Corporate Mobility, Work Permits, and Immigration News

U.S. Immigration News & Updates

19/1/2020

22/4/2020 07:48:58 pm

In the last month, we have adapted to many new changes and challenges with respect to our way of life. At the same time, the media has ushered in a veritable whirlwind of new information from our government leaders, at an unprecedented pace. At New Era Immigration, we understand how this may impact your business and personal decisions, and we will strive to continue to provide you with important updates.
Up until Monday night at 10pm, the current immigration landscape for Canada and the U.S. was as follows:

Canada- applications for immigration and work permits were continuing to be processed; however, applications which required in-person steps (such as biometrics for study permits and work permits) were currently on pause; students whose study permits were approved before a mid-March cut-off date were permitted to enter Canada, and workers already holding work permits were similarly allowed entry, provided they were entering for an essential service; applications for work permits at the Canadian border or airport were no longer permitted; visitors and non-essential travel were not permitted; and the Canadian/US border was closed for all non-essential travel. All persons entering Canada (including Canadians citizens and Permanent Residents) were required to provide a 14-day quarantine/self-isolation plan. **Please look out for our next newsletter article, which will contain a helpful flowchart which summarizes the above points.

U.S. - Applications for immigration and work visas were continuing to be processed; however, applications which required in-person interviews at Consulates or USCIS centers were cancelled (for the month of April only—it was possible to reschedule these appointments for May and June); it was possible for qualified applicants to apply for certain work visa categories (e.g. TN Visa, L1 visa) directly at the U.S. border or U.S. preclearance facility at Canadian airports; travelers entering for non-essential travel (i.e. tourism and recreational activities) were not permitted entry; the Canadian/US border was closed for all non-essential travel, and travel bans from the following countries were still in effect (China, Iran, the Schengen area comprising 26 European States, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland).

While the Canadian situation remains the same today, the latest tweet from U.S. President, Donald Trump last Monday night at 10pm stands to greatly affect the future of U.S. immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his message, President Trump announced that he would be issuing an Executive Order soon to suspend immigration to the U.S., in an effort to preserve jobs for Americans affected by the crisis. The details of the President's Executive Order and how it would be carried out is not presently clear, but our understanding is that this won’t be a blanket ban and that there will be exceptions. Sources have revealed that it is expected to temporarily halt the issuance of new green cards and work visas for a minimum temporary period of 120 days to mitigate some of the unemployment concerns related to the pandemic. Until we obtain more information, we strongly urge all foreign workers currently in the U.S. to remain there.

Anna link

13/5/2020 09:37:28 am

It appears that the Canada-US border will remain closed at least until end of June:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-canada/canada-us-border-travel-limits-to-remain-through-june-report-idUSKBN22P1IU

Admin

13/5/2020 02:47:52 pm

<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-canada/canada-us-border-travel-limits-to-remain-through-june-report-idUSKBN22P1IU">https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-canada/canada-us-border-travel-limits-to-remain-through-june-report-idUSKBN22P1IU</a>

Rokeya Chowdhury link

20/5/2020 11:43:47 am

"An agreement has been reached between Canada and the United States to keep the border closed to all non-essential travel for another month, .. . The extension on the existing agreement means that the border restrictions will stay in place until June 21, even as parts of both countries begin gradually reopening. The agreement, as it stands, exempts the flow of trade and commerce, as well as vital health-care workers such as nurses who live and work on opposite sides of the border. Tourists and cross-border visits remain prohibited."

Rokeya link

27/5/2020 10:30:25 am

"The US has imposed travel restrictions on foreign nationals who have been to Brazil in the last 14 days. ... Non-Americans who have been in Brazil in the two weeks before they request entry to the US will be denied that entry. The restriction will not affect trade between the two countries.

The suspension is to take effect on 28 May at 23:59 EDT (03:59 GMT)."

Tharshini Nakeswaran

10/6/2020 11:03:32 am

Exclusive: Canada, U.S. set to extend border closure to end-July

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-canada-exclusi/exclusive-canada-u-s-set-to-extend-border-closure-to-end-july-sources-idUSKBN23G301?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=reddit.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Reuters%2FworldNews+%28Reuters+World+News%29&fbclid=IwAR1yLrxol4Vb8aLdlPmIjTuWDuFJDZZtk0qEQKw8jsJCM3_EZlblmP1G_Kc

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Our legal team members will share news and updates concerning work permits and work visas issues related to US, Canada, and Quebec immigration law. Information shared or discussed on this blog and throughout the New Era Immigration websites does not constitute legal advice.

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