February 18, 2020 Immigration Update Headlines: USCIS Poised to Launch Electronic H-1B Registration Process Starting March 1 – USCIS will open an initial registration period from noon ET March 1, 2020, through noon ET March 20, 2020, for the FY 2021 H-1B cap-subject numerical allocations. USCIS Suspends Use of Pre-Paid Mailers for FY 2021 H-1B […]
Headlines: DHS Suspends New York Residents from Trusted Traveler Programs; New York to Sue – DHS informed the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles on February 5, 2020, that New York residents are no longer eligible to apply for or renew their enrollment in Trusted Traveler Programs. New York’s Attorney General immediately announced plans […]
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 […]
