Headlines: USCIS Clarifies Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants in Arts vs. Motion Pictures and Television – USCIS clarified guidance on how the agency determines whether an O-1B beneficiary will be evaluated as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts or as a person of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry when a […]
Headlines: DHS OIG Finds That Manual Processing Slowed USCIS Benefits Delivery During Pandemic – In a new report, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General found that continued reliance on manual processing slowed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ benefits delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. USCIS concurred with OIG’s recommendations. OFLC Completes Random Assignments […]
Headlines: USCIS Extends Flexibilities for Responding to Certain Agency Requests – The flexibilities apply if the issuance date listed on the request, notice, or decision is between March 1, 2020, and March 26, 2022, inclusive. USCIS said it will consider a response to such requests and notices received within 60 calendar days after the response […]
Headlines: State Dept. Expands Waivers of In-Person Interviews for Certain Temporary Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants – The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain temporary employment nonimmigrant visa applicants who have a petition approved USCIS. Restrictions on Travelers From Southern […]
Headlines: Immigration Provisions of Social Spending Bill in Limbo as Senate Democrats Struggle With Parliamentarian Rejections, Uncertainties – Lawmakers struggled to consider their options, including revisions to the immigration provisions or simply moving ahead without parliamentarian approval. DHS Extends I-9 Flexibility to April 30, 2022 – DHS extended the flexibility policy in complying with certain […]
Headlines: Labor Dept. Implements Court Order Vacating Prevailing Wage Final Rule – The vacated rule amended regulations governing the prevailing wages for employment opportunities that U.S. employers seek to fill with foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain employment-based visas or through H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 nonimmigrant visas. USCIS Temporarily Waives 60-Day […]
Headlines: Biden Administration Increases Travel Restrictions in Response to New ‘Omicron’ Coronavirus Variant – In a rapidly developing situation, following new travel bans imposed on several countries, the Biden administration announced additional measures, effective December 6, 2021, including a requirement that inbound international passengers take a COVID-19 viral test within a day of their departure, […]
Headlines: Travel Bans Imposed Quickly in Response to New ‘Omicron’ Coronavirus Variant – In a rapidly developing situation, President Biden said that most travelers (excluding U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents) who have been in any of eight countries in southern Africa for the prior 14 days will be barred from entry into the United […]
Headlines: Build Back Better Act, Passed in House, Includes Immigration Provisions; Senate’s Next – The House of Representatives passed the “Build Back Better” budget reconciliation bill. It includes $100 billion toward immigration measures, including provisions paving the way for employees and others waiting in backlogs, and raising some immigration-related fees. It also would provide for […]
Headlines: Major Settlement Changes USCIS’ Work Authorization Policy for Certain H-4, E, and L Nonimmigrant Dependent Spouses – Following recent litigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that certain H-4, E, or L dependent spouses will qualify for an automatic work permit extension if certain conditions are met. DHS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and […]
