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!
New Rules for Canada Spousal Open Work Permits
Canadian immigration has updated the eligibility requirements for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP). Effective March 19, 2024, spouses of international students can only get an SOWP if their partner is enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a university or polytechnic institution. Previously, spouses of students in undergraduate and college programs were also […]
Saskatchewan Pauses Permanent Resident Pathway
The Saskatchewan government has halted its Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot Program aimed at addressing shortages in certain skilled positions. This decision has prompted Saskatoon residents to prepare to leave the country, along with others in similar situations. The pilot program, launched in December 2021, targeted intermediate and low-skilled workers in high-demand jobs. It allowed workers who […]
Alberta INP: Self-Employed Farmer Stream
The Self Employed Farmer stream in Alberta was created to help foreign immigrants buy or start their own farms in Canada. Learn more about the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Programs. What Are the Requirements for AINP Self-Employed Farmer Stream? To be eligible for this stream, you need to meet these basic requirements: Demonstrate farm management skills […]
Mexican Nationals Will Soon Require a Visa or Travel Card to Visit Canada
Canada is reintroducing some visa requirements for Mexican visitors, according to an official. This comes as Quebec’s premier has been asking the federal government to manage the flow of refugees, which he says is stretching resources. The new rules, set to start on Thursday, won’t completely revert to pre-2016 rules. The immigration minister is expected […]
Alberta Rural Renewal Program: PR Pathway to Canada
The Rural Renewal Stream helps rural Alberta communities attract and keep newcomers. This approach is community-focused, supporting local economic needs and helping communities grow. It enables rural areas to bring in and keep foreign nationals for living, working, and settling. Communities and employers can: Independently recruit foreign workers. If nominated, these workers may be able […]
H-1B Visa Lottery Now Open: USCIS Announces Final Changes to H-1B Visa Lottery
March 6, 2024 Update: H-1B lottery now open! The initial registration period for the FY 2025 H-1B cap opened at 12PM Eastern Time on March 6, 2024, and will run through 12 PM Eastern Time on March 22, 2024. Learn how to apply here. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will increase fees for employer petitions and sponsorship […]
USCIS Fee Changes: Impending Increases and Concerns
February 2024 Update: See the chart below for updated increases for certain visas and adjustment of status in 2024. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is gearing up for substantial modifications to its fee structure. The recent update from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) reveals that the Office of Information and Regulatory […]
Canada Announces 2-Year Cap on Student Visas
Canada’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, announced that the Liberal government will impose a temporary two-year cap on new student visas, resulting in a total of around 364,000 permits in 2024. The measures, aimed at reducing intake by 35% over the next two years, are temporary and will be in effect for two years. Miller stated […]
Passport Processing Times in the US Have Returned to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The processing times for U.S. passports have significantly reduced, now at their quickest pace since before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This positive development translates to a faster path for international travel for those holding U.S. passports. What Are the Processing Time Changes for US Passports? Effective December 18, 2023, the updated processing times […]
International Experience Canada Is Now Open
On December 11, 2023, the Minister of IRCC, Marc Miller, announced the opening of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program to approximately 90,000 young individuals from over 35 countries worldwide. This program offers a fantastic opportunity for Canadian and international youth between the ages of 18-35 to work and travel in each other’s countries. Work […]
New Requirements for International Students in Canada
On December 7, 2023, Canada’s immigration minister Marc Miller, unveiled new restrictions for international students wishing to study in Canada. Starting next year, prospective overseas students will be required to show they have access to $20,635 instead of the $10,000 minimum that has been in place for two decades, in addition to paying for travel […]
US Adds 64k H-2B Visas for 2024 to Meet Workforce Demands
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) have issued a temporary rule providing an extra 64,716 H-2B visas for the fiscal year 2024, beyond the annual cap of 66,000. This addresses the demand for temporary nonagricultural workers in industries such as hospitality and landscaping. The move aims to fulfill […]
Risks of Delaying Your US Green Card Application
If you’re in the U.S. on a temporary visa, you might be thinking about when to apply for a green card. Waiting for potentially shorter processing times or more favorable immigration policies is understandable, but delaying your application comes with risks. Let’s explore the downsides of postponing your immigration process. Increased Wait Times Putting off […]
Nova Scotia Introduces New PR Pathway
The Atlantic Canadian province of Nova Scotia is introducing a new immigration pilot program, the Critical Construction Worker Pilot, to assist the construction industry in filling labor shortages in 21 occupations. Eligibility for Critical Construction Worker Pilot The Critical Construction Worker Pilot – Job Offer Pathway is only available to those who have been offered […]
US H-1B Workers Will Be Able to Renew Visas in the Near Future
Later in the year, the U.S. Department of State will initiate a pilot program that enables H-1B work visa holders to renew their visas within the United States, eliminating the need for them to travel to their home countries. For a considerable time, the H-1B visa category has served as the primary avenue for skilled […]