The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has introduced a new 12-month Visa Bond Pilot Program that significantly impacts applicants seeking temporary visitor visas (B-1/B-2) from certain countries. Under the new rule, which will take effect on August 20,...
As the new academic year approaches, international students planning to study in the United States should be aware of important changes to the F-1 visa application process. With increased government scrutiny and new interview requirements in place, applicants must now take extra steps to ensure their applications are complete, accurate, and timely.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual following the release of Executive Order 14201, “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” This Executive Order directs the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the entry of male athletes seeking to compete in female athletic categories...
Big changes are coming to U.S. visa processing. Beginning September 2, 2025, most individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa will be required to attend an in-person consular interview, even if they previously qualified for the interview waiver (also known as the Dropbox option).
This update, announced by the U.S....
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released an important policy update regarding interview requirements for refugees, asylees, and their derivative family members who are filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Effective immediately, USCIS has reestablished a uniform baseline of screening and vetting...
In 2025, heightened scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry has increased the risk of secondary inspections and detentions—even for Green Card holders. This updated legal guide explains what Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) need to know before reentering the U.S., including:
The difference between being treated as...On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” ushering in the most sweeping immigration fee increases in years. The law impacts asylum seekers, parolees, TPS applicants, and more, with many fees becoming effective immediately.
Key highlights include:
In this July 2025 edition of our U.S. and Canadian Immigration Law newsletter, we cover vital updates for individuals, families, and employers navigating complex immigration systems. Key highlights include:
Changes to the H-1B cap selection process Implementation of new U.S. immigration fee increasesSudbury’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) for 2025 continues to be a strategic pathway to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers. By partnering with local employers and prioritizing in-demand occupations in healthcare, engineering, trades, and community services, the program helps newcomers settle and thrive in Northern Ontario. With a transparent points-based ranking...
Each month, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) releases the Visa Bulletin, which determines when individuals can move forward in the Green Card process. For those applying through employment-based immigration, tracking your “Priority Date” is critical. But what exactly does it mean for that date to be “current,” and how does it...
