If you’re an international student studying in Canada or planning to study there, understanding the rules surrounding your study permit and work eligibility is crucial. Starting this September, international students will be permitted to work up to 24 hours a week off campus during the academic year. This change comes after a temporary policy introduced in response to labor shortages, allowing some students to work full-time, was phased out.

In 2022, Canada faced significant labor shortages, prompting the government to temporarily lift the 20-hour per week limit on off-campus work for certain international students. This policy allowed eligible students to work full-time while still enrolled in school, giving them more opportunities to earn an income and contribute to Canada’s workforce during a challenging time. Initially, the temporary policy was set to expire on December 31, 2023, but it was extended to April 30, 2024, in recognition of ongoing labor demands.

However, with the start of the fall semester in 2024, Canada has implemented a new limit of 24 hours per week for off-campus work. While this adjustment marks a reduction from the full-time work allowed under the temporary policy, it is still an increase from the previous 20-hour restriction. This change gives international students more flexibility to balance their studies with part-time work while ensuring they continue to prioritize their education.

For international students, it is important to stay informed about these changes to ensure that you remain compliant with the conditions of your study permit. Violating these rules could lead to serious consequences, including the loss of your study permit status and the ability to continue your studies in Canada.

At Pilkington Immigration, we understand how critical it is for international students to follow the guidelines of their study permit. Our experienced consultants can help you navigate the application process for a study permit in Canada and ensure that you are aware of all the rules and regulations you must adhere to during your studies. Whether you’re planning to study in Canada or are already enrolled, Pilkington Immigration is here to support you every step of the way.

Reach out to us today to learn how we can assist you with your study permit application and help you stay on track to achieve your academic and career goals in Canada.

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For those seeking to immigrate to the United States to be reunited with their loved ones, the family green card remains one of the most effective pathways. This immigration option allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members to join them in the U.S., offering a way to bring families together. In recent years, the Parole in Place (PIP) program has become an essential tool for families facing immigration challenges. With the recent expansion of this program under President Biden’s Keeping Families Together policy, even more families may benefit from this initiative.

Originally implemented in 2013 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Parole in Place program was designed to support the spouses, children, and parents of U.S. military personnel, veterans, and members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who were in the United States without lawful status. PIP allows these individuals to remain in the U.S. while applying for a family green card, avoiding the need to leave the country and risk facing a reentry bar.

Recognizing the critical role that family unity plays in the well-being of service members and the strength of the U.S. military, President Biden recently expanded the PIP program through the Keeping Families Together policy. This policy broadens the eligibility for PIP, extending it to more families who are facing separation due to immigration issues. The expansion aims to ensure that more families of military personnel can stay together, reducing the stress and uncertainty that can come with immigration challenges.

Under the expanded PIP program, eligible family members can adjust their status from within the U.S. and apply for a family green card without the need to return to their home country. This policy not only helps to keep military families intact but also streamlines the process for those seeking to obtain lawful permanent residency in the U.S.

The family green card process can be complex, especially with the new policies and expansions. Whether you are seeking to reunite with your family or are already in the U.S. and looking to adjust your status, understanding your eligibility and the specific requirements is crucial.

At Pilkington Immigration, our experienced consultants are here to help you navigate these changes and determine the best course of action based on your unique situation. We can guide you through the steps necessary to obtain a family green card and advise you on how to work toward U.S. citizenship. Our team is dedicated to helping you and your family achieve your immigration goals.

Contact Pilkington Immigration today to learn more about how we can assist you in reuniting with your loved ones and securing your future in the United States.

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Stateless individuals are people who do not hold citizenship in any country. As a result, these people often lack basic rights and protections that citizens typically enjoy. This group includes:

• Those born without citizenship
• Individuals whose countries have dissolved
• Those stripped of their nationality

In some instances, a person might not even know they are considered a stateless individual until they hit certain roadblocks later in life. Without legal recognition, stateless individuals face challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and employment. They also live in constant fear of deportation or detention.

Recent changes in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policies offer new opportunities.

The policy now allows for discretionary relief, including deferred action and parole in place, providing a temporary legal status that can protect stateless individuals from deportation and grant work authorization.

This is a significant shift, as previously, stateless individuals had limited options for legal relief and faced considerable obstacles in securing even temporary protection.

For example, individuals from regions like the former Soviet Union or those born to parents of different nationalities without clear citizenship rights are often rendered stateless. Under the new USCIS guidelines, they can now seek temporary protection and legal status, which can help alleviate the uncertainties and challenges they face.

However, the policy does not extend to those with final orders of removal or currently in removal proceedings, limiting its scope. Moreover, the process of proving statelessness can be complex and burdensome, requiring detailed documentation and legal support.

How U.S. Immigration Lawyers Can Help

Navigating the complexities of these new USCIS policies can be daunting, especially for stateless individuals who may lack access to the necessary legal resources. This is where U.S. immigration lawyers from Pilkington Immigration can help. Our professionals guide stateless individuals through the intricate legal processes, helping them gather the required documentation and representing their cases so they receive the protections and benefits available under the new guidelines.

For stateless individuals in the U.S., these policy changes represent a hopeful shift towards greater recognition and protection, but the road to securing their rights remains complex and challenging.

U.S. immigration consultants offer invaluable expertise in dealing with statelessness cases. We provide personalized support, helping clients understand their rights and options and working to secure a stable legal status that can lead to better access to services and opportunities in the United States.

The post USCIS Policy Impact on Stateless Individuals in the United States first appeared on Pilkington Immigration - Orlando.

For many people with ties to both the United States and Canada, the prospect of holding dual citizenship is appealing. But what exactly does dual citizenship entail, and can you hold citizenship in both the US and Canada simultaneously?

Understanding Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship, also known as dual nationality, is a legal status that allows someone to maintain citizenship in two countries at the same time. This status allows dual citizens to enjoy the benefits and privileges of both countries, such as the right to vote, work, and reside in either nation. However, it also comes with the responsibility to adhere to the laws and obligations of both countries, such as taxation and, in some cases, military service.

Keep in mind, that not all countries allow you to maintain dual citizenship. It all depends on the policies of your country of origin and the country you immigrate to.

Canadian Citizenship and Dual Nationality

Canada permits its citizens to hold dual or multiple citizenships. This means that Canadians can acquire citizenship in another country, such as the United States, without losing their Canadian citizenship. Similarly, the United States does not require individuals to renounce their previous citizenship when they become American citizens. Therefore, it is definitely possible to hold dual citizenship in both the US and Canada.

Dual citizenship offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Easier travel between the two countries
• Access to social services
• The ability to work or study in either nation without the need for visas or permits

However, it’s important to be aware of the legal and financial effects, including tax obligations in both countries and the need to comply with specific regulations when living or working abroad.

Navigating the Process with Pilkington Immigration

The process to obtain dual citizenship can be complex and requires careful planning and understanding of the laws in both countries. Pilkington Immigration specializes in helping you navigate the intricacies of acquiring dual citizenship, including Canadian citizenship. Our experienced team offers personalized guidance and support to keep the process as smooth and efficient as possible. Whether you are a Canadian seeking US citizenship or an American interested in acquiring Canadian citizenship, Pilkington Immigration can provide the expertise and assistance you need to achieve your goals.

The post Can I Have Dual Citizenship in the US and Canada? first appeared on Pilkington Immigration - Orlando.

The process of acquiring Canadian citizenship for foreign-born children of Canadian citizens has always been a matter of significant importance and occasional complexity. A new bill recently tabled in the Canadian Parliament proposes amendments that could significantly alter how foreign-born children of Canadian citizens acquire citizenship by descent. So, what are the current policies and how can the proposed changes reshape the future of citizenship eligibility for these children?

Current Policies on Citizenship by Descent

Under the existing Citizenship Act, foreign-born children of Canadian citizens are eligible to obtain citizenship by descent if at least one parent was either born in Canada or naturalized in Canada before the child’s birth. However, this right is limited to the first generation born outside Canada. This means that if a Canadian citizen (who themselves was born outside Canada to Canadian parents) has a child abroad, that child does not automatically receive Canadian citizenship.

Implications of the Proposed Bill

The recently tabled bill aims to extend citizenship by descent to the second generation born abroad under specific conditions. This legislative change reflects an evolving understanding of global mobility and the nature of modern families, which increasingly span multiple countries. If passed, the bill will allow more flexibility for Canadian citizens living abroad, helping to ensure that their children can maintain a tangible link to Canada.

How the Proposal Could Change Future Citizenship Eligibility

There are a few ways that this proposal can change future citizenship eligibility for the children of Canadian citizens who were born abroad. These include:

Extended Eligibility

The most significant impact of the proposed bill is the extension of citizenship by descent to the second generation born outside Canada. This change would benefit Canadian expatriates who may have children in the future, ensuring these children can claim Canadian citizenship, even if born outside the national borders.

Simplified Process

Currently, the process for securing citizenship for children born to second-generation Canadian citizens abroad involves applying for and being granted citizenship through naturalization, which can be a more complex and lengthy process. The proposed changes would streamline this, reducing bureaucracy and legal hurdles for these families.

Strengthening Family Unity

By allowing foreign-born children of Canadian citizens easier access to citizenship, the bill supports family unity. It recognizes the importance of maintaining strong familial and national ties across generations, regardless of where a Canadian might live or work.

Enhanced Mobility

For families that travel frequently or need to live abroad due to work or other reasons, having Canadian citizenship for their children simplifies many aspects of travel and residency. It provides easier access to Canadian services and benefits, should they choose to return or relocate to Canada.

The proposed bill for extending Canadian citizenship by descent to second-generation children born abroad represents a significant development in citizenship law. It acknowledges the globalized nature of our world and the unique situations of Canadian families living abroad. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it’s important for affected individuals to stay informed and prepared.

At Pilkington Immigration, our team of dedicated immigration consultants is here to help you navigate these potential changes. We understand the intricacies of citizenship law and can provide the guidance and support necessary to secure your family’s rights. If you have questions about how these proposed changes might affect your situation, do not hesitate to reach out for expert consultation. Together, we can ensure that your rights and those of your family are protected and promoted, wherever your journey may lead.

The post What Does the Recently Tabled Bill for Canadian Citizenship by Descent Mean for Foreign-Born Children of Canadians? first appeared on Pilkington Immigration - Orlando.

A Rise in Open Semiconductor Industry Jobs in the United States Has Increased Employment Opportunities for Non-Citizens

The semiconductor industry designs and manufactures critical components found in nearly every electronic device. These components, commonly known as chips or microchips, power many products, including computers, smartphones, household appliances, automobiles, and smart devices. This industry offers diverse job opportunities for engineers, technicians, and support professionals. As technology evolves, the demand for these specialized, high-tech jobs will increase, solidifying the semiconductor industry as a major part of the global tech economy.

In recent years, the United States has seen a significant resurgence in semiconductor manufacturing, driven by increased government initiatives and substantial investments. This revival reduces dependence on foreign chip manufacturing and significantly increases high-tech job openings nationwide.

The expansion of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing has created various job opportunities, such as engineering, fabrication, and logistical support roles. Because these fields require highly specialized skills, the demand for skilled labor is surging, often outpacing the domestic supply. This presents an opportunity for non-American citizens with relevant skills and experience seeking to work here on a U.S. visa.

For non-American professionals seeking employment in the U.S. semiconductor industry, the H-1B visa is often the most suitable option. This visa category is intended for specialized occupations requiring both theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge, as well as a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the specific field. In the case of semiconductor jobs, this could entail degrees in fields such as electrical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, or materials science, which are crucial for various roles within this industry, from development to production.

The H-1B visa has specific requirements: the job must qualify as a specialty occupation, the visa applicant must have the appropriate qualifications for the job, and the employer must submit a labor condition application to the Department of Labor that attests to paying the prevailing wage for that occupation. Additionally, there is an annual cap on the number of these visas issued, which can make obtaining one competitive. If the number of applicants exceeds the cap, the process involves a lottery system, highlighting the importance of carefully completing and promptly submitting all required documentation.

Understanding the visa process is crucial for international professionals interested in entering the U.S. job market, especially in fields like semiconductors. Pilkington Immigration specializes in helping individuals navigate the intricacies of the U.S. visa process to find appropriate solutions. Let us help you explore your options and take the next step toward a promising future in this critical and expanding field.

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As of April 6, 2023, those who are currently or formerly on a Post- Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) could be eligible for an 18 month Open Work Permit. Those who wish to apply will have until December 31, 2023.

The benefit for this Open Work Permit is that it grants the individual the ability to work any job and for any employer in Canada for up to 18 additional months.

As per IRCC, eligible candidates will be able to:

• opt into a simplified process to extend their work permit, or
• apply to extend their work permit, or
• apply to restore their status and get a new work permit

Even if a candidate is not eligible to opt in, they can still apply for a work permit.

See IRCC website for more information on this opportunity.

IRCC has emailed those who may be eligible for the process to extend their work permit. The message comes from an email that ends in @cic.gc.ca or @notifications.canada.ca. IRCC notes that such individuals must take action before May 20, 2023 and apply before their work permit expires.

To be eligible for the simplified process, you must:

1) Reside in Canada

2) Log into your IRCC Secure Account to:

• ensure that your mailing address is up to date
• confirm your passport information is up to date and has an expiration date of June 2025 or later, and
• opt in for up to an additional 18 months

If you do not have an account, you will need to register for an IRCC Secure Account and link your most recent PGWP application to your account before May 20, 2023.

About the Open Work Permit extension:

Recently, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser announced that the IRCC would enable those who are eligible as former or current PGWP holders access to a new Open Work Permit.

Typically a PGWP is non-renewable, and those with an expiring PGWP would have to find another way to remain in the country or leave. However, Fraser indicated the purpose of this initiative will help employers in Canada address their labour shortages and provide PGWP holders time to potentially consider permanent residency. PGWPs allow eligible international graduates to work for up to 3 years after they complete their studies in the country. The ultimate length of the PGWP depends on the length of the completed program of study.  PGWPs are of high interest as they allow graduates to build their eligibility for permanent residency.

Majority of Canada’s economic class immigration programs reward candidates who have Canadian work experience since Stats Canada shows the experience supports the labour market integration upon gaining permanent residence. This shows why Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, and other economic class pathways provide more points and or dedicated streams to those with experience in Canada. In 2022, Canada hosted a record 800,000 international students. Nearly 98,000 PGWP holders transitioned to permanent residence last year, accounting for over 80% of all temporary residents who transitioned to PR.

When this announcement was made, IRCC suggested there were over 286,000 PGWP holders in Canada at the end of 2022. The department estimates nearly 127,000 PGWPs will expire in 2023. However approximately 67,000 PGWP holders have already applied for PR, and would not need to apply for a new Open Work Permit.

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US Congress passes the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, reauthorizing the EB5 Regional Center Program through September 30, 2027, increases minimum EB-5 investments, and sets aside part of the annual EB-5 immigrant visa quota for investment in rural areas, high unemployment areas, and infrastructure projects. It is expected that President Biden will sign the new law as part of the FY 2022 federal appropriations legislation.

Impact on foreign nationals with pending Regional Center filings

The EB-5 Regional Center Program, a subcategory of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, had been suspended since June 30, 2021, when its congressional authorization expired. The new law will allow USCIS to resume processing pending cases that were held in abeyance by the agency when the Regional Center Program expired in June 2021. The law prohibits the denial of a petition based on the expiration of the program and directs the agency to continue to allocate immigrant visa numbers to petitioners whose Regional Center-based cases were filed before September 30, 2026, which includes cases filed before last year’s expiration. It is not yet clear when USCIS will take up pending cases, but agency guidance is expected in the near future.

Investment minimums

On enactment, the statute will increase the minimum investment amount for EB-5 projects to $1,050,000, from $1,000,000. The minimum investment for targeted employment areas (TEAs) will increase to $800,000, from $500,000. The minimum investment for infrastructure projects will be $800,000. (Under regulations that were ultimately vacated by a federal court, the EB-5 investment minimum was increased to $1,800,000 for standard EB-5 investments and $900,000 for TEAs from November 19, 2019, until June 22, 2021.)

Beginning January 1, 2027, and every five years thereafter, the minimum investment amount for standard EB-5 projects will be subject to increases keyed to the Consumer Price Index. For TEAs and infrastructure projects, the minimum investment amount will be increased to 60% of the standard investment minimum.

Allocation of EB-5 immigrant visas

The new law sets aside 32% of the annual EB-5 immigrant visa quota for specific types of EB-5 projects:

• 20% of EB-5 immigrant visas are reserved for foreign nationals who invest in a rural area of the United States;
• 10% are reserved for foreign nationals investing in a high unemployment area as designated by USCIS;
• 2% are reserved for investors in a new category for qualifying infrastructure projects administered by a federal, state or local government entity.

If there are unused visas in any of the three listed subcategories, those visas will be made available in the same category during the succeeding fiscal year. If not used in the succeeding fiscal year, they will be added to the overall EB-5 quota in the following fiscal year.

Provisions of the new law

• Concurrent filing of EB-5 petitions and green card applications. Investors for whom an EB-5 immigrant visa is immediately available will be permitted to file their EB-5 petitions at the same time as their applications for adjustment of status to permanent residence or file an adjustment with a pending EB-5 petition. This will enable them to obtain employment authorization and travel permission while their cases are pending.
• EB-5 processing priorities. The new law directs USCIS to give processing priority to EB-5 petitions for investment in rural areas.
• Increased monitoring and enforcement. Regional Centers will be subject to regular audits and enhanced record keeping obligations. They will also be obligated to pay an annual fee of $20,000 (or $10,000 for Regional Centers with 20 or fewer investors) that will be allocated to an EB-5 Integrity Fund.
• Federal authority to designate Targeted Employment Areas. The Department of Homeland Security will be invested with the sole authority to designate TEAs; state and local government authorities will no longer have the ability to make these designations. This provision of the new law echoes a previous regulation that was struck down by a federal court in 2021.
• Additional fees for EB-5 petitioners. Foreign investors will be required to pay a new $1,000 fee that will be allocated to the Integrity Fund.
• New safeguards for foreign investors. The new law permits good-faith investors to complete the permanent residence process despite the termination or debarment of an EB-5 entity or Regional Center, or in the event the Regional Center Program expires in the future.

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EmpoweredProfessionals offer the ‘Online Career Linkz Platform’ for Job Seekers in Canada to find employment faster through the use of media & technology.

Not a recruitment service or job agency. Through this service the intention at EmpoweredProfessionals is to support ‘Job Seekers’ to secure a job faster and help build a stronger Canadian economy.

This service is offered to ‘Job Seekers’ based in Canada and immigrants planning to move to Canada.

The EmpoweredProfessionals offer:

• Free Listing on ‘The Career Network’: Professional bio on the Canadian Career network.
  Video Resume:  Professional team will create a unique video resume for your clients to stand out from the rest of the candidates.
• Share Your Page:  Option to share the professional page with recruiters or potential employers directly when applying for a job to give them a competitive edge over other candidates.
• Secure Professional Page:  Professional Profile will be Password Protected. Their profile can be accessed by them, people they share the page with and Employers/Recruiters looking for Candidates on our Career Network.

Job Seekers based in Canada: https://lnkd.in/euGZaE7

Job Seekers Immigrating to Canada: https://lnkd.in/eGA4GzUA

The post Pilkington Immigration Law partners with EmpoweredProfessionals – An online career platform for job seekers to find employment faster in Canada! first appeared on Pilkington Immigration - Orlando.

Guelph, ON – The IRCC has announced that on May 6th, 2021 a new pathway to permanent residency opens up, allowing 90,000 applications under 3 streams:

1. 20,000 applications for temporary workers in health care;
2. 30,000 applications for temporary workers in other selected essential occupations;
3. 40,000 applications for international students who graduated from a Canadian institution.

Designed to help boost support in the fight against the pandemic and aid in the economic recovery, the new stream is designed for those who are already living in Canada, and who currently have the proper skills and experience required.

Ideal candidates will be those working in hospitals, long-term care units, front line workers in other essential sectors, plus international graduates.

Eligibility:

• 1 year of Canadian work experience in a healthcare role or other approved essential occupations (up to 95!). For further details refer to IRCC website and search “Annex B – Other Eligible Essential Occupations”.
• International graduates to have completed a post-secondary program in the past 4 years from a Canadian institution, and no earlier than January 2017.

The streams to remain open until November 5th, 2021 or could close earlier if the 90,000 target is reached.

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