Vol. 10, No. 8A ▪ August 1, 2014 Headlines: State Dept. Releases Guidance on Immigrant Visa Prioritization – DOS released guidance on how its embassies and consulates are prioritizing immigrant visa applications as they work to reduce the backlog resulting from travel restrictions and operational constraints caused by the global COVID pandemic. DHS Extends I-9 […]
Headlines: COVID Vaccinations To Be Required for Many Green Card Applicants – Effective October 1, 2021, with few exceptions, those applying for permanent residence (green card) must be vaccinated against COVID-19, now classified as a “Class A inadmissible condition,” the CDC announced. Justice Dept. Settles Immigration-Related Discrimination Claims With Large Health Care Organization – DOJ […]
Headlines: Cap Reached for Remaining H-2B Visas for Returning Workers for FY 2021 – USCIS has received enough petitions for returning workers to reach the additional 22,000 H-2B visas made available under the FY 2021 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule. USCIS Extends Flexibilities Through October for Certain OPT Applicants Filing Work Authorization Applications – […]
Headlines: USCIS Expands Partnership With Social Security Administration – Applicants filing for lawful permanent resident status can now apply for a Social Security number or replacement card as part of the adjustment of status application process. Visa Bulletin for September 2021 Released – The bulletin notes, among other things, that the Worldwide employment-based preference limit […]
Headlines: Biden Administration Develops Plan to Require Full Vaccination for Most Travelers to United States – The Biden administration is developing a “phased” plan to require most travelers to the United States to be fully vaccinated, with exceptions. The idea is to make it possible to safely re-open travel to the United States and lift […]
Headlines: USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection From Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registrations – On July 28, 2021, USCIS selected additional previously submitted electronic registrations using a random selection process. The petition filing period based on registrations selected on July 28 will begin on August 2 and close on November 3, 2021. Consent Order […]
Headlines: U.S. Extends Nonessential Travel Restrictions at Canada, Mexico Land Borders; Canada Opens to U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents August 9 – Canadians and many other U.S.-bound international travelers can fly into the United States if they receive a negative COVID-19 test. Applicants for Change of Status to F-1 Student No Longer Need to Submit Subsequent Applications […]
Headlines: New DACA Applications Blocked by Federal Judge – New Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals applications will not be allowed under a ruling by a U.S. district judge. The judge temporarily stayed his ruling for nearly 650,000 current DACA recipients. No Surprise: Ombudsman’s Annual Report Says USCIS Faces ‘Unprecedented Challenges’ Due to Pandemic, Backlogs, Financial […]
Headlines: USCIS Announces Updated Receipt Guidance for I-9 Process – USCIS announced updated guidance on receipts for the I-9 employment authorization verification process. OFLC Implements District Court Order Requiring Backpay for Qualifying H-2A Workers – Certain H-2A employers must make wage adjustment payments to qualifying workers and certify compliance by September 4, 2021. OFLC Completes […]
Headlines: Biden Administration Kicks Off Cross-Agency Naturalization Campaign – The Biden administration announced an interagency campaign to promote naturalization “to all who are eligible.” District Court Vacates Final Rule Affecting Wages for H-1B, PERM Workers; OFLC Updates Implementation – In light of delays and a June district court order vacating the final rule, the operative […]
