Oliver Mercer
Sweden to raise work permit salary threshold to 33,390 SEK monthly
Sweden raises the work-permit minimum salary to SEK 29,680 from June 17, 2025 (80% of median). A planned…
Top Reasons People Move to Canada: Quality of Life and Opportunities
In 2025 Canada attracts newcomers with universal healthcare, strong schools, and clear immigration pathways like Express Entry and…
Canada’s PGWP Decline Deepens Chronic Labour Gaps in 2025
Projected PGWP approvals will decline about 30% in 2025 to roughly 143,600 due to stricter eligibility rules and…
Connecticut Undocumented Health Care Spending Near $41M as of 2025
Connecticut spends about $41 million yearly on state-funded coverage for undocumented children and postpartum women, covering 15,600 children…
Immigration Lawyers Struggle as Arrests Double Under Trump Policies
As of October 6, 2025, Minnesota sees faster immigration court timelines and rising arrests, with about 49% of…
EU’s EES Border System Starts Oct 12, 2025: U.S. Travelers
From October 12, 2025, the EU will implement EES across 29 Schengen countries through April 10, 2026, collecting…
Are VWP and ESTA Still Valid During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
ESTA authorizations and the VWP remain operational during a U.S. government shutdown because CBP and DHS deem them…
Can Canadians Apply for TN Status at Ports During a Shutdown?
During the October 2025 shutdown, CBP continues TN processing at ports and preclearance for Canadians; Mexicans still need…
Will the Visa Bulletin Be Released During a Government Shutdown?
The Visa Bulletin usually continues during shutdowns, keeping filing and priority dates public. But DOL pauses on LCAs…
Are Combo EAD and Advance Parole Cards Still Issued During Shutdowns?
USCIS stopped combo cards in July 2025 and issues separate EADs and Advance Parole documents. Fee funding lets…
F-1 OPT EAD Expiry During a Shutdown: Grace Period and Extensions
Shutdowns do not change OPT rules: students get a nonworking 60-day grace period after EAD expiry. Timely STEM…
Can We File L-1 Blanket Renewal During a Government Shutdown?
USCIS will process L-1 Blanket renewals during the October 1, 2025 shutdown because it’s fee-funded. DOL immigration services…
Can F-1 Students Apply for OPT or STEM OPT During a Shutdown?
USCIS remains open to OPT and STEM OPT filings during a shutdown and will issue EADs, thanks to…
Can I-131 Re-Entry Permits Be Filed During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, Form I-131 Re-Entry Permit filings and biometrics continue during a shutdown. Applicants must file…
Will My Visa Appointment Be Cancelled During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
Consular operations continue in many locations during the shutdown because of user‑fee funding, but service levels vary. Appointments…