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...
Green Card Preparation for Employees: What to Do Before the Process Begins
For many foreign nationals working in the United States, employment-based permanent residence is an important long-term goal. While the green card process itself involves multiple legal steps, much of the success of a case depends on preparation well before filing begins.
Employees who understand what to expect—and take action...
Canada–Colombia Work Permit: A Practical Guide for Colombian Nationals Who Want to Work in Canada
Canada continues to welcome skilled talent from around the world, and Colombian nationals who are interested in working in Canada may have options depending on the type of job offer, work category, and immigration pathway. Whether you are a professional, skilled worker, or a temporary worker exploring Canadian opportunities, it is important...
January 2026 U.S. & Canadian immigration updates: H-1B lottery changes, Visa Bulletin movement, and major travel impacts
Start the new year informed. Our January 2026 newsletter highlights key U.S. and Canadian immigration developments, including DHS’s plan to replace the random H-1B lottery with a weighted selection system beginning FY 2027, new asylum and security-related rules, USCIS photo requirement updates, and important travel and visa appointment delays. Download the full...
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...
Canada Introduces New Restrictions on Steel Imports: What Businesses and Cross-Border Companies Should Know
Canada has announced a new round of restrictions affecting steel and steel-related imports. These measures, which took effect in late December 2025, significantly change how certain steel products and derivative goods are treated at the border.
While these rules are primarily trade-related, they may have real implications for businesses...
USCIS Introduces a Weighted H-1B Cap Selection System: What Changes Starting FY 2027
On December 23, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a major change to how H-1B cap registrations will be selected in future years. Instead of using a fully random lottery, USCIS will begin using a weighted selection system that gives higher chances of selection to higher-paid positions.
DHS Overhauls the H-1B Lottery: What Employers and Foreign Workers Need to Know
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a major change to how H-1B work visas will be selected in the future. For the first time, the government is moving away from the long-criticized random lottery system and replacing it with a weighted selection process that favors higher-paid and higher-skilled workers.
Traveling to the U.S.? Understanding Passport Validity Rules Before You Fly
Many travelers are surprised to learn that a valid passport alone may not be enough to board a flight to the United States. In some cases, travelers are denied boarding because their passport does not meet the required validity period, even though their visa is still valid.
To avoid...
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