North America
United States and Canada
Countries
Latest Updates
Explaining Mexico’s Increased Residency Fees
Mexico has announced a significant increase in government fees for temporary and permanent residency procedures, with costs set to rise by over 100% starting January 1, 2026. While some applicants under family unity categories may qualify for a 50% discount, most expats and digital nomads will face substantially higher administrative costs for legal status.
Understanding Mexico’s Residency Income Requirements
Mexico has adjusted the financial requirements for residency based on a 13% minimum wage increase for 2026. Temporary residency income requirements have stabilized at approximately $4,400 USD monthly, providing clarity for applicants who previously faced higher projections.
Canada Updates Rules for Suspending Immigration Applications
New legislation allows the Canadian government to suspend or cancel immigration applications and documents for broad public interest, fraud, or security reasons. The law also introduces stricter asylum eligibility, specifically targeting irregular border crossers and claims made more than one year after entry.
Canada Updates Provincial Nominee and Settlement Rules
New regulations grant provinces more power to assess the 'intent to reside' for provincial nominees, potentially tightening residency requirements. Additionally, access to federally funded settlement services for economic immigrants is now capped at six years after obtaining permanent residency.
Understanding Mexico’s Tighter Residency Rules
Mexico is set to significantly tighten residency criteria in 2026 by raising the minimum income and savings thresholds. Additionally, government processing fees will increase by 100%, bringing the typical five-year residency cost to approximately $2,700 USD per applicant.
Canada Updates Super Visa Income Rules
Starting March 31, 2026, IRCC will allow hosts to use income from either of the two preceding tax years to meet Super Visa requirements. Additionally, hosts can now combine their income with that of the visiting parents or grandparents to meet the minimum threshold.
Understanding Canada's Updated Rules for Work and Study Permits
The proposed legislation grants the Canadian government new powers to suspend or cancel work and study permits for 'public interest' reasons, including security and fraud. It also implements stricter timelines for asylum claims and increases information sharing regarding immigration status.
Why Canada’s Extended Visitor Policy Matters for Remote Workers
Effective January 2026, Canada has extended the maximum stay for visitor visa holders from six months to one year per entry. This change allows digital nomads to work remotely for foreign employers without a specific work permit or minimum income requirement.
United States Updates Diversity Visa Entry Rules
Starting April 10, 2026, the U.S. Department of State will require all Diversity Visa applicants to provide a valid, unexpired passport at the time of entry. Applications submitted without a passport scan will be automatically disqualified, ending the previous policy of allowing passport details to be provided later in the process.
United States Updates Filing Dates for Employment Visas
The US Department of State has announced significant advancements in employment-based visa categories for March 2026. Most notably, the EB-2 'Rest of World' category is now current for filing, and EB-3 dates have advanced by 3.5 months, allowing many foreign professionals to file for adjustment of status earlier than expected.
Canada Updates Reciprocal Work Permit Rules
IRCC has clarified guidelines for LMIA-exempt work permits, now allowing Canadian permanent residents' opportunities abroad to count toward reciprocity assessments. The update also permits foreign workers to maintain their existing positions in their home country while working in Canada under this program.
Canada Updates Rules for Immigration Document Cancellation
New legislation grants the Canadian cabinet expanded authority to cancel immigration documents in the public interest and introduces stricter information-sharing rules. The bill also imposes a one-year limit on refugee claims after entry, signaling a tightening of administrative immigration controls.
Canada Expands Express Entry for Specialized Professionals
Canada has introduced new Express Entry streams targeting researchers, senior managers, and transport workers. The expansion also includes a pathway for foreign military recruits, specifically doctors and nurses, to join the Canadian Armed Forces.