Recent News and Updates
December 12, 2018
Changes to impaired driving law-Immigration Consequences
Bill C46 -Changes to impaired driving law- Immigration consequences.pdf
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September 7, 2018
Canadian Immigration Update - September 2018
Australian ammendment.pdf
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August 10, 2018
USCIS updates Notice
to Appear (NTA) guidance
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new
policy memorandum updating its Notice to Appear (NTA) policy.
The new guidance will permit USCIS to issue NTAs for a broader
range of cases, resulting in an expected increase in the number
of foreign nationals being subject to removal proceedings.
USCIS updates Notice to Appear (NTA) guidance.pdf
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August 10, 2018
USCIS discretion to
issues denials formally expanded
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy
memorandum that empowers USCIS adjudicators to apply their discretion
as to whether to deny a petition or issue a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE).
USCIS discretion to issues denials formally expanded.pdf
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July 6, 2018
US Immigration Update - July 2018
US Supreme Court upholds travel ban.pdf
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April 12, 2018
Canadian Immigration Update - April 2018
Canadian Immigration Authorities to Expand Use of Biometrics -.pdf
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November 17, 2017
Canadian Immigration Update - November 2017
Immigration update- Canadian Immigration Levels. November 2017.pdf
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June 26, 2017
Canadian Immigration Update - Summer 2017
GG Summer Newsletter - Canadian Citizenship Updates.pdf
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May 4, 2017
Canadian Immigration Update - Spring 2017
May 4, 2017 - Immigration Update.pdf
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April 19, 2017
Up to date express entry numbers. April 19, 2017- lowest to date
EXPRESS ENTRY.pdf
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January 31, 2017
Recent developments following Trump's executive decision on immigration
Recent developments following Trump's decision on immigration.pdf
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January 26, 2017
Inadmissibility Canada ?
January2017-AmericansInadmissibletoCanada.pdf
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January 3, 2017
Guberman Garson LLP Opens Vancouver Office
GG EXPANDS TO VANCOUVER.pdf
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December 22, 2016
CHANGES TO SPONSORING PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS
AS CANADIAN PERMANENT RESIDENTS
Immigration Update- PARENTS, GRANPARENTS SPONSORSHIP.pdf
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December 5, 2016
IRCC'S new Global Skills Strategy
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum announced the
focus of Canada's Global Skills Strategy on November 30, 2016. The Global Skills
Strategy will help the processing of highly qualified talent from around the world to
Canada.
We anticipate the program will be implemented in 2017. The Global Skills Strategy will:
- Establish two-week standard for processing visas and work permits for low-risk,
high-skill talent for companies in Canada;
- Create a dedicated center for companies looking to make large, job-creating
investments in Canada; and
- Eliminate the work permit requirement for very short-term work - 30 days or less
in low-risk fields. Brief academic stays would also be eligible.
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December 5, 2016
DHS Publishes Long-Awaited Rule to Improve Employment-Based Immigration
Process for Select Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Categories
On November 18, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security (DHST) published its
long-awaited final rule aimed at improving aspects of several employment-based
immigrant and nonimmigrant visa classifications.
DEC16- DHS Publishes Long-Awaited Rule to Improve Employment-Based Immigration.pdf
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November 21, 2016
Join us for a live immigration update telephone conference on Thursday,
December 1st, 2016 at 1:00PM EST.
Immigration Update- November 2016 - Teleconference EE CETA.pdf
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November 4, 2016
CBP launches EVUS for Chinese travelers to the United States
Starting November 29, 2016, all Chinese travelers holding a 10-year US
B1/B2 visa must enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)
prior to obtaining a boarding pass or entering through a land port of entry.
CBP launches EVUS for Chinese travelers.pdf
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November 4, 2016
Federal Government announces measures to facilitate entry of foreign workers
The federal government has recently announced its intention to take measures to
facilitate the entry of certain foreign workers into Canada.
Federal Govt. Announcement.pdf
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October 25, 2016
October 19, 2016 – Express Entry Results
The October 19, 2016 Express Entry draw resulted in the issuance of 1804
Invitations to Apply. This is the most ITAs issued since the inception of
Express Entry in January 2015. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking
Score was 475. Attached please find a chart tracing and comparing
all draws to date.
EXPRESS ENTRY.pdf
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September 23, 2016
Changes for entry to Canada for dual Canadian citizens
Changes for entry to Canada for dual Canadian citizens.pdf
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August 11, 2016
4 lawyers from Guberman Garson LLP listed in the
11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada 2017 in the field of Immigration Law
2017 Best Lawyers_GGS.pdf
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August 2, 2016
Introducing mandatory electronic travel authorization (eTA)
With the increased securitization of the world’s borders, Canada has introduced
a new mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals. Canada’s
new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)entry requirement will become mandatory
beginning September 29, 2016.
Immigration Update- eTA.pdf
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July 5, 2016
Apply for Permanent Residency under Quebec's Immigrant Investor Program
QuebecInvestorUpdate.pdf
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June 29, 2016
Welcome to the Guberman Garson Segal LLP Immigration Update. Our goal is to
provide you with on-going information relating to immigration issues.
Summer2016Newsletter.pdf
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May 12, 2016
Raising the age of dependency
The Liberal government has said that they will be taking steps to return the age of
dependency for accompanying children to 22 years old.
May 2015 Guberman Garson Segal Newsletter.pdf
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March 24, 2016
International Mobility Program, Mobilité Francophone Stream
On June 1, 2016, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be introducing
a new program under the International Mobility Program to encourage francophone
speakers who are in skilled positions to settle in communities outside of Quebec.
March2016ImmigrationUpdate.pdf
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March 18, 2016
E-Passport required for
Visa Waiver Program Travelers Starting April 1, 2016
As our firm previously reported in an earlier update, as part of the enhanced security
measures enacted in December 2015, all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers must
present an e-Passport when applying for admission into the United States. An
e-passport contains an electronic chip that is machine readable and contains
information such as biographic data. E-Passports also display an international
e-Passport symbol on the front cover.
All VWP travelers should ensure their passport meets the new e-Passport requirements
for travel to the United States after March 1, 2016. If not, the traveler may need to
obtain a new e-passport prior to travel or obtain a visitor visa from a U.S. Consulate
or Embassy abroad.
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March 7, 2016
Law Times " Tough Penalties for Foreign Worker Program Violators"
See the attached article for Joel Guberman's comments on this topic.
Penalties for FWP Violators.pdf
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January 25, 2016
Changes to U.S. Waiver Program taking effect on January 21, 2016
On January 21, 2016, the U.S. began implementing changes to the Visa Waiver
Program (VWP) to align with the travel restrictions established by the Visa
Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 (the Act).
U S Begins Implementing Changes to Visa Waiver Program.pdf
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January 15, 2016
Increase in H-1B and L-1 Fees for Certain Employers
On Tuesday January 12, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued
an alert notifying stakeholders that increased H-1B and L-1 petition fees will apply
to certain employers who habitually utilize these nonimmigrant categories.
January 2016 - Increased Fees.pdf
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December 18, 2015
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY2016 Omnibus spending
bill which imposes restrictions on the Visa Waiver Program.
The U.S. Senate is expected to pass the bill shortly. Click here for more
information on the proposed changes to the Visa Waiver Program.
U.S. Visa Waiver Program.pdf
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December 1, 2015
Administrative Monetary Penalty and Employer Compliance Highlights
On December 1, 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada implemented new Administrative Monetary Penalties and a stricter Employer Compliance regime. Employers that are in violation of conditions imposed on an issued work permit maybe subject to penalties that range from fines to bans depending upon the severity of the infraction.
SUMMARY AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM TELECONFERENCE - CHARTS.pdf
NOVEMBER2015-HighlightsFromAMPTeleconference.pdf
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November 12, 2015
Special Announcement
November 12 2015 - Who'sWhoLegalAnnouncement.pdf
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Immigration Update
October 20, 2015
Starting October 26, 2015, CIC is introducing a new electronic system, the Employer Portal. This process will replace the IMM 5802 Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment form that was filed in connection with any non-LMIA work permit application. For IMM 5802 forms that have already been submitted prior to October 26, 2015, a foreign worker may rely on that form up until November 21, 2015 in connection with a work permit application. If the work permit application is not filed before November 21, 2015, a new Offer of Employment will need to be submitted to the portal. Please contact your lawyer at Guberman Garson Segal for details.
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February 18,2015
2 significant changes for Temporary Foreign Workers will come into effect on February 21, 2015. On that date the Canadian government will be implementing an employer compliance fee of $230.00 for LMIA exempt temporary foreign workers and a $100.00 supplemental fee for open work permits.
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Employer Compliance System and Fee
Effective February 21, 2015, there will be a new process in place for employers seeking to employ LMIA exempt foreign workers in Canada. Employers who are exempt from the requirement to apply for an LMIA (most commonly NAFTA professionals and Intra Company Transferees) will need to submit information about their company, an Offer of Employment form and the employer compliance fee of $230.00 to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. This fee is in addition to the $155.00 work permit fee. Both information and the fee must be submitted prior to work permit issuance.
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New Fee for Open Work Permit Applicants
Additionally, individuals seeking open work permits, such as post-graduate work permits and spousal work permits, will be required to pay a supplemental $100.00 fee at the same time as the $155.00 work permit fee.
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Citizenship and Immigration Canada Rationale for these Fees and Consequences of Non-Compliance
CIC advises that the fees are being collected to offset the cost of "introducing robust employer compliance activities featuring inspections of thousands of employers". Should an inspection find that an employer is non-compliant, the employer could face fines, a ban from hiring temporary foreign workers and criminal investigation and prosecution.
April 13, 2015
Joel Guberman and Heather Segal address privilege at the border in the
Canada Bar Association Practice Link
http://www.cba.org/CBA/PracticeLink/2013-12-bc/border.aspx
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February 26, 2015
Lainie Speaks About Chris Brown’s Inadmissibility Issues on E-talk
Go watch Lainie Appleby speak about Chris Brown’s inadmissibility issues on E-talk!!
http://www.ctv.ca/eTalk/video.aspx?vid=558784
December 9, 2014
Summary of Express Entry
On January 1, 2015, individuals seeking to apply for permanent residence in the Canada Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trade Program, as well as some Provincial Nominees, will be part of Citizenship and Immigration Canada's (CIC) new electronic permanent residence application management system called Express Entry. Click Download to read more.
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May 12, 2014
Guberman Garson Segal LLP is a Top 5 Immigration Law Boutique
GUBERMAN, GARSON is proud to announce that, once again this year, our law firm has been recognized by Canadian Lawyer Magazine as one of Canada's Top 5 Immigration Law Boutiques. Please see the attached for details or visit our
Homepage.
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March 25, 2014
Joel Guberman talks to Pat Foran of CTV news on Inadmissibility to the U.S.
http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/video?playlistId=1.1744069
January 14, 2014
Recent Changes to Temporary Foreign Worker Process
Recent comments From immigration lawyer Lainie M. Appleby concerning changes to the LMO process
READ MORE
November 11, 2013
Changes to Canadian Experience Class Applications
Citizenship and Immigration Canada has made significant changes to improve the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) so that the program continues to attract top quality candidates.
READ MORE
August 12, 2013
Lainie Appleby comments on recent changes to the TFWP
Lainie M. Appleby noted that the recent changes to the federal Temporary Foreign Workers Program could dissuade many companies from considering it.
READ MORE
July 30, 2013
Continuing Strike of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers
The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers is still on strike. PAFSO union members responsible for processing visa applications have been walking out of offices in Canada and overseas.
READ MORE
April 30, 2013
Lainie M. Appleby speaks out against the expansion of paralegal activities in Law Times News
Read the article by Yamri Taddese: "As law associations have begun welcoming them into their ranks, paralegals are yet again seeking to expand the scope of their practice in a new motion that's stirring up controversy ahead of its discussion at the Law Society of Upper Canada's annual general meeting in May."
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November 6, 2012
WHO'S WHO LEGAL 2012
With international relocation becoming an increasingly popular way for companies to explore the opportunities offered by global expansion, regulations in the area of corporate immigration are changing at a dizzying pace. Recent legislation concerned with encouraging innovation and development while maintaining economic safeguards has increased the regulatory requirements for businesses to enter the Canadian market, meaning that effective counsel from experienced lawyers is key…
Performing well, with three lawyers nominated, is Guberman Garson Segal LLP, a boutique firm providing a full range of immigration services. Its lawyers are considered "leading lights" in the field, with managing partner
David Garson regarded as a "pre-eminent" practitioner for his work with a variety of industries, including engineering firms, technology companies and major retailers.
Joel Guberman is rated by clients as an "honest, no-nonsense immigration lawyer" with over 25 years of experience.
Heather Segal, a current director on the American Immigration Lawyers' Association board of governors, is also "widely recognized for her expertise".
July 18, 2012
Guberman Garson Segal LLP Summer 2012 Newsletter
Check out the Guberman Garson Segal LLP Summer Newsletter for important information on the recent changes to the Canadian Immigration Process.
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June 27, 2012
"Lawyer-judge feud mars refugee hearing"
Randy Hahn quoted in today's National Post. The article by Adrian Humphreys discusses an extreme example of emotions interfering with the legal process.
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May 25, 2012
"Language skills the target of Canadian citizenship reform"
Lainie Appleby is quoted in the National Post's article on the governments new process by which Canadian Citizenship applicants prove their English/French language proficiency.
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May 18, 2012
"Provincial Immigration Role Increasing"
Randy Hahn writes as a guest for The Lawyers Weekly about the provincial government's increasing role in immigration policy.
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April 2, 2012
Guberman Garson Segal LLP ranked as one of Canada's Top 5 Immigration Boutiques
Canadian Lawyer Magazine recently ranked Guberman Garson Segal LLP as one of Canada's top five business immigration law boutiques.
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December 19, 2011
"Be Warned: 'Work' a 4-letter word at the border"
Joel Guberman writes as a guest commentator for Canadian HR Reporter. In his article "Be Warned: 'Work' a 4-letter word at the border," Joel discusses the misapplication and confusion around using the word 'work' at the Canadian-US border. Be sure to read this article for important tips for crossing the border on a business trip.
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November 18, 2011
"IRS to force Canadian banks to report on U.S. customers"
Heather Segal talks to Yahoo Finance Canada about the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliant Act that will come into effect in 2014. Read "IRS to force Canadian banks to report on U.S. customers" for more information about the new act and its implications for those with dual U.S./Canadian citizenship.
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September 6, 2011
"Canada's Slow Processing of Foreign Work Permits Adversely Affects Employers"
David L.P. Garson talks to the Society of Human Resource Management.
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June 20, 2011
"A Practical Guide to Provincial Nominee Programs in Canadian Immigration Law"
David L.P. Garson and Randy K. Hahn release their book on Canadian Immigration programs.
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June 17, 2011
"How to Bring a Foreign Worker into Canada"
Randy K. Hahn presented at the Six Minute Employment Lawyer 2011.
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August 26, 2014
Introducing Guberman Garson Segal LLP
Guberman Garson Segal LLP joins an independent immigration law firm allied with Deloitte to offer expanded immigration services.
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