Immigration policies in the U.S. and Canada continue to evolve rapidly, bringing major changes that affect both employers and foreign professionals. From the new $100,000 filing fee for certain H-1B petitions to heightened Department of Labor enforcement and Canada’s merit-based immigration alternatives, these updates are reshaping strategies for businesses and individuals alike....
What to Know Before Marrying a U.S. Citizen on a Tourist Visa — Risks & Realities
Many couples find themselves in love and ready to marry while one partner is in the U.S. on a tourist visa. While marriage to a U.S. citizen is legal, the immigration path afterward can be far more complicated. Missteps can lead to denials, long separations, or even removal from the United States.
Beyond the Headlines: Will Canada Benefit from the New $100,000 H-1B Fee?
The U.S. immigration landscape shifted dramatically last week when President Trump signed a Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. The announcement has caused understandable concern among U.S. employers, foreign workers, and students planning long-term careers in America.
In the immediate aftermath, some observers suggested that Canada...
How a Government Shutdown Could Affect U.S. Immigration Services
With the possibility of a federal government shutdown, many immigrants, employers, and families are left wondering how immigration processes may be disrupted. While some immigration agencies operate on fee-based funding and continue functioning, others may scale back or suspend services until Congress passes a new appropriations bill.
Here is...
DOL Proposes New H-1B Wage Rules Following Presidential Proclamation
On September 22, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register (Document No. 2025-18473) that would raise prevailing wage levels for H-1B visa holders. This proposal follows President Trump’s recent Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions, and is part of...
Project Firewall: DOL’s New H-1B Enforcement Initiative
On September 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced Project Firewall, a new enforcement initiative aimed at protecting America’s highly skilled workforce and strengthening oversight of the H-1B visa program.
This development follows the recent Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions. Together, these...
H-1B Proclamation FAQ: USCIS Clarifies $100,000 Fee
On September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 payment for certain H-1B petitions. On September 21, 2025, USCIS issued official guidance and an FAQ confirming how this new policy will be applied.
To help employers and visa holders, NPZ Law Group has prepared this...
Looking Beyond the H-1B? Discover Canada’s Smarter Immigration Pathways
With new hurdles and rising costs in the U.S. H-1B program, many skilled workers are searching for better opportunities. Canada is stepping up as a welcoming alternative with clear, merit-based immigration programs. Whether through the Global Talent Stream for tech professionals, Express Entry for permanent residency, or Provincial Nominee Programs, Canada provides...
Update: Clarifications on Presidential Proclamation Requiring $100,000 H-1B Fee
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation introducing a new $100,000 fee for certain H-1B petitions. NPZ Law Group previously shared the details of this Proclamation and its potential impact on employers and workers.
Since then, additional updates from professional associations suggest that the fee may apply...
USCIS Issues Guidance on Presidential Proclamation and $100,000 H-1B Fee
On September 21, 2025, USCIS issued a policy memorandum clarifying the scope of the recent Presidential Proclamation requiring a $100,000 payment for certain H-1B petitions.
This blog serves as a living FAQ and will be updated as new clarifications emerge from DHS, the Department of State, or related litigation.
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