The All Program Express Entry Draw is Back

On July 8,2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 3,900 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for the first time in more than four months in its all-program draw. This news confirms that Canada has resumed all-program Express Entry draws and is now issuing invitations to apply to candidates in the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and […]

Universities Sue ICE to Stop New F1 Student Rule

In response to the announcement from U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) that all international student with an F1 visa must attend in-person classes or leave the country, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order and permanent injunctive relief against the policy. Assuming they had […]

British Columbia Issues 57 Invitations In The New Tech Pilot Draw

On July 7, 2020, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 57 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: […]

British Columbia Issues 314 Invitations In The New Draw

On June 30, 2020, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 314 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 […]

IRCC Resumes Processing of Online Applications for Visitor visas and eTAs

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will once again process online applications for visitor visas and electronic travel authorizations (eTAs), as of July 1, 2020. This move of IRCC is aimed at ensuring that future processing times aren’t significantly impacted and help expedite people’s travel when the travel restrictions are lifted. However applicants should keep […]

Q&A on New F-1 Student Visa Guidance on Virtual Studies

Washington, D.C., July 7, 2020: I prepared a short question and answer on yesterday’s ICE Guidance on F-1 Students and virtual programs of studies: 1. If my university will offer 100% online classes in the Fall 2020 semester, will I be eligible for an F-1 visa? No. The guidance makes clear that F-1 visas will […]

ICE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program Issues New F-1 Student Guidance for 100% Online Programs During Fall 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 6, 2020: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announced modifications Monday to temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to publish the procedures and responsibilities in the Federal Register as a Temporary Final Rule. […]

Canada Extends Travel Restrictions through July 31, 2020

To protect Canadians from the outbreak of COVID-19, the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, announced travel restrictions that limit travel to Canada. Until further notice, most foreign nationals cannot travel to Canada, even if they have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). In March, Canada had closed its international borders to non-essential travel […]

British Columbia Issues 87 Invitations In The New Tech Pilot Draw

On June 23, 2020, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued 87 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: […]

USCIS Extends Time to Respond to RFEs Due to COVID19

Washington, D.C., July 6, 2020: On July 1, 2020, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would give applicants more time to respond to requests for evidence due to the COVID19 crisis. Previous Guidance Last March 2020, USCIS announced that it would give applicants an addition 60 days to respond if they received […]