The H-1B visa program permits a United States employer ("employer") to temporarily employ nonimmigrants to fill specialized jobs in the United States. The Immigration and Nationality Act (the "INA" or the "Act") requires that an employer pay an H-1B worker the italicize of the actual wage or the locally prevailing wage, in order...

WHY THE CHANGE?

• These new rules reduce the possibility for deception or misuse of the program, while also safeguarding Canada's international reputation for its excellent education.

WHAT ARE THESE NEW RULES?

• The CIC now limits the issuance of study permits to applicants who will be studying at adesignated learning institution

•...

"Express Entry," a new immigration system, used to manage and select applicants to immigrate into the country.

• Express Entry uses electronic profiles to highlight a person's best attributes including education, work experience and language skills, among others

• These profiles are looked at under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program...

Introduction

Many F-1 visa holders, particularly those who are engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT), often change their nonimmigrant immigration status to become professional 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...

After years, President Obama has finally announced his plan for Administrative Relief. It is not a "Presidential Order". It is not an Immigration Bill (although it is hoped that it may lead to one). The program will go under the name "Immigration Accountability Executive Action". The following is a short description of some of...

Although the U.S. economy slowed down a bit during the fourth quarter of 2014, recent reports suggest that it would pick up again because of continued job growth, consumer confidence and spending increases. What does this mean for the immigration practitioners, professionals, and prospective H-1B employers and employees? Assuming that the economy performs as...

Aunque la economía de Estados Unidos se desaceleró un poco durante el cuarto trimestre de 2014, los informes recientes sugieren que habrá un nuevo repunte debido al crecimiento de empleo continuo, la confianza del consumidor y el aumento de gastos. ¿Qué significa esto para los profesionales de inmigración, profesionales, empleadores y posibles empleados H-1B?...

1. File the LCA Early: It is never too early to file an LCA. Sure, the employee will lose 4-6 months on the back end, but that is not completely lost by any means. It is better to start filing soonest to avoid iCert issues, business existence issues and general glitches or errors.

2....