On September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced new rules for scheduling nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interviews. Applicants must now generally schedule their appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
If an applicant tries to schedule outside their home country,...
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new and secure way to pay filing fees.
Effective immediately (August 29, 2025): Applicants and petitioners can authorize direct debit (ACH) payments from a U.S. bank account by filing Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, with their applications, petitions, or...
On September 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0190, reaffirming its guidance on how officers must evaluate the Public Charge ground of inadmissibility under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This update underscores the government’s continued focus on ensuring that individuals seeking permanent residence are...
When your green card (Form I-485 Adjustment of Status) is pending, international travel becomes a complicated decision. Many applicants rely on Advance Parole to leave and re-enter the United States. However, immigration attorneys caution that traveling with Advance Parole carries risks — and in many cases, it may be safer to maintain or return...
For international companies looking to expand into Canada or send employees north of the border, it’s important to understand how Canada regulates temporary work and business activities. While most foreign nationals require a work permit to perform services in Canada, there are several exemptions and streamlined pathways that can make entry easier.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased its focus on employer compliance, and one of the most visible tools is the unannounced site visit. These inspections are conducted by officers from the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) directorate and are designed to confirm that the details in immigration petitions match what...
On June 4, 2025, the President issued a proclamation suspending or limiting entry to the United States for nationals of 19 countries. However, the proclamation includes a specific carve-out for certain athletes and team members traveling to participate in major international sporting events.
A cable from the U.S. Department...
Canada continues to be one of the top destinations for individuals and businesses across the Americas seeking opportunities for work, study, and permanent settlement. Trans-American immigration — the flow of people, talent, and businesses between the U.S. and Canada — has gained significant attention in recent years due to policy changes, economic...
Filing a spousal sponsorship application to reunite with your spouse or common-law partner in Canada is one of the most meaningful immigration steps a person can take. However, mistakes in the application are more common than many realize. These errors can range from minor clerical issues to serious problems that could harm the...
According to CBS News, the Trump administration is reinstating a long-discontinued practice of conducting “neighborhood checks” as part of the naturalization process for U.S. citizenship. These checks, which were largely abandoned in 1991, allow U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers to interview neighbors, coworkers, and employers of applicants to determine whether...
