Hospitals, clinics, and academic medical centers across the United States already face significant workforce shortages. Recent changes to the H-1B visa program may make recruiting international medical professionals even more challenging.
A combination of new government policies—including a substantial payment requirement for certain H-1B filings, increased scrutiny during adjudications,...
Many individuals who obtain permanent residence through marriage receive a two-year conditional green card. Before that card expires, the conditional resident must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, in order to receive a permanent ten-year green card.
In most cases, the petition is filed jointly with...
The U.S. Department of State has announced a new rule that will change how individuals apply for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program.
Under the new regulation, individuals entering the DV Lottery will be required to provide information from a valid, unexpired passport and upload a scan of the...
The E-2 investor visa remains a valuable option for entrepreneurs from treaty countries who want to build or buy a business in the United States. At the same time, E-2 adjudications have become more demanding. Recent practitioner discussions suggest that immigration officers are now looking much more closely at whether a business...
Canada continues to adjust its immigration programs to address workforce shortages in key sectors. One important development in recently has been the introduction of category-based selection within the Express Entry system, which allows immigration authorities to invite candidates with experience in specific occupations that are in demand across the country.
Foreign nationals who plan to visit, study, or work in the United States are generally expected to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves during their stay. One concept that often raises questions in the immigration process is the “public charge” rule.
Recently, discussions about public benefits and immigration...
Many F-1 visa holders, particularly those who are engaged in OPT change their immigration status to become professional and specialty workers (H-1B workers). The H-1B cap is the Congressionally mandated limit on the number of individuals who may be granted H-1B status during each fiscal year. Most foreign nationals seeking H-1B nonimmigrant...
On January 20, 2025, an Executive Order was issued addressing birthright citizenship in the United States. The order proposes changes that could prevent certain children born in the U.S. from automatically receiving U.S. citizenship if their parents are undocumented or hold temporary immigration status. Although birthright citizenship has been protected by the...
Adjustment of status interviews are a routine part of the green card process. For many applicants, the interview is simply a final step before permanent residence is approved.
However, in certain cases, problems discovered during the interview may result in serious consequences, including case denial or referral to immigration enforcement authorities.
Because of this, it is extremely...
Recent geopolitical developments have prompted the U.S. Department of State to issue a Worldwide Caution alert affecting travel and visa processing in several regions.
The alert was issued after the launch of U.S. military operations involving Iran. As security conditions evolve across parts of the Middle East, several U.S....
