Effective December 23, 2024, the Government of Canada has announced that work and study permits will no longer be issued at ports of entry through the practice known as "flagpoling." This change is part of Canada’s Border Plan, aimed at improving the efficiency and security of the border while maintaining the integrity...
Canada Takes Action to Enhance Integrity in the Express Entry System
As immigration remains a vital driver of Canada’s economic growth and success, the Government of Canada is taking proactive measures to strengthen the integrity of the immigration system. On December 23, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a significant change to the Express Entry system aimed...
ABC’s OF H-1Bs (THIS IS PART 1 OF AN 7 PART SERIES) H-1B FILING SEASON GETS INTO FULL-SWING FOR H-1B EMPLOYERS AND PROSPECTIVE H-1B EMPLOYEES.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, to first electronically register and pay the associated $215.00 H-1B registration fee before filing a petition. USCIS will open an initial registration period for a minimum of 14 calendar days...
HSI Worksite Enforcement: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Employer
Employers must be prepared for potential Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) worksite enforcement actions, which can occur without prior notice. This guide outlines critical steps for employers to follow, including contacting an attorney, understanding search warrants, protecting privileged materials, and managing employee rights during an inspection. Employers are advised...
How to Correct Errors on Your I-94 Record: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ensuring accuracy on your I-94 record is crucial for foreign travelers, as errors can impact immigration status. This guide explains how to identify and correct mistakes on I-94 documents. It covers steps like reviewing your record on the CBP website, identifying errors, gathering supporting documents, and contacting CBP Deferred Inspection Sites or...
DHS Final Rule Modernizes H-1B Program: Flexibility, Efficiency, and Integrity Enhanced
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a final rule that modernizes the H-1B visa program, effective January 17, 2025. The changes aim to streamline the approval process, enhance flexibility for employers and workers, and bolster the integrity of the program through improved oversight.
What is...
Holiday Travel Tips: Navigating the Canadian Border Smoothly
The holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, for many, cross-border travel. However, as one of the busiest travel periods of the year, navigating border crossings can be a challenge. To ensure your journey is as seamless as possible, it’s important to prepare ahead of time and understand the...
How Employers Can Prepare for Immigration Audits and Raids
With heightened attention on immigration enforcement in the U.S., employers need to remain vigilant and proactive to safeguard their businesses. Industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, and construction—often employing large non-professional workforces—face increasing scrutiny from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies. Whether through audits or unannounced workplace raids, enforcement...
Immigration Lessons from Hollywood: What “The Proposal” Teaches Employers
Romantic comedies often take creative liberties, but beneath the humor and drama, movies like The Proposal highlight real-life challenges of immigration compliance. In the film, Margaret Tate, a Canadian executive played by Sandra Bullock, faces deportation and orchestrates a fake engagement with her assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), to maintain her U.S. residency. While the...
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