If an employer is looking to sponsor an employee who is a foreign national who may be looking for an employment-based green card, the employer will most likely need to go through the PERM labor certification process.

PERM, the Program Electronic Review Management, certification must be obtained through the U.S. Department of Labor...

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly disrupted the livelihoods of Americans. In Proclamation 9994 of March 13, 2020 (Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak), I declared that the COVID–19 outbreak in the United States constituted a national emergency, beginning March 1, 2020. Since then, the American...

Canada Border Service Agency (“CBSA”) recently announced the continuation of nonessential travel restrictions between Canada and USA through May 21st, 2020. Any traveler planning to cross the border for tourism, recreation and entertainment are not allowed.

Canada continues to allow essential travel into Canada which include individuals with study permit issued on or before March...

The Government of Canada recently introduced Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB”), a taxable benefit for eligible workers who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. This temporary income support will be available for up to sixteen weeks.

The IRCC updated its guidelines that CERB will not be considered social assistance for a Permanent...

For most seeking employment-based green cards, having their employer pursue PERM Labor Certification is the first step in the process. The PERM process involves a series of requirements the employer must complete, such as a recruitment process and obtaining the prevailing wage determination. PERM is in place to help prevent employers from taking...

On April 16, 2020, The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration issued 3,782 Invitations to Apply (“ITA”) for Permanent Residence under the Express Entry system.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score (“CRS”) is currently 455. This draw only included candidates who adjusted their Canadian Experience Class with Express Entry. Tie-breaking rule was in place.

Express Entry is...

On April 15, 2020, The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration issued 118 Invitations to Apply (“ITA”) for Permanent Residence under the Express Entry system.

The minimum Comprehensive Ranking Score (“CRS”) is currently 808. This draw only included candidates who adjusted their Provincial Nominee Program with Express Entry. Tie-breaking rule was in place.

Express Entry is...

Public Charge

Alert: USCIS encourages all those, including aliens, with symptoms that resemble Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services.  Such treatment or preventive services will not negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis.  

The Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule...

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes that there are immigration-related challenges as a direct result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We continue to carefully analyze these issues and to leverage our resources to effectively address these challenges within our existing authorities. DHS also continues to take action to protect the American people and...