Global Immigration Update: Key Developments in the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong
This week, the Global Immigration team at Smith Stone Walters highlights several important updates from the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong. Each update sheds light on the evolving landscape of immigration policies and practices affecting foreign nationals.
United States: New Travel Ban Impacts 19 Nationalities
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. administration proclaimed a travel ban that will take effect on June 9, affecting nationals from 12 countries and imposing partial restrictions on seven others. The comprehensive ban encompasses nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face bans on obtaining B1/B2, F, M, and J visas.
Exceptions are, however, provided for certain individuals. Those already holding valid visas, lawful permanent residents, immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, and dual nationals using a passport from a non-restricted country may be exempt. Moreover, those attending significant sporting events or holders of Afghan Special Immigrant Visas are also noted exceptions.
Ban on New Foreign Students at Harvard
In a related announcement, the administration has imposed an immediate suspension on the issuance of F, M, and J visas for new foreign students seeking to study at Harvard University. This suspension will last for at least six months and also calls into question the visa status of those already studying there.
State Department Pauses Student Visa Interviews
Furthermore, a confidential State Department cable issued on May 27, 2025, has directed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt scheduling new interviews for student and exchange visitor visa applications (F, M, and J) as they prepare for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting. Though no official details have been released regarding this pause, foreign nationals holding these visa types are advised to carefully consider travel outside the U.S. due to potential immigration consequences.
Canada: Updated Rules for Maintained Status
On May 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published updated instructions regarding maintained status during the processing of applications for temporary residents. The new guidelines tighten rules around maintaining legal status while waiting for decisions on extension applications.
Background on Maintained Status
Temporary residents can extend their authorized stay if they apply before their original permit expires. During this time, they can maintain legal status as long as they remain in Canada. The updated guidelines, however, clarify that if an extension application is deemed incomplete and is returned to the applicant, it’s treated as if it was never submitted, eliminating maintained status.
The new rules specify that applicants submitting a subsequent extension application before their original status expires will maintain their status during processing. Conversely, submitting an application after expiry results in loss of maintained status, requiring applicants to apply for status restoration.
Changes also include the removal of references to port-of-entry applications due to a recent ban on “flagpoling,” which involves temporary residents leaving Canada and re-entering for immigration services.
Hong Kong: Admission Arrangements for Skilled Professionals
On May 30, 2025, the Hong Kong government announced the introduction of a new stream under the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP). This initiative allows selected individuals to enter Hong Kong for occupations in eight skilled trades facing significant manpower shortages.
Technical Professionals Stream
This new Technical Professionals Stream is designed for non-degree professionals aged between 18 and 40, meeting specific qualifications set forth in the Technical Professional List. Applications will be accepted starting June 30, 2025, with a pilot program running for three years, including a total quota of 10,000, with a cap of 3,000 per skilled trade.
The specified skilled trades include industrial technicians, nurses, aircraft maintenance technicians, marine service technicians, IT technicians, lift/elevator technicians, building information modeling coordinators, and electrical technicians. Requirements include an employment offer from a local company and a market-commensurate remuneration package.
Successful applicants will receive visas valid for either 24 or 36 months based on the skilled trade and qualifications. Extensions will require sustained employment in the specified trade.
Under the employment-based GEP and ASMTP, companies can employ foreign professionals typically holding degrees or higher qualifications. Notably, for vacancies on the Talent List, employers will not need to conduct a market availability test.
A Better Way to Manage Global Immigration
At Smith Stone Walters, we pride ourselves on providing effective solutions in global immigration. As part of Envoy Global, a leading corporate immigration services provider, we are better equipped to address our clients’ needs.
If you’re interested in learning more about our enhanced global immigration services, we encourage you to contact us today.
