The U.S. immigration landscape is evolving once again with the proposed Trump Gold Card, a new investor visa that seeks to replace the long-standing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. While both options offer a pathway to U.S. permanent residency, they differ significantly in investment requirements, benefits, and policy considerations.
If you’re...
As of Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS has waived any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for...
Canada continues to encourage French-speaking immigrants to settle outside of Quebec, offering various immigration pathways tailored to Francophone candidates. Individuals from French-speaking countries such as Haiti, Mali, Senegal, Chad, and others have promising opportunities to secure permanent residence in Canada.
1. Express Entry – French-Speaking Category-Based SelectionAs we move into February 2025, significant updates in U.S. and Canadian immigration policies are shaping the landscape for employers, visa applicants, and noncitizens. From H-1B cap registration to new compliance requirements, staying informed is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of this month’s most important immigration updates.
Many F-1 visa holders, particularly those who are engaged in OPT change their immigration status to become professional and 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 seeking H-1B nonimmigrant...
The U.S. Department of State has updated the categories of nonimmigrant visa applicants who may qualify for an in-person interview waiver. Eligible applicants include certain diplomatic and official visa holders, as well as those renewing a visa within 12 months of expiration. While consular officers have the discretion to waive interviews, local...
February 27, 2025 – Ottawa – Canada is making key changes to its immigration system to address labor shortages and streamline pathways for skilled workers. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has announced the 2025 Express Entry category-based draws, introducing a new education category and prioritizing candidates with...
The E-2 Investor Visa is an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking to invest in and operate a business in the United States. This visa allows individuals from treaty countries to manage their investment while contributing to the U.S. economy. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to navigating the E-2 visa process.
The current administration has introduced new executive orders that are reshaping U.S. immigration policy and trade relations, creating significant implications for Canadian businesses, cross-border operations, and U.S. employers. These changes are affecting temporary work visas, immigration enforcement, and trade agreements, prompting companies and foreign workers to prepare for increased scrutiny and processing delays.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently rescinded the previous administration’s policy that classified schools as "sensitive locations" for immigration enforcement. This change means that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can now conduct immigration enforcement actions at schools, just as they would in other public spaces.
For K-12 schools, this...
