Highlights

• H-4 Employment Authorization Enters Final Rule Stage
• Changes to Compliance Rules in Canada for Companies Hiring Certain Foreign Nationals
• Participate in the EIG Dispatch Animal Photo of the Week

H-4 Employment Authorization Enters Final Rules Stage

The regulation giving employment authorization for certain H-4 dependent spouses is in the “Final Rule Stage.” Congressional approval of the regulation is required before the regulation can take effect. Upon approval, the regulation will be effective no later than sixty days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. The final rule is expected to be similar to the proposed rule released in the spring of 2014 and only covers those whose spouses have an approved I-140 or have been admitted or extended their stay under AC21. The regulation will have a significant impact on eligible H-4 dependent spouses who, through their spouses, will be able to work while they apply and wait to receive employment-based green cards.

Erickson Immigration Group closely monitors all news regarding H-4 employment authorization and will provide timely updates, should the rule take effect.

Changes to Compliance Rules in Canada for Companies Hiring Certain Foreign Nationals

Effective February 21, 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC Canada) will require additional information and payment of a fee from employers hiring foreign workers exempted from Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. The compliance fee is 230 CAD and must be paid online. Employers will now be required to submit the Offer of Employment Form and information about their business and organization. Changes to the LMIA-exempt process reflect CIC Canada’s heightened scrutiny of employer compliance in the hiring and treatment of foreign workers. CIC Canada will also begin collecting a fee of 100 CAD for open work permit applicants.

Participate in the EIG Dispatch Animal Photo of the Week

We hope you have been enjoying our animal photos at the end of each issue. We are now inviting subscribers to submit pictures of their own animals for feature in the EIG Dispatch. If selected, your picture will be included in a forthcoming EIG Dispatch issue. Please direct all submissions to dispatch.eig@gmail.com and include your name and company in the subject line. We look forward to receiving your submissions.