Immigration news updates for AMER and APAC regions
Americas
Canada: Strengthening temporary residence programs for sustainable volumes
The Canadian Government announced plans to reduce the number of temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the population by 2026. Measures include reforming the International Student Program, tightening temporary foreign worker eligibility, and enforcing stricter employer compliance.
Some of the steps announced include reducing the intake cap on international student study permits, updating the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, and limiting work permit eligibility for spouses of certain categories of students and foreign workers Canada is also addressing increased asylum claims and visa integrity issues to maintain a fair and effective immigration system.
This summary was prepared using information from the Government of Canada
United States: USCIS extends Green Card validity extension to 36 months for Green Car renewals
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently extended the validity of Green Cards to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90 to replace their cards. Previously, the extension was for 24 months.
USCIS has updated the Form I-90 receipt notices to reflect this change, and these notices can be used with an expired Green Card as proof of continued status and employment authorization. This extension aims to assist applicants facing longer processing times by providing evidence of their lawful permanent resident status while they wait for their new Green Cards.
If proof of status is needed and the individual no longer has their Green Card, they can request an appointment at a USCIS Field Office for an ADIT stamp after filing Form I-90.
This summary was prepared using information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Malaysia: New immigration status verification introduced
The Malaysian government has commenced issuing an Interim Endorsement Slip (IES) for individuals with a long-term pass from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. This slip, available in both English and Bahasa Malaysia, serves as a temporary substitute for long-term pass stickers. Holders are required to keep the IES flat and unaltered, as it serves as proof of their immigration status. If an individual is issued with a new passport, they must carry both the old and new passports to verify their status, as the IES is linked to the passport used during its approval.
This summary was prepared using information from our local service providers.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
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