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.

The post New Work Limits for International Students in Canada: What You Need to Know About Your Study Permit first appeared on Pilkington Immigration - Vancouver, BC.

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.

The post The Parole in Place Program is Updated with the Keeping Families Together Policy first appeared on Pilkington Immigration - Vancouver, BC.

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 - Vancouver, BC.

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 - Vancouver, BC.