USCIS Again Increases EB-5 Filing Fees

Washington, D.C., August 3, 2020: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) once again announced plans to increase the cost of investing in the U.S. as an immigrant investor that creating jobs for local workers. Under USCIS plans, fees for EB-5 visas will increase starting October 2, 2020, as detailed below: Form I-526: Immigrant investor green […]

Ontario Issues 1,288 Notifications of Interest In The New Tech Draw

On July 29, 2020, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 1,288 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to candidates who may qualify for Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities (HCP) Stream and have specific work experience. The OINP in its latest tech draw targeted candidates with a (Comprehensive Ranking System) CRS between 463 and 477, and work […]

President Signs Executive Order Impacting Hong Kong’s Preferential Visa Policy

Washington, D.C., July 14, 2020: On July 14, 2020, the Trump Administration issued an executive order ending long-standing preferential treatment for Hong Kong under the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (“Act”). The Act provided the authority for Presidents to suspend Hong Kong’s treatment as a separate foreign state if “Hong Kong is not […]

Families of Temporary Visa Holders Allowed to Return to The United States

Washington, D.C., July 17, 2020: On June 22, President Trump signed the Presidential Proclamation (P.P.) 10052, which extended P.P. 10014 through December 31, 2020, and suspended the entry of certain permanent and temporary immigrants to the United States. The Trump administration based this decision on the fact that the additional foreign workers purportedly presented a […]

ICE Reverses Course and Creates Chaos for International Students

Washington, D.C., July 24, 2020: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) backtracked on its rules for international students studying at US educational institutions that will be 100% online in the Fall of 2020. The Drama This saga started in recent months, when ICE announced on March 9, 2020, that it would allow schools, colleges and […]

USCIS Experiences Long Delays in Printing Green Card and EAD Cards

Washington, D.C., July 21, 2020: The Ombudsman of the Department of Homeland Security confirmed today that USCIS expects months-long delays in printing green cards and EADs “will continue for the foreseeable future.” This is a national issue affecting tens of thousands of green card holders and people applying for work authorization. Recently USCIS announced to […]

British Columbia Issues 62 Invitations In The New Tech Pilot Draw

On July 21, 2020, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 62 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: […]

August, 2020 Visa Bulletin Released – Substantial Movement for EB-1 China and India

Washington, D.C. – July 20, 2020: The U.S. Department of State recently published its monthly Visa Bulletin for August, 2020. Employment Based Green Cards The August, 2020 visa bulletin shows some positive movement forward for most Employment-based categories and significant movement forward for EB-1 China and India. The upcoming visa bulletin confirms that EB-5 India […]

British Columbia Issues 320 Invitations In The New Draw

On July 14, 2020, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 320 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 […]

U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Rescind Recent F-1 Guidance Barring Online-Only Courses

Washington, D.C., July 14, 2020: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have agreed to rescind a policy that would bar international students taking online-only courses from residing in the United States in F-1 status during the COVID-19 pandemic. This development follows numerous lawsuits brought by states and […]