Second time working with Visaplace, and was successful again with a visa application for parents (2 out of 2). Worked with Felicita and Mansi, strong guidance, very detailed approach to putting together a very thorough and comprehensive application. Good feedback and support throughout the full process. Highly recommend Visaplace!
Top 5 US States with the Most Immigrants
The United States is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, a place where dreams of a new life find a home. Welcoming over 48 million individuals from around the globe, it stands as the world’s leading destination for those seeking new horizons. Immigration, the journey of relocating from one country to another, is driven by various factors. Some seek to reunite […]
A Record-Breaking Boost for US Tourism, Employment, and Family Reunification
The US State Department has reported a surge in visa issuances, reaching unprecedented levels in the first half of fiscal year 2024. Between October 2023 and March 2024, over 5.2 million visas were granted worldwide, surpassing all previous records for the same period. This achievement was made possible by technological advancements and streamlined processes, like […]
Canada Parents and Grandparents Program Now Open
On May 21st, 2024, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began sending invitations to potential sponsors for the highly anticipated Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP). They aim to issue 35,700 invitations and approve 20,500 applications. PGP 2024: Who’s Eligible? This PGP round will only consider potential sponsors who submitted their interest forms in 2020. This marks the […]
US Releases First Portion of Student Visa Appointments for Indian Students
Indian students will have an opportunity to book US student visa interviews starting in late May! The US Consulate announced the first round of appointments, with more expected in the coming weeks. This is welcome news, as the US remains a top choice for Indian students seeking international education. Despite the popularity of the US […]
Top 5 United States Visa Types in 2024
The US visa system opens doors to a world of possibilities, and understanding the most popular visa types in 2024 is your key to unlocking those opportunities. Whether you’re dreaming of a new career path, world-class education, a reunion with loved ones, or an exciting adventure, there’s likely a visa that fits your goals. Understanding […]
Updates to Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program and Self-Employed Persons Programs
Canada’s Immigration Minister has announced a reform of the Start-Up Visa program and a temporary stop to the Self-Employed Persons program that will take effect on April 30, 2024. Start-Up Visa Program Changes Limited Applications and Priority Processing To improve efficiency, the Start-up Visa program will cap how many applicants can be approved from each […]
Express Entry 295
April 24, 2024
Total Invitations Issued: 1400
Lowest Qualifying Score: 410
Express Entry Draw April 24, 2024 #295 – CRS Score
Canada Express Entry Draw April 24, 2024 #295 The latest Express Entry Draw took place on April 24th, 2024, which was the 295th Express Entry Draw. This was a French language proficiency draw. The draw offered: 1,400 ITA 410 cut-off score (CRS minimum) French Language Proficiency This is the third Express Entry draw of April 2024. […]
Canada 2024 Budget: Impacts on Immigration
The 2024 federal budget outlines the government’s plans for the coming year, with a focus on building more affordable housing and ensuring a strong economy. This year’s budget also has implications for Canada’s immigration system, aiming to achieve a balance between welcoming newcomers and addressing housing challenges. Affordable Housing The budget acknowledges the critical need […]
USCIS Extends Work Permit Renewals to Avoid Lapses in Employment for Immigrants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a temporary rule that automatically extends the validity period of work permits for immigrant workers with pending renewals. This extends the validity period from 180 days to 540 days (about 1.5 years) to prevent lapses in employment due to processing backlogs. USCIS Backlogs and Processing Delays USCIS has […]
Express Entry 293
April 11, 2024
Total Invitations Issued: 4500
Lowest Qualifying Score: 491
Express Entry Draw April 11, 2024 #293 – CRS Score
Canada Express Entry Draw April 11, 2024 #293 The latest Express Entry Draw took place on April 11th, 2024, which was the 293rd Express Entry Draw. This was a STEM occupations draw. The draw offered: 4,500 ITA 491 cut-off score (CRS minimum) STEM Occupations This is the second Express Entry draw of April 2024. Canada is […]
Express Entry 292
April 10, 2024
Total Invitations Issued: 1280
Lowest Qualifying Score: 549
Express Entry Draw April 10, 2024 #292 – CRS Score
Canada Express Entry Draw April 10, 2024 #292 The latest Express Entry Draw took place on April 10th, 2024, which was the 292nd Express Entry Draw. This was a general (all programs) draw. The draw offered: 1,280 ITA 549 cut-off score (CRS minimum) All Programs This is the first Express Entry draw of April 2024. Canada […]
IRCC Reveals New Student Visa Caps
Canada has unveiled its strategy to limit the number of study permits issued to international students by each province over the next two years. The country plans to reduce the number of new international student permits, with a target of 485,000 approved study permits for 2024. Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated, “On January 22, I […]
USCIS Visa Fees Increase in 2024: Final Changes
The USCIS has announced a final rule to increase fees for several immigration applications, marking the first major adjustment since 2016. These changes aim to address the agency’s operational and financial challenges. The new fees took effect on April 1, 2024, applying to all applications postmarked after this date. Below, you will find the visa […]
Express Entry 291
March 26, 2024
Total Invitations Issued: 1500
Lowest Qualifying Score: 388
Express Entry Draw March 26, 2024 #291 – CRS Score
Canada Express Entry Draw March 26, 2024 #291 The latest Express Entry Draw took place on March 26th, 2024, which was the 291st Express Entry Draw. This was a French language proficiency draw. The draw offered: 1,500 ITA 388 cut-off score (CRS minimum) French language proficiency This is the fourth Express Entry draw of March 2024. […]
Canada to Reduce Temporary Resident Numbers Over the Next 3 Years
Big news for Canadian immigration! Starting in fall 2024, the annual Immigration Levels Plan will include targets for temporary residents alongside permanent resident targets. Previously, the plan only focused on the number of new permanent residents Canada would welcome each year for the next three years. Now, temporary residents will also be factored into the […]