Canada: New Tech Talent Strategy Announced
On June 27, 2023, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced plans for a new Tech Talent Strategy aimed at attracting talent in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors into Canada. The Canadian government acknowledges that Canada’s high...
Terminating a Foreign National Employee Holding H-1B Status—The Employer Perspective
In this month’s blog, we will address an employer’s legal obligations when terminating the employment of a Foreign National (FN) employee who holds H-1B status by exploring frequently asked questions and providing insight into the steps employers must take to ensure...
Germany: New Immigration Law Aimed at Attracting Skilled Workers
On June 23, 2023, the German parliament approved a new immigration law aimed at attracting skilled workers. This move comes as a result of the ongoing labor shortages for skilled workers across the country. The new law will make access to the German labor market...
Tafapolsky & Smith LLP Ranked as a Top Immigration Law Firm in California; Partner A. James Vazquez-Azpiri Ranked in Band One for California Immigration Lawyers
We are pleased and proud to report that Chambers and Partners, the world’s most respected legal data and analytics provider, has once again recognized Tafapolsky & Smith LLP as one of the leading immigration law firms in California. Our firm placed among the top...
Canada: Category-Based Selection Process for Permanent Residence
On May 31, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the first-ever launch of category-based selection for Canada’s economic immigration management system, Express Entry. This category-based selection will allow Canada to invite prospective...
USCIS Expands Premium Processing to F-1, M-1, or J-1 Change of Status Applications Filed on Form I-539
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the Premium Processing service, which provides an expedited time frame for the adjudication of certain petitions and applications upon the payment of an additional fee and the filing of Form...
July 2023 Visa Bulletin Issued: No Movement in EB-1 or EB-2 Cut-Off Dates Under Final Action Dates Chart; Significant Retrogression in the EB-3 Category for India; Lesser EB-3 Retrogression for Rest of the World, Mexico, and the Philippines
The U.S. Department of State has released its July 2023 Visa Bulletin imposing per-country cut-off dates that regulate immigrant visa availability and the flow of Adjustment of Status (AOS) applications and consular Immigrant Visa application filings and approvals. ...
PERM Labor Certification Applications Must be Filed Online on New Form ETA-9089 Starting June 1, 2023; Delays in Processing New PERM Applications May Result; OFLC Allows Linkage to Form ETA-9089 of a Prevailing Wage Determination Filed by a Different Entity
Starting June 1, 2023, Applications for Permanent Labor Certification must be filed online with the Department of Labor (DOL) through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) using the new version of Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment...
State Department Announces New Initiative to Reduce Administrative Processing of Visa Applications at United States Consulates
The State Department has announced that it has adopted “new technology” and “enhanced coordination” in an effort to reduce the need for administrative processing of visa applications filed at its consulates. Administrative processing is the generic term used to refer...
T&S Leadership Honored in Nationally Ranked List of Top 100 Leading Immigration Lawyers
We are pleased to report that Tafapolsky & Smith LLP partners J. Anthony Smith and James Vazquez-Azpiri as well as senior counsel Ron Wada have been selected for inclusion in the 2023 Lawdragon 100 Leading Immigration Lawyers national rankings list. Legal media...