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:Â 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 DatesCan I Visa Holders Pursue a Green Card? What Foreign Media Professionals Should Know
The I visa is designed specifically for representatives of foreign media — including journalists, reporters, film crews, and editors — who are coming to the United States to engage in their profession. While the I visa offers a practical way for foreign media professionals to live and work in the U.S. temporarily,...
What If I Don’t Finish My Studies? Business Immigration Options for F-1 Students
Many international students enter the United States on an F-1 visa with hopes of completing their degree and launching a career. But what happens if things change — you pause your studies or decide that the academic path isn’t right for you?
If you're an F-1 student who...
Important USCIS Update: Form I-693 Validity Now Tied to Specific Application
USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to reflect a significant change regarding the Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Effective immediately, any Form I-693 signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, is only valid while the application it was submitted...
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