North America
United States and Canada
Countries
Latest Updates
United States Global Entry arrivals skip 30 day alien registration requirement
USCIS updated guidance confirming that travelers admitted to the United States through Trusted Traveler Programs like NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, and Global Entry are considered registered under the Alien Registration Act. Qualifying visitors staying longer than 30 days no longer need to submit Form G-325R or undergo separate registration at the border.
United States sends I-94 expiry alerts 10 days before authorized stays end
US Customs and Border Protection is emailing foreign visitors 10 days before their authorized stay expires to prevent accidental overstays. The notice introduces a Voluntary Self-Reported Exit feature that lets travelers digitally confirm departure via geolocation and selfie verification.
Canada extends LMIA submission window to 90 days for work permit renewals
Canada extended the concurrent processing window for in-Canada Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit applications from 60 to 90 days. Foreign workers applying before receiving an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment now have additional time to submit required proof while holding maintained status. The policy gives employed expats more buffer against administrative processing delays.
United States halts overseas green card interviews for public charge training
The U.S. State Department has paused immigrant visa appointments globally to conduct a mandatory staff training initiative. The temporary halt will adjust consular interview schedules and is expected to delay processing for foreign nationals seeking permanent U.S. residency. Applicants should monitor their local embassy or consulate portals for updated appointment availability.
Canada visitor record processing times jumped to 419 days following Aug. 19 update
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reported that onshore visitor visa extension processing times have surged to 419 days. Remote workers and long-stay travelers in Canada should prepare for extended waiting periods under maintained status while awaiting renewal decisions.
United States expands birth tourism screening to all nonimmigrant visas Aug. 6
A new executive order directs federal agencies to tighten screening for nonimmigrant visa applicants suspected of traveling to the U.S. to give birth. Travelers may face more intensive questioning regarding their medical plans and intent to ensure compliance with birth tourism restrictions.
Canada clarifies which days abroad count toward 730 day residency rule
IRCC updated its official glossary to define how days spent outside Canada count toward residency obligations. The new terms clarify how employment with Canadian businesses abroad affects the calculation for maintaining permanent resident status.
United States adds $4,000 fee for H-1B extensions starting Sept. 9
The Department of Homeland Security is moving to eliminate the 60-day discretionary grace period for foreign professionals who lose their jobs, significantly tightening the timeline to find new sponsorship. Additionally, new biometric fees for H-1B and L-1 extensions and a Public Charge Bond pilot will increase costs for expats.
United States USCIS officers began immediate Green Card denials Aug. 5
Effective Aug. 5, USCIS officers have full discretion to deny immigration benefit applications that lack required evidence without first issuing a Request for Evidence. This policy shift increases the risk of outright denials for expats and nomads who submit incomplete documentation for US residency or work permits.
United States raises B-1/B-2 visa bond ceiling to $20,000
The United States has finalized a permanent visa bond program that requires B-1 and B-2 visa applicants from designated high-overstay countries to post a deposit of up to $20,000. While Mexico is currently excluded, travelers from affected nations must provide these funds as a guarantee of their departure.
Canada limits C20 work permits to existing employees after July 29 shift
Canada has updated its International Mobility Program to require that C20 reciprocal work permit applicants be already employed by their company abroad. This change prevents foreign nationals from using the LMIA-exempt pathway to start new employment immediately upon arrival in Canada.
Canada holds permanent resident targets at 380,000 as economic share hits 64%
Canada's new Immigration Levels Plan stabilizes permanent residency targets and aims to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% by late 2027. These changes signal a more restrictive environment for digital nomads and temporary workers seeking to transition to long-term status.
USCIS rescinds Biden rule as United States public charge reviews broaden
The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded the 2022 public charge rule, giving USCIS officers more authority to evaluate if applicants might depend on government benefits. This change increases the scrutiny on financial documentation for those seeking long-term residency or visa adjustments.
Canada raises high-wage LMIA thresholds by up to $3 per hour starting July 17
Canada is increasing the minimum salary requirements for Labour Market Impact Assessment applications, affecting employers hiring foreign talent. Expats and foreign workers on employer-sponsored permits may face stricter eligibility criteria or higher salary floors to qualify for work authorization.
Judge halts United States visa denials for researchers studying social media
A federal court has halted a policy that would have allowed the government to deny visas or deport foreign nationals based on their social media research activities. The ruling protects academic and professional researchers currently in the United States on various visa types from targeted immigration enforcement.
United States caps F, J and I visa stays at 4 years and 240 days
The United States plans to eliminate 'duration of status' for student, exchange visitor, and foreign journalist visas, replacing it with a fixed expiration date. This change will require affected foreigners to apply for formal extensions to remain in the country beyond their initial authorized period.
Canada cuts Canadian Experience Class processing to 6 months
Processing times for the Canadian Experience Class and base Provincial Nominee Program have decreased by up to two months as of July 7. This acceleration benefits expats and skilled workers currently in Canada who are transitioning to permanent residency.
Canada opens PSTQ spouse work permits and waives prior breach rules
Quebec has introduced a temporary policy allowing spouses of certain temporary residents to apply for open work permits through the end of 2026. Additionally, new federal regulations for licensed immigration consultants take effect July 15 to increase oversight and consumer protection.
Skip CBSA when connecting to the U.S. through 3 Canada airports
International travelers transiting through Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal to the United States can now bypass Canadian customs and immigration. The 'Free Flow' program applies to passengers with checked bags and connections under 24 hours, significantly reducing transit friction.
Canada fines dishonest immigration consultants up to 50,000 dollars
New regulations for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants will take effect to strengthen oversight and protect applicants from fraud. While the update also includes a 60-day window for asylum claims, the consultant reforms directly impact expats and nomads using third-party services for residency applications.