US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its Handbook for Employers: Instructions for Completing Form I-9 (M-274). Revised as of January 5, 2011, the handbook includes expanded guidance on lawful permanent residents, refugees and asylees, and acceptable documents for employees in temporary protected status (TPS).The following is a summary of key changes in the […]
Headlines: 1. DREAM Act Fails in Senate – Prospects are dim for further developments in the near future, although Democrats vowed to push for the legislation and to include it in any comprehensive immigration reform bill. 2. USCIS Delays Deemed Export Attestation on New I-129 – The new edition of Form I-129, Petition for a […]
By Gary Endelman* and Cyrus D. Mehta** The Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, that was established under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)1 is a deceptively simple form, but it involves a most complex process that an employer in the United States has to comply with when hiring any employee.2 ¤274A(a)(1) of […]
The Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA) has been incredibly busy issuing a number of decisions. BALCA will be issuing decisions with even greater frequency as it is adding two more panels comprising three administrative law judges each.[1] The current time for BALCA to render a decision is taking about six months, which is […]
1. DOS Discusses Upcoming Employment Visa Number Priority Cut-Off Dates – It is unlikely that any cut-off dates will be set in the employment first preference during the coming months. 2. USCIS Issues Reminder on New Fees, Q&A on New Fee Schedule; Makes Corrections, Clarifications – The new fee schedule for immigration-related applications and petitions […]
US Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) issued a reminder that its new fee schedule will take effect on Tuesday, November 23, 2010.К Applications or petitions postmarked or otherwise filed on or after this date must include the new fee or they will be rejected. As a practical matter, it is clear that if the application or […]
Headlines: 1. WHD Plans Nationwide Audit of Independent Contractor Misclassifications – Targeted industries may include may include agriculture, construction, distribution, food processing, hospitality, janitorial services, landscaping, manufacturing, restaurants, and sanitation. 2. District Court Finds NY Education Law Limiting Pharmacist Licenses to U.S. Citizens, LPRs Unconstitutional – A New York education law was found unconstitutional […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Raises Many Fees, Adds New Fees – Among other things, USCIS is raising fees for most immigration benefits by a weighted average of 10 percent, establishing several new fees, and raising the premium processing service fee. 2. 2012 Diversity Visa Lottery Program Registration Begins in October – The Department of State strongly […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Implements H-1B, L-1 Fee Increases – Effective immediately, the provisions require an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions postmarked on or after August 14, 2010. 2. Dep’t of State Finalizes Rule on Electronic Application Alternative for Immigrant Visas – The agency has […]
