May 2021 Visa Bulletin Update: USCIS to Honor Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories

The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.

Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how housing market reforms, rent stabilization measures and cost-of-living dynamics in Saudi Arabia are influencing workforce mobility, compensation planning and long-term settlement strategies under Vision 2030.

Manager Dr Adela Schmidt and Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler analyse the European Commission’s infringement proceedings against Germany concerning its Vander Elst visa requirements for third-country nationals providing short-term cross-border services and explain why current compliance obligations remain unchanged.

Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria, Senior Associates Sarah Blackmore and Sonya Cole and Senior Regional Knowledge Manager Laura Weingort examine renewed energy interest in Venezuela and outline key immigration pathways, procedural constraints and strategic considerations for compliant talent deployment.

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner  Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.

Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.

Partner Rick Lamanna provides insight to Buffalo Toronto Public Media on potential IRCC processing challenges as Canada prepares for increased visa demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland.