How Past Rulings Have Affected Immigration

This isn’t the first time we have seen a spike in Canadian immigration after an election or political change in the United States. The last time we saw this spike was during the 2020 American election when Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States.

Abortion Laws in Canada

For those who have been affected by this new policy or want to live in a place without these abortion restrictions, Canada may be a great option for you! Abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy in Canada. Abortion in Canada has been legal since 1969 at all stages of pregnancy, regardless of the reason, and is publicly funded as a medical procedure by all provincial healthcare systems across the country. In the United States, the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision established that women had a right to have an abortion up until the point of viability last week.

“No government, politician, or man should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body.” – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

How to Immigrate to Canada

There are a few main ways to immigrate to Canada from the United States. These popular pathways include:

Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s biggest and most popular immigration pathway for all kinds of skilled workers seeking Canada PR. The Express Entry pool ranks candidates who may be eligible to gain Canada PR through a number of factors like age, work experience, education, language proficiency, plus more. The IRCC will proactively assess, recruit, and select candidates who meet the right criteria under 3 different economic programs which include:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program, and
• The Canadian Experience Class

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs often referred to as PNPs are technically a branch out from Express Entry as these applications are usually managed and processed in the same system. Applying for a PNP nomination means you are entering a specific pool where that province or territory can nominate you and grant you Canada PR to fill their specific labor shortages. This is the perfect pathway for any foreign skilled workers that have an idea of which province or territory they want to settle in. Making this simple decision can really advance you in the immigration process as it’s usually quicker and gives you 600 additional points towards your Express Entry CRS score.

TN Visa

The TN Visa was created under the NAFTA agreement made between Canada, the United States, and Mexico allowing these citizens to use their previous work experience and skills to work in Canada. Receiving a job offer in Canada will create you a fast-track pathway to a Canadian work permit through this unique visa.

Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens have the opportunity to sponsor specific relatives to live with them in Canada if they meet the eligibility requirements. Canada uses this to reunite families and bring all types of relatives together. There are different qualifications whether you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident when it comes to family sponsorship so it’s important to learn more about this option and see what applies to you!

Temporary Foreign Work Permit (TFWP)

Obtaining a Temporary Foreign Work Permit (TFWP) gives you a temporary status but also gives you the opportunity to gain Canada PR in the future. The LMIA process is best for those who can walk side by side with a potential employer in Canada. In the perfect TFWP scenario, you connect to an employer through an online job search and interview process, that employer is either already LMIA certified or is willing to become LMIA certified, and then they petition you for the work permit. Once you’ve gained enough Canadian work experience, there’s a great chance you are eligible for the Canadian Experience Class to gain Canada PR.

Business Immigration

Business immigration is best for investors, business owners, and entrepreneurs looking to expand their business ventures to Canada. Those who meet the eligibility requirements may be eligible to immigrate through the Start-Up Visa, Business PNP Programs, Corporate Immigration, or the Self-Employed Persons Program.

Are You Interested in Immigrating to Canada?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1-on-1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

This change will take effect for US-bound plane travelers at midnight on Sunday, according to authorities.

As told by a senior administration official, the CDC is eliminating the limitation that the tourism industry had pushed against for months after finding it was no longer required “based on the science and data.” The CDC can evaluate the order at any moment and perhaps restore it, especially if a new variety emerges that causes worry. Since January 20, 2021, the legislation has been in effect.

According to the source, the Biden administration intends to work with airlines to guarantee a seamless transition, although the shift will likely be welcomed by most in the business.

Airlines for America chief Nick Calio, whose group recently met with White House officials, stated that travel industry officials have been extremely critical of the requirement in recent weeks and have actively urged the Biden administration to repeal it, arguing that it is having a chilling effect on an already fragile economy.

Last month, White House officials met with travel industry representatives, who urged the Biden administration to remove the requirement that immunized overseas tourists take a Coronavirus test before traveling to the United States.

Airlines for America stated that its members, which include American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, thought that removing the criteria would encourage more international visitors to visit the United States.

According to the trade association, domestic travel was within 7 percentage points of pre-pandemic norms in mid-May, while overseas travel was 14 percent below usual.

The decision was applauded by US Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow.

“Prior to the pandemic, travel was one of our nation’s largest industry exports. The lifting of this requirement will enable the industry to lead the way toward a broader US economic and jobs recovery,” Dow said in a statement.

Are You Interested in Traveling to the United States?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1-on-1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

The procedure is quite simple. While the TN visa is valid, applicants may bring their spouse and children (under 21) to the United States. Dependent family members are eligible to apply for a TD visa. If the application is granted, the dependents will obtain an I-94 record identifying their length of stay in the United States, which is normally the same as the TN visa holder.

TD visa holders are not permitted to work in the United States, but they are permitted to study at US universities without the need for a student visa. The duration of stay can be extended if the dependents have a valid passport that extends beyond the duration of their stay, have not broken the terms of their stay in the United States, and have not committed a felony. The procedure of requesting an extension should begin at least 45 days before the I-94 record expires.

Can I Apply for a Green Card While Being on a TN Visa?

The TN visa does not permit dual entry. That implies you should not apply for a green card while you are on this visa. You can, however, apply for a US green card by changing your visa category to a non-immigrant category such as H-1 or L-1. They are visa categories with dual intent.

One might enter the country on the TN visa and then ask the company to sponsor them on the H-1 or L-1 visa. Another possibility is to return to Canada and apply for a US green card while being a Canadian citizen. In that scenario, your application will be handled in accordance with the priority date.

However, there is an exemption for American citizens born in Canada. They can apply for a green card by establishing their familial ancestry.

Can I Move to Canada So I Can Get a Green Card?

When it comes to green cards, Canadians are treated in most ways the same as any other immigrant to the United States. However, their ability to get some types of temporary visas, like the TN visa as we’ve mentioned above, may assist them in establishing a connection with a U.S. company eager to eventually sponsor them for a green card.

Do You Need Help Immigrating to Canada or the US?

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits US businesses to hire foreign employees in specialized vocations that require theoretical or technical knowledge. Every year, technology businesses rely on it to hire tens of thousands of workers from nations such as India and China.

This year, the USCIS was required to hold three visa lotteries in order to reach the mandated quota of 65,000 normal visas and 20,000 master’s visas. The agency had also performed two lotteries the previous year, which was uncommon. After the first round of choices, the USCIS usually gets a sufficient number of applications. Because there were insufficient applicants after the first lottery, the US immigration office held a second random selection in July 2021.

The USCIS operates on an October to September calendar, thus candidates chosen for FY2022 would be able to begin employment in October 2022. It said in November that it will hold a third lottery to meet its goal. According to immigration experts, this is due to fewer companies following through on their applications after being accepted, with staff continuing to work remotely.

According to the USCIS, applications that are otherwise exempt from the cap will continue to be accepted and processed.

“Petitions filed for existing H-1B employees who have previously been counted against the cap and who still hold their cap number are exempt from the FY 2022 H-1B cap,” the government agency stated.

In the meantime, the USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions to prolong the length of time an existing H-1B worker may stay in the US, adjust the employment terms for current H-1B workers, allow current H-1B workers to change employers, and permit current H-1B workers to work simultaneously in additional H-1B positions.

What Are the Other Visa Options Besides H-1B?

Below, we have mentioned some of the most common H-1B alternatives. It should be noted that the list is not designed to include all potential visa kinds and circumstances under which an employee might be lawfully hired. Our objective is to provide our clients and readers with a list of some of the most prevalent solutions.

Automatic Waitlist and Second Chance Lottery in Summer

Selected H-1B cap registrants that did not submit an H-1B petition by the June 30, 2022 deadline will be assigned to wait-listed (non-selected) registrations. As a consequence, an H-1B registrant that was not chosen in the first March lottery may be chosen and encouraged to submit an H-1B petition later in the summer, most likely in July or August.

We anticipate that a significant percentage of selected H-1B registrations will be unable to submit an H-1B petition; as a result, we estimate that an H-1B cap registration that was not initially picked in March may be selected in the summer during a subsequent lottery period, in July.

An existing H-1B cap registrant does not need to take any action to be eligible for the “second chance” lottery in July — this will happen automatically. Furthermore, given a large number of non-chosen registrations, the possibility of an H-1B registration being picked via the second chance lottery is quite low.

Cap-Exempt H-1B

A variety of companies may be cap-exempt and so eligible to file an H-1B petition at any time. A cap-exempt employer is (1) a higher education institution, (2) a nonprofit entity associated or affiliated with a higher education institution, or (3) a nonprofit research organization or a governmental research agency. Even if the actual H-1B employer does not fulfill these standards, a cap-exemption case can be established if the H-1B worker will be placed at the site of a cap-exempt firm. Please consult our employer guidance for cap-exempt H-1B visas. As a result, numerous educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and research organizations may be eligible to file cap-exempt H-1B petitions.

O-1 or P-1 Extraordinary Ability Visas

O-1 visas and P-1 visas are often designated for those with exceptional aptitude in the sciences, arts (including television and film), education, business, or athletics. By definition, not many people qualify for one or both of these visa classifications, but when possible, an O-1 and/or P-1 application should be completed in lieu of an H-1B. In addition to the ability to get work permission under these visa categories, O-1 and/or P-1 acceptance may serve as the foundation for a later application for EB-1 category permanent status.

L-1 Intracompany Transferee

The L-1 visa category permits multinational corporations with a global presence to move staff from their foreign operations to their U.S. office (or to establish a new U.S. office). This visa type is a fantastic choice for international companies looking to start or expand their presence in the United States, as well as for foreign nationals who are presently working overseas. Foreign nationals who are already in the United States are typically ineligible for an L-1 visa. An additional benefit of the L-1 visa is that family members are eligible for work authorization under L-2 status.

TN for Canadian and Mexican Professional Workers

The TN visa classification is an option offered to certain Canadian and Mexican nationals in specified vocations. It is offered to Canadian and Mexican nationals who would work in one of the authorized vocations in the United States. The TN visa does not have a cap and may be obtained rather simply, either at the border (for Canadians) or by filing a petition with USCIS.

Are You Interested in Applying for an H-1B Visa Alternative?

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

You may be eager to seek assistance right away, but not all immigration attorneys are what they claim to be. It’s critical to spend the time necessary to choose a skilled and committed attorney.

You should keep a few factors in mind during your search to ensure that you discover the perfect lawyer for you. Here are eight pointers to consider while looking for the finest immigration lawyers to deal with.

Choose an Experienced Immigration Law Firm

There are many immigration law firms that would love to take your case but are they qualified? Using an experienced immigration law firm can make or break your entire immigration case. Be sure to look at how many years a law firm has been in business.

Check Immigration Lawyer Reviews

You check reviews when you purchase a product so there’s no reason not to check reviews of a company you will hire. You can check reviews from an immigration law firm on Google and Facebook. There will always be a few disgruntled clients but if the majority of reviews are 5-star, it is a good sign that this law firm does a good job.

Check an Immigration Lawyer’s Credentials

When you’ve found a possible attorney for your case, be sure they can legally help you. Find out what their qualifications are and what kind of experience they have. While you can get some of this information from the lawyer’s website or from them, you may also verify attorney qualifications through a variety of different sources. Be sure that the immigration law firm is registered as a legitimate business and can practice law.

Honesty About Immigration Lawyer Fees

Although each case and person has a different retainer price and fees, immigration lawyers should be able to give you a close estimate of how much your case should cost. Before you hire a lawyer, it is important that you know exactly what you will be paying for. You should take the time to speak about the fees ahead of time and know exactly what to expect from your relationship during your case.

More Resources for Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

Best Immigration Lawyers in Toronto

Five Questions to Ask Your Immigration Lawyer or Consultant

Reasons Why Hiring a Canadian Immigration Lawyer is a Good Choice

Here are the “Top 10” FAQs an Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers and Immigration consultants: what’s the difference?

Reviews and Ratings for VisaPlace and VisaPlace Legal Immigration Law Firm

Visas for Canadians Moving to Texas

Work Visa

The first thing you must determine is why you are relocating to the United States. This will decide the immigration procedure you must follow. If you’re moving to the United States to work or live permanently, you’ll have three major options. Most of the time, your company will sponsor you for a visa that allows you to live and work in the nation. Acquiring the necessary immigration employment permit necessitates approval for one of the three visas listed below:

• Work Permit
• Temporary Work Permit
• Permanent Resident Card/Green Card

Business and Investment Visa

If you are going to the United States to establish a business or invest, you will need to get a Business Visa or an Investor Green Card. There are several sorts of business and investment visas, both temporary and permanent.

• Business Visa
• Investor Visa

Family Sponsorship

Canadians can get a green card as a permanent resident by marrying a US citizen or being an immediate relative of a US citizen. The procedures you must take to apply for a family sponsorship Green Card will vary depending on your situation.

Moving from Alberta to Texas Checklist

Contact an Immigration Lawyer

You should always consult with an immigration lawyer when you’re crossing borders to ensure your trip doesn’t hit any bumps with border security.

Find a Place to Live

Finding a place to reside should be one of your first priorities. Also, be sure you register with the appropriate authorities, which includes the Canadian Embassy. You should also register a bank account so that you can manage your funds and pay your taxes, which in Texas are fairly substantial. The procedure of creating a bank account is pretty simple and uncomplicated. You may be required to provide:

• Proof of employment/self-employment is required.
• Residence permit.
• Valid identification, such as an ID or passport.
• Texas tax identification number (must be obtained from the local tax office).

Finances and Texas Bank Account(s)

Immigrant financial access is critical when relocating to a new nation. You may rely on these financial services as an immigrant to send payments, cash checks, and pay your expenses. The first thing you need to do is create a bank account with both a USD and a CAD account. While the documentation necessary varies greatly depending on the bank, you will normally need two things:

• An identification number
• Proof of identity, and proof of address—a government-issued picture ID will suffice.

Healthcare

Obtaining health insurance as soon as you arrive in the United States should be one of your first priorities. You must live in the United States and be a citizen or national to participate in a coverage program (or be lawfully present). In addition, you cannot be imprisoned.

Healthcare services are offered by private enterprises in the United States. Unless there is an unusual instance (disability, unemployment, living near or below the poverty line), the government has little to no role to play in this. Citizens must take responsibility for their own well-being.

Residents of the United States can choose/facilitate from a variety of healthcare programs. This includes the following:

• Private medical insurance is available.
• Medicaid
• Medicare

As a Canadian immigrant, we strongly advise you to obtain insurance as soon as possible. As a new immigrant, you may want to look into New Immigrants Health Insurance. Companies such as Sirius International, Seven Corners, and Lloyd’s Of London will be among them. You can also choose a Short Term Health Insurance policy, which will give temporary coverage while you travel to and settle in the United States.

Drivers License

To register for a driver’s license throughout most states in the United States, you must provide your Social Security Number. We recommend that you bring all of your identification documents, including your passport, foreign driver’s license, birth certificate, and proof of your lawful immigration status.

Reasons Why Canadians Are Moving to Texas

Cost of Living

Even though it is not the cheapest state to live in, the cost of living in Texas is quite low when compared to other states. Texas is about 9% less expensive than Canada.

No State Income Tax

Texas, unlike most other US states, does not collect a state income tax. It generates revenue from sales and uses tax, property, and corporate income taxes. In Houston, the projected monthly cost for a family of four is roughly $USD 2,916.02 without rent and around $USD 823.92 for a single person without rent.

Strong Job Market

Texas’ thriving economy makes it simple to find work, with firms like Tesla and Black & Decker creating over 1,000 new positions every day. Many of these positions pay more than the national average, and the state’s unemployment rate remains lower than the national average. You can find work in a wide range of industries, including the following:

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Education
• Oil
• Business
• Aerospace
• Engineering

Weather

The year-round warmth of Texas is a key lure for folks who are tired of lengthy, chilly winters. While certain parts of Texas suffer hot, humid summers, plentiful air conditioning helps to alleviate the pain, and the temperate temperature the rest of the year allows you to enjoy the outdoors in any month.

Great Education

In Texas, there is no shortage of educational possibilities. According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Texas—Austin and Texas A&M University are two of the largest public colleges in the country. Both colleges have around 40,000 undergraduate students. Texas also has a number of prestigious midsize colleges and private universities.

Fewer Government Regulations

Texas, like Florida, has very minimal rules and regulations when it comes to health and safety (like Coronavirus). This is a very drastic change from what those living in Alberta face as far as government rules and regulations go. Texas is known for its model of relatively less government spending, no personal income tax, less tax burden, and less labor market regulation.

Unique Culture

There is no other location like Texas. The warmth of its people, the liveliness of its art scenes, the uniqueness of its cowboy culture, and the depth of its variety make it a one-of-a-kind location to live and work.

Diversity

The diversity of Texas contributes significantly to its lively, bustling culture. Houston alone has 145 languages spoken, while the state as a whole is the second most diverse in the US. Individuals who opt to relocate to the state are drawn to the state’s richness and inclusivity as a result of its variety.

Immigration Lawyer for Canadians Moving to Texas

We have helped many individuals and families move from Alberta to Texas – and we can help you too!

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Before the Bill was signed, the American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA) broke the news by tweeting, “It is our great pleasure to announce that the EB-5 Regional Center program will be reauthorized with the Omnibus on March 15, 2022. The text of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 was just released and Division BB, includes the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. The omnibus also includes our FIFPA language (Section 108 of Division BB) which will ensure that investors will not have to suffer through this ordeal ever again.” 

What Are the New EB-5 Visa Changes?

The Integrity Act includes the following important reforms to the EB-5 program:

• A five-year reauthorization of the EB-5 regional center program through September 30, 2027. 

• A new section authorizing the grandfathering of any petitions on file in the event the program was to lapse again in the future. 
• The new minimum investment amount will be $1,050,000, which is reduced to $800,000 if the EB-5 project is located in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or is an infrastructure project. A TEA includes an area of high unemployment or a rural area, and must qualify under the same requirements as the previous EB-5 regulations that were introduced in 2019. An infrastructure project is a public works project in which a governmental entity is the job-creating entity that receives the EB-5 capital from the new commercial enterprise.
• Specific visa set-asides for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects. 
• Language to prioritize the processing and adjudication of rural petitions. 
• Language eliminating geographic limitations on investor capital redeployment. 
• Language allowing investors to count both indirect and direct positions for job creation purposes. 
• The Act includes numerous stringent new requirements for regional centers in relation to securities compliance, record keeping, ownership, and administration. 
• All regional centers will undergo a USCIS audit at least once every 5 years. 
• Additionally, a new integrity fund has been created in which regional centers must contribute $10,000-$20,000 annually (depending on the size of the regional center) to allow the USCIS to investigate and monitor the all of the parties within the EB-5 industry to ensure compliance.

Not only will the new law resurrect the Regional Center program, but it will also add new integrity controls that will be applied to all aspects of the new EB-5 program. This is great news, particularly for those investors whose monies had been committed to an investment but who had been unable to get green cards due to the Regional Center program’s closure.

Do You Want to Apply for the EB-5 Investor Visa?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Construction

The construction business is attractive to new immigrants as a potential source of employment. Employers, managers, and landowners have profited from their presence by gaining complementing talents and increasing productivity. Immigrants in the construction business typically work in cement masonry, carpet installation, carpentry, and painting.

Agriculture

Immigrant farmworkers are estimated to account for 73 percent of agriculture jobs in the United States today. All across the US, farm labor is a critically necessary job that puts food on our tables, propels the economy, and sustains our communities.

Modernizing the temporary visa program and creating a path to citizenship for long-term migrant agricultural workers are critical to protecting agricultural workers and their families and ensuring the future of America’s vital agriculture economy.

Architecture and Engineering

If you want to come to the United States to work as an architect, you are in a good position because the United States is regarded as one of the greatest places to work if you have architectural talents. Furthermore, North America is the place that pays the most money to architects worldwide.

Hospitality

Food service workers are employed by many sorts of restaurants, bars, and food service contractors, including those found in schools and hospitals.

Healthcare

In 2018, almost 2.6 million immigrants, including 314,000 refugees, worked in health care, with 1.5 million working as physicians, registered nurses, and pharmacists. Certain health-care jobs are overrepresented by immigrants. Even while immigrants make up 17 percent of the total civilian workforce in the United States, they account for 28 percent of physicians and 24 percent of dentists, as well as 38 percent of home health aides.

Manufacturing and Production

In the United States, around 2.1 million immigrants labor in jobs farming, collecting, processing, and selling food and services, playing an important part in feeding America. While immigrants made up 17 percent of all civilian-employed employees in the United States between 2014 and 2018, they played a disproportionate role in food production, accounting for 22 percent of workers in the United States’ food and production supply chain. They have considerably greater representation in some food-related vocations and in specific states.

Transportation

In 2012, immigrants made up 13% of the US population but made up 15.7 percent of the entire truck driver employment. Certain states, such as California (46.7 percent), New Jersey (40.4 percent), Florida (32.2 percent), and New York, had a disproportionately high number of immigrant truck drivers (25.7 percent). The study brief relied on data from the American Trucking Association and the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey “Who’s in the driver’s seat? Immigrants are filling labor shortages in the trucking business in the United States “The trucking industry is the backbone of the US economy, with trucks transporting 70% of all freight tonnage inside the country. However, due to a high turnover rate and an aging native-born population, the sector faces chronic personnel shortages.

Computing and Mathematics

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) workers are becoming increasingly vital in the US economy. STEM vocations are crucial to the country’s creativity, and STEM professionals are responsible for many of the cutting-edge ideas and technologies that create employment and boost household incomes in the United States. Foreign-born employees are making up a significant proportion of the STEM workforce in the United States.

What Are the Most Common Jobs for US Immigrants in 2022 Most Likely to Be?

Although entry-level occupations are frequent among newcomers to the United States, there is an increasing need for more experienced and trained workers. Despite the turmoil caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, a new analysis reveals that demand for talents in computers and mathematics, for example, continually outstrips the supply of bright employees, prompting requests for additional immigrants in these disciplines to arrive to assist maintain the US economy’s development.

Jobs selected by recent immigrants and the general immigrant community have certain commonalities, such as farm laborers and construction workers. However, because of their education level and country of origin, newer immigrants gravitate toward science and technology employment to a higher extent than those who came before them.

Do You Need Help Applying for a US Work Visa?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

Can I Still Apply for a US Visa If I Am Not Fully Vaccinated?

A universal waiver of the COVID-19 immunization may apply in specific circumstances, which means applicants in the following scenarios are not needed to show they had the COVID-19 vaccine(s):

• Applicants who are younger than the minimum age restriction (now less than 12 years old) for the specific formulations in use in their jurisdiction
• Applicants who have a documented contraindication or precaution to administering the COVID-19 vaccine formulation
• It is not often accessible. If no COVID-19 vaccine is routinely accessible in the place where the civil surgeon operates, or if the vaccine is available but in short supply, receiving the inoculation would be significantly delayed.
• Convictions based on religion or morality. Applicants with religious or moral beliefs may obtain a vaccine waiver by filing a waiver request to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS, not the civil surgeon or the CDC, will decide whether this sort of waiver is granted.

If an applicant declines the COVID-19 immunization, the examining physician will write that the vaccine criteria are not met and that the applicant denies vaccination. Such candidates are inadmissible to the United States and hence ineligible for a green card/immigrant visa.

In view of this vaccination requirement, green card and immigrant visa applicants should plan ahead of time to complete the whole immunization series in order to minimize delays. Finally, applicants who qualify for one of the blanket waivers should have their paperwork ready ahead of time in order to speed up the procedure. It is unknown how long the COVID-19 vaccine(s) will be necessary, but for the time being, early preparedness is critical.

Can I Still Apply for a Canadian Visa If I Am Not Fully Vaccinated?

Since January 15, 2022, all travelers to Canada whether immigrating or visiting must be fully vaccinated to enter, unless exempt. Those who are exempt only include a small list of people:

• Those with pre-existing conditions (such as a history of Myocarditis prior to initiating an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series, or a history of severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to any component of a COVID19 vaccine).
• Contraindications to initiating an AstraZeneca or Janssen COVID-19 vaccine series
• Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) with COVID-19 vaccine
• Human rights exemptions. Most requests for human rights-based exemptions from mandatory vaccination will be based on creed. Under the Code, creed can include religious beliefs and non-religious belief systems that resemble religion.
• Some agriculture and food process workers
• Certain new permanent residents
• Marine crew members

Keep in mind, it is required that medical exemption requests must be supported with documentation from a specialist physician.

Foreign nationals who are not completely vaccinated may also be allowed to enter Canada if they get a national interest exemption from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, or the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness. The national interest exception is only meant to be utilized in extraordinary circumstances. As such, it is not intended to be a workaround in circumstances when a more appropriate exemption cannot be obtained.

Do You Need Help Making Sure You Have the Right Documents and Proof of Vaccination Before Crossing the Border?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

People who would face extreme hardship if forced to return to homelands devastated by armed conflict or natural disasters are eligible for the relief, which is known as Temporary Protected Status. However, the protections are only available to those who are already in the United States. The Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to designate a nation for TPS.

“Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. “In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.”

Ukraine joins a group of 12 nations that have been granted TPS, including South Sudan and Venezuela.

How Many Ukrainians Can Stay in the US for TPS?

According to a DHS official, some 75,100 persons are expected to be eligible to apply for TPS under Ukraine’s classification, which is more than twice prior predictions. To be eligible, individuals must have lived in the United States continuously since March 1, and the TPS designation will last for 18 months.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, a non-partisan research group, this protected status might assist 30,000 Ukrainians on visas. Visas are only valid for a certain amount of time, therefore extending TPS to Ukrainians on visas would protect them from deportation after their visas expired.

Can Ukrainians Come to the United States?

As of right now, there are no new streams or relief for Ukrainians escaping Ukraine to the US but this doesn’t mean we can’t help! There are still many streams that someone from Ukraine may be eligible for. Contact us today to discuss your options to help you immigrate from Ukraine to the US.

How to Help Ukrainians From the US

The US government has not announced that they are providing any funds to Ukraine for relief or support yet but there are many private donation options and non-profits that are raising money for Ukraine.

Where to Donate for Ukraine Relief

Airbnb: The vacation rental firm said that it will provide up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees with short-term lodging. The company and donations to the Host Refugee will cover the costs of the stays. People are asked not merely to provide money, but also to welcome vulnerable migrants into their homes.

Ukraine Red Cross: All funds will be used to help those in need, affected by armed conflict, blood collection, mobilization of volunteers and resources, and emergency activities.

CARE: The international humanitarian group is providing food, water, and other items to families fleeing violence in Ukraine.’

Doctors Without Borders: Staffers with the medical relief organization remain in Ukraine and are “seeking ways to respond to the medical and humanitarian needs as the conflict evolves.”

Interested in Immigrating to the US?

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

If a person files for a golden passport, they and their immediate family will be granted residency permits that may be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment in that nation continues. According to the International Monetary Fund, having a second passport offers several advantages, including the opportunity to travel without the visas required by your original passport or to abandon your native country.

More than 25 nations across the world are now offering these to investors who wish to participate in certain projects or keep an investment for a set amount of time in exchange for immigration status for themselves and their dependents. Each program has its own set of standards and offers distinct incentives to investors. So, if you’re intending to invest in a Golden Visa or a Golden Passport, you might want to examine the aspects listed below, based on your family’s needs and your capacity to meet the essential standards.

Golden Passport Requirements

Many nations utilize residency by investment to entice foreign investment, either in real estate or by establishing a firm that employs a certain number of locals.

Foreigners can get permanent residency in the nation where they invest, bring their spouse and children to live with them, and study and work there under residency-by-investment programs.

Golden Visa requirements include:

• You must already personally possess the funds you wish to invest.
• You must maintain the investment for at least the bare minimum of time.
• You must be able to demonstrate that you obtained the money legitimately and legally.
• You must have a clean criminal record.
• You must have the financial means to support yourself and any family members accompanying you, even if you do not intend to dwell there.
• Naturally, there may be extra criteria depending on which Golden Visa you apply for and the country in which you apply.

How Do I Apply for a Golden Visa?

There are a few different ways to apply for a golden visa. The most popular way is through purchasing a foreign property (real estate), which is offered by the majority of golden passport countries. The cost of real estate ranges from $200,000 to over $2 million.

Other investing possibilities may include:

• Making a capital investment in the shares/stocks of a corporation
• Investing funds in the country’s public debt or government bonds
• Creating job opportunities
• Contribute to the scientific or technical innovation of a country

Keep in mind that these investment opportunities are not available in all countries that grant Golden Visas.

Following your investment, you can apply for a Golden Visa at either your country’s embassy or an appropriate government entity overseas. In any situation, the Embassy should be your initial point of contact.

What Countries Have Golden Passports?

Here is a list of countries that have a Golden Visa program:

• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Austria
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Germany
• Greece
• Grenada
• Ireland
• Malta
• New Zealand
• Portugal
• Singapore
• Spain 
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• Switzerland
• The Cayman Islands
• The United Kingdom
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America
• Vanuatu

What Are the Advantages to Having a Golden Visa?

Family Investment

A passport can serve as a substitute for life insurance in terms of asset protection for families. Why not get a passport as a long-term investment in your family’s future? Citizenship is permanent and can be passed down to future generations of a family.

Education

Countries inside the EU that speak English and have world-class institutions (such as Ireland) offer residence by investment schemes with modest or medium-level investment requirements. Foreign nationals and their children will be able to study in these nations if they get a golden passport and pay the same costs as domestic students.

Visa-Free Travel

Because one of the primary benefits of a residency card and passport is visa-free travel to over 100 countries, regular travelers’ demands are met right away. Dual passport holders do not have to go through the time-consuming and difficult procedure of regularly filing numerous visa applications for business or pleasure travel overseas.

Greater Quality of Life

If the investor, their family, and future generations born in the foreign nation want to, they can benefit from social security benefits, a higher quality of living, and the convenience of conducting business overseas.

Are There Any Limitations in Receiving a Golden Passport?

Although there are many great advantages to getting a golden passport, there are limitations for some. Because you must make a large investment in order to receive a golden passport, many people don’t qualify unless they have the funds immediately available.

There has also been talk about some countries tightening the rules and requirements you must meet when applying for a golden passport. This may include more thorough background checks on all family members who wish to apply, as well as looking deeper into the sources of the funds they wish to invest.

Are You Interested in Getting a Golden Visa?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today and we can evaluate which golden visa program might be right for you. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we can help.

Many immigrants are searching for where to live in the US before they move here so we have compiled the best places to buy a house depending on the job market, real estate, crime rates, good schools for families, and more.

Houses sold at a record-breaking rate and for a record-high price in 2021. According to Zillow, the housing market will have another robust year next year, with a national house value rise of 14.3 percent expected through November 2022.

Top 5 Places to Buy a House in 2022

*The following locations are compiled by Homes And Gardens.

The analysis was based on expected home value appreciation, the amount of for-sale inventory, and job opportunities. 

Tampa, Florida

This is absolutely no surprise to us! We are helping thousands of Canadians move to the US every year. Find out why so many Canadians are moving to Florida.

‘Tampa is predicted to be the hottest market for 2022 due to a combination of reasons, keeping sellers in the driver’s seat into 2022,’ says Zillow economist, Nicole Bachaud.

‘Tampa’s home values are projected to grow 24.6% this year, a strong forecasted growth that helped land it at the top of this list. Additionally, a thriving job market, relatively scarce and fast-moving inventory, year-round sunny weather, and demographics that indicate a good number of potential buyers all contributed to Tampa taking the number one spot.’

Average House Price in Tampa: $359,019

Jacksonville, Florida

Once again, another Florida city on this list does not surprise us.

In terms of the local economy, Jacksonville is growing. Annual earnings are second-highest among Florida’s 12 metropolitan regions, and the region’s total GDP has more than quadrupled in the last 20 years. High incomes and economic growth aid in the expansion of the housing business, which is beneficial to real estate investors.

First-time homeowners are frequently searching for investment possibilities or getting into a community when it is still in its early phases of development to get the most out of it. These places are often less expensive to purchase than the city’s more established, popular sections.

Average Houe Price in Jacksonville: $269,570

Raleigh, North Carolina

As more individuals came to the metro region, Raleigh-Durham was named as the #1 big market for house building growth last year. Based on important characteristics such as housing market activity and economic vigor, Raleigh is also regarded as the fourth best-emerging home market for investors.

Based on critical parameters including economic strength, the housing market, and quality of life, joint research from the Wall Street Journal and Realtor.com rates Raleigh as one of the top 20 developing housing markets for investors and homeowners alike. Investing in Raleigh real estate (and other places of the nation) is a big store of wealth that is held more broadly than equities, according to the survey.

Average House Price in Raleigh: $402,952

San Antonio, Texas

The Zillow analysis follows a string of reports on San Antonio’s booming housing market. Among those, the National Association of Realtors named San Antonio one of the most undervalued markets, and Redfin listed three neighborhoods here among its hottest for 2022.

“San Antonio has been one of these places where when the economy is popping, it’s off the charts,” Trinity University Political Science Professor Juan Sepulveda said. “But when things tank in the economy, we’re not as bad either.”

This was the first year that San Antonio beat out Austin for having a better real estate market which indicates growth!

Average House Price in San Antonio: $248,346

Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States, following a multi-year pattern of developers and investors focused on Sun Belt towns for economic development potential. Charlotte, according to the Charlotte Observer, is an 18-hour magnet city, with its growing population and employment market making it a popular destination for individuals and businesses.

Charlotte, North Carolina is the state’s most populous city and one of the country’s fastest-growing metro regions. Charlotte’s broad industry and high quality of life contribute to the city’s burgeoning housing market. The Charlotte metro area is the second-largest financial center in the U.S., home to popular pro sports teams, and has one of the best year-round climates in the country.

Average House Price in Charlotte: $349,176

Interested in Moving to the US?

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

The US had previously required people entering the nation by air transport to be completely vaccinated, but this need has now been extended to land borders. The new rules apply to both necessary and non-essential travel, but not to citizens, lawful permanent residents, or nationals of the United States.

Vaccination Requirements for Travel to the US

Prior to entering the United States, all non-immigrant, non-US citizen travelers are required to be completely vaccinated and produce documentation of vaccination status.

“These updated travel requirements reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting public health while safely facilitating the cross-border trade and travel that is critical to our economy,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.

Unvaccinated Americans, lawful permanent residents, and nationals of the United States will still be permitted to enter the country via air, ferry, or land port.

Do I Need to Be Vaccinated to Visit the USA?

The first question to ask is: Are you a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident? If your answer is yes then, you do not need to be vaccinated to enter the USA.

If you are visiting the United States and not a citizen or permanent resident, you will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Are There Any Exemptions for the Visiting to the US Vaccination Rule?

Exceptions to this policy will be extremely limited:

• Children under 18
• People medically unable to receive the vaccine
• Emergency travelers who do not have timely access to a vaccine

Do You Need Help Visiting the US?

If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.

The “best passports” are graded by the number of countries to which passport holders get visa-free entry. Canada and the United States both made the top 10 list for best passports to hold in 2022. Afghanistan, like in previous years, receives the lowest score, making it the world’s least powerful passport. Afghan passport holders are only allowed to travel to 26 countries without a visa. Iraq (28), Syria (29), Pakistan (31) and Yemen (33) are also among the lowest-ranking countries.

Best Passports in 2022:

1. Japan, Singapore (192 destinations)

2. Germany, South Korea (190)

3. Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain (189)

4. Austria, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Sweden (188)

5. Ireland, Portugal (187)

6. Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (186)

7. Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Greece, Malta (185)

8. Poland, Hungary (183)

9. Lithuania, Slovakia (182)

10. Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia (181)

Getting a US or Canadian Passport

In order to qualify for a passport in any country, you must become a citizen of that country.

Learn more about becoming a US citizen.

Learn more about becoming a Canadian Citizen.

Want to Get a US or Canadian Passport?

We have helped thousands of families and individuals become citizens of Canada / US and we can help you too!

All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.

Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?

Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.

The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.