The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an important policy update regarding interview requirements for refugees, asylees, and their derivative family members who are filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Effective immediately, USCIS has reestablished a uniform baseline of screening and vetting...
In 2025, heightened scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry has increased the risk of secondary inspections and detentions—even for Green Card holders. This updated legal guide explains what Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) need to know before reentering the U.S., including:
The difference between being treated as...On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” ushering in the most sweeping immigration fee increases in years. The law impacts asylum seekers, parolees, TPS applicants, and more, with many fees becoming effective immediately.
Key highlights include:
In this July 2025 edition of our U.S. and Canadian Immigration Law newsletter, we cover vital updates for individuals, families, and employers navigating complex immigration systems. Key highlights include:
Changes to the H-1B cap selection process Implementation of new U.S. immigration fee increasesSudbury’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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
