North America
Key trends shaping North America's labor and immigration landscape
Modernization and digitization
Governments in North America continue to adopt digital tools and modernize administrative systems to streamline immigration processes.
The United States
In the United States, USCIS launched its FY2026 H-1B cap petition period with a new online filing process via Organizational Accounts. This allows employers and legal representatives to manage submissions digitally, with the window open through June 30, 2025 for those selected in the lottery.
The E-Verify system now features a “Status Change Report” for real-time monitoring of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) revocations. This replaces previous case alert systems and supports compliance efforts through timely work authorization updates.
A U.S. executive order signed on March 25, 2025, mandates federal immigration-related payments be made electronically by September 30, 2025, eliminating reliance on paper-based systems.
Canada
In Canada, Ontario is set to launch a new Employer Portal under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) from July 2, 2025. This portal will shift application initiation responsibilities to employers, aiming for a more centralized and employer-driven nomination process.
Restricted pathways and reduced eligibility
The United States
Several immigration routes in the U.S are facing limitations or terminations, reflecting a policy shift toward greater restriction and selectivity.
A new travel ban signed on June 4, 2025, by President Trump reinstates and expands prior visa suspensions, now affecting 12 countries fully and another 7 partially, citing national security concerns.
The U.S. has revoked all visas issued to South Sudanese nationals, and separately revoked F-1 visas from Chinese students referencing national security reasons which have not been confirmed.
All student visa interviews (F, M, J) were halted worldwide as of May 27, 2025, under new vetting procedures. These interviews resumed on June 18, 2025 with additional requirements including open social media accounts for screening purposes.
Canada
In Canada, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has announced there will be no general or priority occupation draws for the remainder of 2025, limiting nomination opportunities for foreign workers.
Increased compliance and employer obligations
The United States
Compliance is becoming more complex for both United States employers and visa applicants, with increased scrutiny and evolving documentation requirements.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced social media screenings targeting antisemitic content or harassment. Such activity may now negatively affect eligibility for visas, green cards, and student status.
The new Status Change Report from E-Verify also represents a step toward greater real-time enforcement. Employers are expected to actively monitor and act on status changes, including using Form I-9 Supplement B for reverifications.
Migration policy and political impact
The United States
Immigration policy in the United States continues to be shaped by judicial decisions, executive actions, and political agendas.
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed DHS to terminate Venezuela’s 2023 TPS designation, affecting thousands. Similar terminations were announced for Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with protections expiring in September 2025.
A July 10, 2025, federal court ruling blocked the Trump administration’s attempts to end birthright citizenship for certain U.S.-born children for the time being; highlighting ongoing legal friction between courts and executive immigration policies.
The Supreme Court initially ruled that lower courts overstepped by issuing universal injunctions against immigration-related executive orders, potentially reshaping the power of district courts in future immigration challenges.