In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued an interim final rule that removes the long-standing one-year foreign residency requirement for certain R-1 religious workers who reach the maximum five-year period of stay in the United States. This change is effective immediately and is expected to...
Navigating the February 2026 Visa Bulletin: Stability Returns as EB-4 Religious Workers Become Unavailable
The February 2026 Visa Bulletin reflects a more cautious pace following January’s movement. Most Employment-Based and Family-Based categories remain unchanged, while the EB-4 Certain Religious Worker (SR) category is now officially unavailable due to statutory expiration. Here’s what applicants need to know this month.
Employment-Based Preferences: Final Action DatesE-Verify Employers: Critical Action Required Before January 23, 2026
Employers that use E-Verify must take an important compliance step before January 23, 2026. On that date, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will permanently delete certain older E-Verify records, which could affect an employer’s ability to demonstrate compliance during a Form I-9 audit.
Employers who act now can avoid...
Canada Tightens Rules for Intracompany Transfers: What Employers Need to Know
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced stricter standards for Intracompany Transfer (ICT) work permits under the International Mobility Program. These changes are designed to ensure that only genuine transfers of executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers qualify. For employers, the new requirements mean more documentation and closer review — and...
H-1B Lottery Changes for FY 2027 (March 2026 Registration): What Employers Need to Know
The H-1B cap registration process continues to evolve, and employers planning ahead for the FY 2027 H-1B cap season should be aware of important upcoming changes. While the H-1B program has always been competitive, recent regulatory developments signal a shift toward a more strategy-driven and compliance-focused registration process.
For employers...
Ontario Expands OINP Eligibility for Self-Employed Physicians in 2026
Ontario has introduced important changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) that directly affect internationally trained physicians. Effective January 1, 2026, Ontario has broadened eligibility under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream, making it easier for certain self-employed physicians to qualify for provincial nomination.
These changes reflect Ontario’s...
USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees Effective March 1, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that premium processing fees will increase beginning March 1, 2026. These changes apply to a wide range of employment-based and nonimmigrant filings and will affect employers, employees, students, and applicants who rely on expedited adjudication.
The increase reflects inflation adjustments authorized...
NEW H-1B FEES COULD REACH $100,000: HOW EMPLOYERS CAN PREPARE FOR FY2027
U.S. employers preparing for the FY2027 H-1B lottery may soon face a major budgeting challenge: a potential new fee reported at $100,000, depending on how and where an employee files.
While H-1B programs have always required careful planning, this change could make location and filing strategy more important than...
Employer Immigration in 2026: What HR Teams Should Prepare for Now
As 2026 begins, many U.S. employers are entering a more demanding immigration environment—one shaped by tighter review standards, higher costs, and increased enforcement activity. For companies relying on foreign national talent, the best approach this year is early planning and stronger internal coordination between HR, recruiting, and legal teams.
Ontario Introduces New Job Posting Rules Effective January 1, 2026: What Employers Need to Know
Ontario employers who advertise publicly advertised job postings should prepare for major compliance changes beginning January 1, 2026. Ontario has introduced new requirements under O. Reg. 476/24 under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) that affect how job postings must be written and how hiring information must be disclosed.
These...
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