Sudbury’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) for 2025 continues to be a strategic pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers. By partnering with local employers and prioritizing in-demand occupations in healthcare, engineering, trades, and community services, the program helps newcomers settle and thrive in Northern Ontario. With a transparent points-based ranking...
Understanding When Your Green Card Priority Date Is “Current” — And What It Means for You
Each month, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) releases the Visa Bulletin, which determines when individuals can move forward in the Green Card process. For those applying through employment-based immigration, tracking your “Priority Date” is critical. But what exactly does it mean for that date to be “current,” and how does it...
DOJ Expands Whistleblower Program: What Employers Need to Know About Immigration Compliance
In a major policy shift, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has broadened the scope of its Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program to include corporate immigration violations. This change reflects growing enforcement priorities and places a sharper focus on how businesses manage their internal immigration practices.
Employers—especially those who...
Navigating Criminal Convictions: U.S.-Canada Immigration and HR Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, where cross-border travel and international employment are the norm, the intersection of criminal law, immigration law, and human resources (HR) policies has never been more relevant. Whether you are an employee with a prior conviction or an employer recruiting international talent, understanding how criminal history impacts mobility between the...
H-1B Cap Selection Process: DHS Expected to Introduce New Rule
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to roll out a significant change to how H-1B cap-subject petitions are selected. A proposed rule is currently under review and could reshape the lottery process for employers and foreign professionals seeking H-1B status.
At NPZ Law Group, we’re closely...
New U.S. Immigration Fee Increases Take Effect: What You Need to Know
The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBA) introduces a wide range of immigration fee increases affecting individuals, employers, and legal practitioners. Signed into law in July 2025, these changes mark the most significant cost adjustments in years and are now in effect. At NPZ Law Group, we want to ensure...
Worksite Immigration Enforcement in 2025: What Employers Should Expect and How to Prepare
With the return of high-profile immigration enforcement under the current administration, U.S. employers—particularly those with diverse workforces—must take a proactive stance toward compliance. Recent developments suggest that worksite inspections, audits, and even large-scale raids are becoming more frequent across industries. At NPZ Law Group, we break down what employers need to know...
July 2025 Immigration Policy Highlights: What Employers and Foreign Nationals Should Know
As immigration policy continues to shift under the current administration, the month of July brought key changes that impact foreign nationals, sponsoring employers, and immigration practitioners across the country. From fee increases to policy enforcement updates, here are the most important takeaways — as analyzed by the NPZ Law Group.
USCIS Clarifies TN Visa Rules for Canadian and Mexican Professionals (July 2025 Update)
The TN visa continues to be a vital pathway for qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking temporary employment in the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA). In July 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated guidance in its Policy Manual, clarifying the eligibility criteria, documentation standards,...
How Employers Can Prepare for Workplace Immigration Enforcement: NPZ Law Group Insights
Immigration enforcement at the workplace—whether through surprise visits, audits, or information requests—remains a reality for U.S. employers. Proactive preparation is key to protecting both your business and workforce. Below, NPZ Law Group outlines best practices for employers to confidently and lawfully handle potential enforcement actions, ensuring compliance and minimizing operational disruptions.