USCIS Processing Times Likely to Drop in 2021-2022

Washington, D.C., May 6, 2021: Reports from USCIS and from Donoso & Partners’ own recent experience indicate that USCIS processing times are likely to drop during the remainder of 2021 and through 2022. USCIS processing times are reported based on the average time that it takes USCIS to review and reach a decision on a […]

How to Apply for New International Entrepreneur Program

Washington, DC, May 10, 2021: USCIS has re-started the International Entrepreneur Program that was suspended in 2017. The International Entrepreneur Program creates a pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to enter the US temporarily to start their businesses, and offers visa status to the investor and family. USCIS requires the following for applications for the International Entrepreneur […]

DHS Announces Restart of International Entrepreneur Parole Program

Program Will Provide Opportunities for Foreign Entrepreneurs WASHINGTON, DC, May 10, 2021 —U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that the Department of Homeland Security is withdrawing a 2018 notice of proposed rulemaking that proposed to remove the International Entrepreneur program from DHS regulations. The International Entrepreneur (IE) parole program, first introduced in 2017, will […]

British Columbia Issues 84 Invitations in the Tech Pilot Draw

On May 4, 2021, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 84 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the technology sector to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. BC PNP Tech Pilot draw issued ITAs to candidates under the Express Entry BC and Skills immigration categories as explained in the table below: […]

Canada Visa Application Centre COVID-19 Updates

On April 30, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that due to the current COVID-19 situation and as per the directives of the diplomatic missions, Canada Visa Application Centres (VACs) across India will remain closed for biometric enrolment and all other services, effective 3rd May 2021, until further notice. Further due to current […]

USCIS Suspends Biometrics Policy for Certain H-4/L-2/E-2

Washington, D.C., May 4, 2021: On May 3, 2021, USCIS announced, through a declaration submitted in the Edakunni v. Mayorkas litigation, that it will suspend the biometrics requirements for certain I-539 applicants for a two-year period beginning on May 17, 2021. The biometrics suspension will apply to the H-4, L-2, and E-1, E-2, and E-3 […]

IRCC Issues 6,000 Invitations in the CEC specific Express Entry Draw

On April 29, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in its most recent Express Entry draw. The minimum score in this draw was 400. As per the tie breaking rule applied in this invitation round, all the candidates with a CRS score of 400 and above who have […]

British Columbia Issues 362 Invitations in The New Draw

On April 27, 2021, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 362 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Skills Immigration (SIBC) and Express Entry (EEBC) categories to apply for a provincial nomination for permanent residence. These streams are intended for workers or international graduates with the skills, education and/or experience required for high-demand […]

US Supreme Court Issues Decision on Stop-Time Rule

Washington, D.C., April 29, 2021: Today, the US Supreme Court issued an important decision interpreting the so-called “stop-time rule”. Since 1996, US immigration law under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act has provided discretionary relief to foreign persons ordered removed if they can show that they have continuous presence in the US for […]

Return of USCIS Deference Policy

Washington, D.C. – April 27, 2021: USCIS is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual instructing officers to give deference to prior determinations when adjudicating extension requests involving the same parties and facts unless there was a material error, material change, or new material facts. With this update, USCIS is reverting in substance to […]