Feature Article SHORT-TERM HIGH-SKILLED WORKER PROGRAMS: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of policies and procedures on short-term high-skilled worker programs in several countries. Country Updates BELGIUM – Belgium has announced 2020 gross salary thresholds. CANADA – Québec attestations are now required for permanent immigrant applicants. Also, there is an update on the […]
Headlines: USCIS Announces Public Charge Rule Implementation Following Supreme Court Stay of Nationwide Injunctions – USCIS will implement the public charge final rule on February 24, 2020, except in Illinois, where the rule remains enjoined by a federal court. Trump Administration Restricts U.S. Entry of Travelers From and Through China Due to Coronavirus Risk – […]
Headlines: State Department Issues Final Rule Ordering Denials of B Visas to Combat ‘Birth Tourism’ – The final rule establishes that travel to the United States with the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the United States is an impermissible basis for the issuance of a B nonimmigrant […]
Headlines: USCIS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs – For 2020, the countries designated as eligible in 2019 are unchanged. USCIS Releases Final FY 2019 Statistics – The statistics include naturalizations, green cards, employment authorizations, and protected populations, among other categories. OFLC Completes Randomization Process on H-2B Applications Requesting an April 1, […]
Headlines Iranian-Americans Stopped, Questioned When Returning From Canada – More than 60 Iranian-Americans reportedly were held for questioning when returning from Canada recently via Washington State. USCIS Publishes Notice ‘Formally Announcing’ Implementation of Electronic H-1B Registration Process and Timeframe – USCIS will open an initial registration period from March 1 through March 20, 2020, for […]
Headlines Immigration Provisions Included in Newly Enacted Defense Act – On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes several immigration-related provisions. Investigation Finds Fake Companies Exploiting F-1 Student Visa Program –NBC found that 14 “suspicious” companies employed more than 5,500 foreign students through the Optional Practical Training program. ABIL […]
Headlines Spending Bill Extends EB-5 Regional Center Program, Includes Immigration Provisions – Congress has passed a spending bill for fiscal year 2020 that includes several immigration-related provisions. President Trump is expected to sign the legislation. January Visa Bulletin Includes Projections in Employment-Based Categories – The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for January 2020 includes information […]
Headlines Possible Retrogression in EB-2 Worldwide and EB-3 Worldwide in January – This year retrogression in the employment-based second and third preference visa categories may come much earlier than usual. House Passes Bill to Address Labor Shortage in Agriculture; Senate Prospects Unclear – Among other things, the bill would provide a path to legal status […]
Headlines December 2019 Visa Bulletin – EB-1 Dates for Filing Current Except for China and India, Little Movement of Final Action Dates – The U.S. Department of State (DOS) published the Monthly Visa Bulletin for December 2019, which shows Dates for Filing as current for EB-1 except for India and China. Client Alert for Premium […]
Immigration Update- December 6, 2019 Headlines Could Immigration Lawyers become Criminals? – The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to consider the case of U.S. v. Sineneng-Smith involving an immigration consultant – Evelyn Sineneng-Smith – who told her undocumented clients they could stay in the United States under a program she knew had ended. Though she […]
