While employers and immigration attorneys are preparing for the H-1B Cap Season, DHS has posted its Final Rule for a More Effective and Efficient H-1B Visa Program. The new rule will be published in the Federal Register on...more
Although the ongoing government shutdown is rooted in an immigration matter – the “wall” – its effect on other immigration processes is somewhat limited. Fee-funded activities are not affected, which means that USCIS offices...more
The Department of Homeland Security has published a much-anticipated notice of proposed rulemaking affecting the H-1B visa process. Public comments must be submitted by January 2, 2019....more
As of September 11, 2018, immigration officers will have more discretion to issue petition and application denials without first issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs).
This is yet...more
USCIS and the Department of Justice are teaming up and collaborating to “better detect and eliminate fraud, abuse, and discrimination by employers bringing foreign visa workers to the United States.” They have entered into a...more
On April 6, 2018, USCIS announced that it reached the 65,000 H-1B visa cap for FY 2019, including the 20,000 U.S. advanced degree exemption known as the “master’s cap.” Every year since 2014, the cap has been reached during...more
Reports about the possible elimination of AC-21 extensions (for H-1B workers awaiting green cards) are now being denied by the government. The USCIS is attempting to quell fears caused by rumors that the Administration would...more
The USCIS has issued the following notice regarding scam emails requesting I-9 information:-
USCIS has learned that employers have received scam emails requesting Form I-9 information that appear to come from USCIS....more
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is being rescinded, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on September 5, 2017.
The DACA program was implemented in 2012 by an executive order signed by...more
Following the “Buy American, Hire American” Executive Order, issued in April, the Attorney General and the Secretaries of State, Labor, and Homeland Security have made operational changes that emphasize targeted...more
On July 17, 2017, the USCIS announced the release of a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
The revised version may be used immediately but it must be used no later than September 18, 2017.
...more
In these days of “extreme vetting,” entering the United States as a business visitor (B visa or Visa Waiver status, with an ESTA approval) can have its hazards – especially for athletes who need to enter the United States...more
If Congress cannot pass a funding bill by April 27, 2017, only “essential” government workers will continue to work as of May 1 and immigration processes will be affected.
...more
USCIS’s new M-274 “Handbook for Employers with Guidance for Completing Form I-9” is now available. In addition to detailed I-9 completion instructions, the Handbook contains guidance on Photocopying and Retention, Unlawful...more