Mexico recently expanded the list of individuals who can visit Mexico without a visa. Now anyone who holds an unexpired visa or is a permanent resident of the United States,
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Canada Border Services Reminds LPRs Travelling to Canada by Air of eTA Requirements
The Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) issued a reminder to Lawful Permanent Residents (“LPRs”) of the United States regarding new guidance for travelling to Canada by air. The Electronic Travel
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U.S. Consulate in Toronto Suspends Third Country National Appointments in Summer 2016
Following a trend from past summers, the U.S. Consulate in Toronto has suspended Third Country Nationals’ (non-Canadian Nationals’) visa appointments in the summer months of June, July, and August. This
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United States to Expand E-Visa Processing Options in Canada
On Feb. 26, the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto, Ontario, announced enhancements to the E-Visa process for Canadian applicants. It announced that it will streamline the registration process at the
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The Department of Homeland Security Announces Agreement with Canada and Mexico to Create North American Trusted Traveler Network that will Facilitate Travel for Eligible Travelers
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has signed a trilateral agreement with its counterparts Public Safety Canada and the Secretariat of Governance of Mexico to create a North American Trusted
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Canada to Implement Electronic Travel Authorization System
Starting in March 2016, Canada will require individuals who may visit Canada without a visa to first obtain approval from its electronic travel authorization system (eTA). Visitors to the United
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Announcement of Express Entry by CIC Results in Increased Number of Applications Under Current Program
The announcement of the Express Entry immigration selection system by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has resulted in a surge of applications under the current Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Under the current program, applications are submitted based on a list of eligible occupations, which will be eliminated under the Express Entry program. Only 1,000 applications are accepted under each occupation for review by the CIC. Due to the increase of applications, three of the eligible occupations have already capped out: 1) software engineers and designers, 2) financial and investment analysts and 3) computer programmer and interactive media developers. Despite the fact that Express Entry will allow many eligible candidates to apply under the renewed FSWP, many applicants are rushing to apply before the Dec. 31st deadline, and also before the remaining occupational categories cap out.
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Ebola-Related Immigration Restrictions: Canada, Australia, Singapore and the United States
In response to the Ebola epidemic, Canada, Australia and Singapore have all implemented immigration restrictions on citizens from Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Other countries are expected to implement similar restrictions.
Starting today, Singapore requires all citizens of Ebola-stricken countries to obtain entry visas before they can be admitted into the country – previously visas were not required. In a statement released by Singapore’s Ministry of Health, it was noted that “the visa requirement will allow for better oversight of the entry of nationals from these countries, as well as facilitate possible contact tracing.” This initiative by Singapore follows two suspected Ebola cases being reported in the country.
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Canada Introduces More Rigorous Requirements for Work Permits in Attempt to Increase Immigration Compliance
In our previous posts regarding Canada, we discussed the numerous changes in immigration laws and regulations being implemented in the country. As seems to be the theme with many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada has taken steps to increase its focus on immigration compliance across major industries and implemented measures designed to make travel to the country for work purposes more difficult. As such, Employers and their foreign nationals should be aware of the following major trends:
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Canada’s ‘Express Entry’ Permanent Residence Program Beginning in January 2015
Applicants for certain Canadian immigration programs can look forward to a faster permanent residency process in the new year. Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and parts of the Provincial Nominee Program should complete the Express Entry process in six months. The current process takes one to two years.
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