Headlines: DOS Provides Guidance, FAQs on Domestic Renewal of H-1B Visas for Certain Applicants – The Department of State has released guidance and frequently asked questions on its new pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements. The pilot program will accept applications from January 29, […]
Headlines: USCIS to Launch Organizational Accounts, Enabling ‘Online Collaboration’ and Submission of H-1B Registrations – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plans to launch organizational accounts for non-cap filings and the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap season. Cap Reached for Additional Returning Worker H-2B Visas for First Half of FY 2024 – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration […]
Headlines: USCIS Issues Guidance on ‘Ability to Pay’ Requirement When Adjustment Applicants Change Employers – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued policy guidance, effective immediately, on how it analyzes an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications, including instances when the […]
Headlines: DHS Increases Premium Processing Fees – On February 26, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security will increase premium processing fees charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. DOJ Threatens to Sue Texas Over State Migration Bill – The Department of Justice sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatening to sue the state […]
Headlines: State Dept. Announces Pilot Program to Resume Domestic H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals – The pilot program will accept applications from January 29 to April 1, 2024. OFLC Reminds Employers About Deadlines for Peak H-2A Filing Season – The federal Department of Labor announced that from January 2-4, 2024, it will accept H-2B applications for […]
Headlines: USCIS Reaches FY 2024 H-1B Cap – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received a sufficient number of petitions needed to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year 2024. DHS Publishes Federal Register Notice Reiterating […]
Headlines: OFLC Announces Annual Determination of H-2A Labor Supply States for U.S. Worker Recruitment – The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) Administrator has determined that current requirements for labor supply states will remain in effect, with one modification: OFLC will no longer recognize North Carolina and Texas as traditional labor supply […]
Headlines: Three Important Cases Pending Before U.S. Supreme Court – Three important cases are pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. According to observers, at stake are the legitimacy of the current U.S. immigration court system and a longstanding precedent decision. DOS Proposes Updates to Au Pair Exchange Visitor Program – The Department of State proposes […]
FEATURE ARTICLE RED FLAGS IN EMPLOYMENT LAW RELATED TO IMMIGRATION: AN OVERVIEW –This article provides an update on red flags in employment law related to immigration in several countries. COUNTRY UPDATES ITALY – On November 13, 2023, the European Union (EU) Council adopted new rules to allow online filing of Schengen visa applications. Also, a […]
Headlines: USCIS Expands myProgress to Forms I-485 and I-821 – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is expanding myProgress (formerly known as personalized processing times) to Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. myProgress will initially only be available for family-based […]
