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 […]
On August 13, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law a border enforcement funding bill, H.R. 6080, that would offset certain border security costs by raising fees for certain H-1B and L petitions. The bill was passed in the House of Representatives by voice vote on August 10, and was passed in the Senate by […]
Headlines: 1. Preliminary Injunction Blocks Key Provisions of Arizona Immigration Statute – A key portion of the new statute may conflict with a Supreme Court ruling that states cannot create their own immigration systems, a federal judge states; the New York City Bar calls the statute unconstitutional. 2. ICE I-9 Final Rule Allows for Electronic […]
Headlines: 1. Department of State Publishes Consular Fee Interim Rule, Reopens Comment Period – The Department received 1,797 comments in response to the proposed rule and has reopened the comment period for an additional 60 days, until August 27, 2010. 2. USCIS Proposes Changes in Fees, Large New Fee for EB-5 Regional Center Applications – […]
Headlines: USCIS Revises Employment Authorization Document – The EAD now includes a machine-readable zone on the back of the card. USCIS Redesigns Green Card – USCIS will replace green cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or replacement. State Dept. Raises Consular Fees for Nonimmigrant Visas and BCCs – The interim final rule, […]
