On June 9, 2014, government of Canada (CIC) published a new guide for officers assessing work permit applications for Intra-Company Transferees (ICTs) under the Specialized Knowledge category, with a Labour Market Opinion (LMO) Exemption. The new criteria will now include a more stringent definition of "specialized knowledge" and a mandatory wage requirement. Individuals covered...

U.S. immigration laws specifically authorize the issuance of E visas to nationals of a country that has qualifying treaty[i] of commerce and navigation with the United States. Such qualifying treaties may include treaties of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation (FCNs) and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs).

A BIT is an agreement establishing the terms and conditions for...

First, as many of our readers already know, a long-pending regulation has finally made it to the Federal Register. Soon, certain H-4 spouses will be able to work in the U.S. Other regulations have been published in the Federal Register to conform certain highly-technical legal nuances to "reality". Additionally, we are pleased about the...

For our clients who have successfully secured a work permit, or permanent residence, for Canada, the next question often is: "What can I bring with me when I go?" Here are some useful tips to facilitate your entry to Canada:

Before you Arrive in Canada:

• Prepare two copies of a list (preferably typewritten) of all...

The North American Free Trade Agreement, otherwise known as "NAFTA," is a treaty which allows Americans, Canadians, and Mexicans to work temporarily in one of these three countries for certain jobs or occupations listed under NAFTA. Going into the U.S.A., a person applies to secure what is called a "TN visa." The equivalent visa...

"Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson today announced the process for individuals to renew enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted to the Federal Register an updated form to allow individuals previously enrolled in DACA, to renew their deferral for a period of...

The spouses of some H-1B visa holders could receive work authorization in the U.S., according to a proposed rule change announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This change, finds its genesis in President Obama's initiative to strengthen entrepreneurship and retain talent. Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated: "These steps will help the U.S....

Federal Skilled Worker Program:

Federal Skilled Workers are chosen as permanent residents based on their ability to prosper in Canada. They are assessed according to a selection grid made up of six factors, including language, education, work experience, etc.

 Overall cap of 25,000 applications in eligible occupations stream
 Cap of 500 applications for PhD eligibility stream
 No limit...

Update (6:45 PM): AILA Liaison has been informed that due to the reported courier delivery problems with FY2015 H-1B petitions, USCIS will accept a second H-1B petition in certain limited circumstances. Specifically, for cap-subject petitions that were timely filed, if, upon inquiry, the carrier indicates that there may be a delivery delay or the...

Many F-1 visa holders, particularly those who are engaged in OPT, often change their immigration status to become professional 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 classification are subject...