The U.S. Department of State has announced significant updates that will impact international students and exchange visitors applying for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas. These changes reflect enhanced security vetting protocols, with a particular emphasis on reviewing social media presence and online activity.
What You Need...Supreme Court Decision Ends CHNV Parole Program: What U.S. Employers Need to Know Now
On May 30, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Trump Administration’s decision to end the Humanitarian Parole Program for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV). This marks a significant policy shift that will directly impact thousands of foreign nationals living and working in the United States — and their...
Trump’s $5 Million “Gold Card” Proposal: What High-Net-Worth Immigrants Should Know
In a striking new move, the Trump Administration has introduced a proposal for a “Gold Card” program, offering permanent residency in the United States in exchange for a $5 million investment. The announcement has stirred interest and concern alike, especially among international investors exploring options for U.S. immigration.
Here’s...
Can You Apply for a Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Application in Canada If Your CRS Score Is Low?
Many individuals struggling with low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores under Canada’s Express Entry system search for alternative ways to apply for Permanent Residence (PR). One option that often comes up is the Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application. But here’s the truth: H&C is not a backup for Express Entry—and using it...
July 2025 Immigration Newsletter – Critical USCIS Policy Changes, DACA Anniversary, and Canadian Reforms
In this bimonthly edition, NPZ Law Group unpacks major immigration developments in both the U.S. and Canada. Highlights include USCIS’s rollback on I-693 validity, tighter scrutiny on Form N-648 disability waivers, and a renewed focus on DACA's 13-year legacy. The bulletin also explores increased border scrutiny for green card holders, the temporary...
USCIS TN Visa Policy Update: What Employers and Applicants Need to Know
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its guidance on TN nonimmigrant visa classification under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA), impacting both employers and foreign professionals from Canada and Mexico.
Highlights of the 2025 Policy Update: New Employment Criteria: TN employment...H-1B Portability: How to Change Jobs Without Jeopardizing Your Immigration Status
If you're working in the United States on an H-1B visa and considering switching employers, understanding H-1B portability is crucial. Many H-1B holders worry that changing jobs could result in falling out of status or facing long processing delays—but thanks to provisions under AC21 (American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act), you may...
From E Visa to Green Card: What Treaty Investors and Employees Should Know
The E visa is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and professionals from treaty countries to live and work in the United States. While the E-1 (Treaty Trader) and E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas are nonimmigrant classifications, many individuals who enter the U.S. under these categories eventually explore long-term options — including permanent residency....
Major Update from USCIS: New Policy Guidance on Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions)
On June 13, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an important policy update to the USCIS Policy Manual that affects Form N-648, which is used for Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
This update is intended to enhance the integrity of the naturalization process and prevent misuse...
Navigating the July 2025 Visa Bulletin: Key Updates and Shifts
The July 2025 Visa Bulletin issued by the U.S. Department of State shows marginal forward movement in several employment and family-based categories. While some categories remain unchanged, slight progression in others—particularly EB-3 for India and family-based F2A—offers cautious optimism for applicants.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action DatesWant More News?
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