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USA Visa

The New U.S. “Visa Integrity Fee” and How It Affects Canadian Permanent Residents

A brand‑new U.S. fee is on the horizon—and no, it’s not a basketball tournament surcharge. As of fiscal year 2026 (which begins October 1, 2025), the U.S. will impose a non‑waivable $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” on most non‑immigrant visas, including tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F/M), work (H‑1B), and exchange (J) categories. What is the Visa Integrity Fee? This fee is an additional charge on top of existing visa fees—think of it as a penalty deposit. It’s designed to discourage visa overstays by being refundable only if you comply properly (i.e., leave on time, maintain status, etc.). That means: Student visas could jump

July 20, 2025

Parents and Grandparents Program

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Opens Late July 2025: What Sponsors Need to Know

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) Canada’s commitment to family reunification continues this summer. Starting July 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will begin emailing invitations to apply (ITA) for the Parents and Grandparents Program. Over roughly two weeks, up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications will be accepted under this year’s intake. If you filed an Interest to Sponsor (ITS) form back in 2020 and have not yet been selected, now is the time to watch your inbox— and your junk mail folder—closely. No new ITS forms will be collected in 2025; IRCC is drawing exclusively from the remaining

July 18, 2025

Toronto Immigration Lawyer | Hummel Law – Full-Service Firm

Immigration Canada

A Complete Guide to Hummel Law’s Canadian Immigration Services

Toronto Immigration Lawyer | Hummel Law – Full-Service Firm When you—or someone you love—decide to plant roots in Canada, the immigration process can feel like a maze of forms, deadlines, and ever-changing rules. At Hummel Law, we remove the guesswork by offering a full suite of legal services that cover every stage of the journey, from the first visitor visa to citizenship—and everything in between. Below is an in-depth look at how our Toronto-based firm supports clients in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and around the globe. 1. Dealing With Inadmissibility: Keeping Your Canadian Dream Alive Even a minor criminal

July 9, 2025

Strong Borders Act

Canada’s Strong Borders Act Update

Strong Borders Act – What the New Immigration and Asylum Measures Mean for Applicants, Employers and Communities On June 17, 2025, the federal government released detailed guidance on the immigration provisions contained in the Strong Borders Act— Ottawa’s broad plan to reinforce security along the Canada–U.S. frontier and restore public confidence in the immigration system. While the Act covers many areas of border management, four sets of legislative amendments will directly affect temporary residents, permanent-resident hopefuls, employers, provinces and asylum seekers. Below, we unpack each change, flag practical implications and outline the steps you should take now to stay compliant—and

June 25, 2025

Immigration Canada

Canada Extends the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

What Skilled Refugees and Canadian Employers Need to Know for 2025 Canada has again demonstrated its dual commitment to humanitarian leadership and economic growth. On June 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that the federal stream of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) will be extended until December 31, 2025 — and the government will accept up to 950 new job-offer applications next year. For employers battling chronic labour shortages and for skilled refugees searching for a permanent, legal pathway to rebuild their careers, this announcement is big news. Below, we break down how the EMPP works,

June 15, 2025

Canadian Temporary Resident Permit Citizenship Fee

Immigration Canada

Rising Citizenship Costs in 2025: What Canada’s Fee Increase Means for Permanent Residents

Canadian Citizenship Costs in 2025 Beginning 12:00 a.m. ET on March 31, 2025, the Government of Canada quietly raised the “right of citizenship” fee for adults from $100 to $119.75—the first hike in nearly a decade. For would‑be citizens, the total payable at the time of application now climbs from $630 to $649.75. Although the increase may appear modest, it will affect tens of thousands of permanent residents (PRs) who plan to naturalize over the next 12 months. Below we unpack who is covered, who is exempt, and how to budget (and plan) for the new reality. 1. The Two‑Part

May 10, 2025

Immigration Canada

How Canada’s Provinces Are Re‑tooling Immigration

From “First‑Come, First‑Served” to Invitation‑Only Pools If you’re hoping to secure Canadian permanent residence (PR) through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2025, the playing field is shifting beneath your feet. Over the past 18 months, a growing number of provinces and territories have scrapped their open‑door, apply‑anytime streams in favour of Expression of Interest (EOI) systems that invite only the highest‑scoring or most urgently needed candidates to apply for nomination. Below, we explain how EOI systems work, which provinces already use them, and—most importantly—how you can adapt your strategy to stay ahead of the curve. 1. What Exactly Is

May 4, 2025

Spousal Sponsorship

Avoiding Delays in Spousal Sponsorship: Key Insights from Hummel Law

The process of sponsoring your spouse, partner, or child for immigration to Canada is a journey filled with anticipation and hope. However, due to the meticulous nature of immigration procedures and the potential for delays, especially in light of COVID-19, applicants often face setbacks. At Hummel Law, we understand the importance of reuniting families. This article aims to guide you through the spousal sponsorship application process, highlighting key steps to avoid delays and ensure a smoother application process. Understanding the Spousal Sponsorship Process The spousal sponsorship program is designed for Canadian citizens and permanent residents wishing to bring their spouse,

April 29, 2025

PR Card Work Permit TFWP Temporary Foreign Worker

Immigration Canada

Extending Your Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Work Permit

For many individuals working in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), there may come a time when extending a work permit becomes necessary. Whether you need more time to finish a contract, have changed your job conditions, or are switching employers, it’s important to understand the process and requirements involved. This blog post offers a detailed look at why you might need to extend your TFWP work permit, who qualifies, and how to go about it smoothly. Why You Might Need to Extend Your TFWP Work Permit Desire to Continue Working in Canada All TFWP work permits have

April 5, 2025

Immigration Canada

Canada–United States Information Sharing Agreement – New Regulatory Amendments

On January 17, 2025, the Canadian government introduced regulatory changes that enhance the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for the Sharing of Visa and Immigration Information. These updates expand the existing framework to include the automated sharing of biographical and biometric data for permanent residents in both countries. Although the necessary systems are not yet fully operational, the new rules will allow each country’s immigration screening process to request and receive information on permanent residents as needed. A Closer Look at the Agreement Originally signed in 2012, the agreement granted

March 18, 2025

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