtaining a green card. However, recent procedural updates under the Trump administration have introduced new layers of scrutiny and administrative changes that applicants need...
Effective October 28, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will no longer accept checks or money orders for most immigration applications and petitions. Moving forward, all paper-filed forms must include electronic payment through either credit/debit card or ACH (bank account) transactions.
This modernization aims...
The Canadian government recently reaffirmed its stance on temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and employer compliance, signaling a more rigorous approach to how employers hire and manage foreign nationals. While not a brand-new policy, this announcement reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to...
The U.S. immigration community is closely watching as USCIS begins implementing the controversial $100,000 H-1B petition fee, even while a major lawsuit filed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce seeks to block the rule before next year’s H-1B lottery.
Background: The Legal ChallengeLate last...
Canada continues to attract global academic talent by offering immigration pathways that recognize research excellence. One such pathway is the C44 work permit exemption, which allows post-doctoral fellows who hold or are about to receive a Ph.D. to work in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Canada’s economy depends on a strong and diverse workforce. As many industries continue to face labor shortages, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has become an essential tool for employers seeking to fill critical gaps while remaining compliant with Canadian immigration laws.
Despite its importance, misconceptions about the program...
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 payment for certain H-1B petitions. Since then, federal agencies have released several rounds of clarifications.
To help employers, HR professionals, and visa holders understand how this rule is being applied, NPZ Law Group continues to update...
The Ontario government has announced new legislation to make it easier for health-care professionals licensed in other provinces and territories to work in Ontario without lengthy re-registration processes. The goal is to strengthen labour mobility, address workforce shortages, and support faster access to care across the province.
USCIS has released detailed guidance explaining how the $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions—required under the September 19 Presidential Proclamation—will be applied.
According to the update, the new fee: Applies only to new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21,...As immigration policies continue to evolve in both the U.S. and Canada, October brings major updates impacting employers, foreign professionals, and students. The Trump administration has announced a forthcoming rule to tighten H-1B eligibility and oversight, along with a proposed $100,000 H-1B fee that could reshape the U.S. employment landscape. Meanwhile, USCIS...
