Mid-March 2016 Immigration Update

Headlines: DHS Issues Final Rule Amending F-1 Regs, Breaks Record for Public Comments – DHS published a final rule amending regulations to expand optional practical training (OPT) for students with U.S. degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) and create new obligations for F-1 students and F-1 employers starting May 10, 2016. Reminder: USCIS […]

March 2016 Immigration Update

Headlines: DHS Implements VWP Changes in Response to Terrorism Concerns, Announces Further VWP Travel Restrictions – In January, the United States began implementing changes to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) under a new law. Travelers in several categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the VWP. DHS […]

Quarterly Global Immigration Update – February 2016

Feature Article:  SECURITY MEASURES: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of recent immigration developments in security measures in several countries implemented in response to terror attacks and related concerns. Country Updates: BELGIUM – Belgium sets new 2016 salary thresholds for some fast track work permits B and the Blue Card. BRAZIL – A […]

Mid-February 2016 Immigration Update

Headlines: U.S. Implements VWP Changes in Response to Terrorism Concerns – Under the new “Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015,” travelers in several categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the VWP. USCIS Advises Employers To Identify Returning Workers Who Are Exempt […]

February 2016 Immigration Update

Headlines: DHS Revises Regs on H-1B1, E-3, CW-1 Nonimmigrants and Certain EB-1 Immigrants – DHS said the final rule does not impose any additional costs on employers, workers, or any governmental entity. Court Delays STEM OPT Ruling, Preserving Current STEM OPT Program – DHS persuaded the court that it was working diligently to evaluate more […]

Mid-January 2016 Immigration Update

Headlines: House Holds Oversight Hearings on USCIS, EOIR – Leon Rodriguez, USCIS Director, testified at the USCIS hearing. Juan Osuna, EOIR Director, testified at the EOIR hearing. Visa Bulletin Notes Statistics on Applicants in Limited Immigrant Categories for Consular Processing – The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for February 2016 notes that the National Visa […]

Cyrus Mehta Brings On David Isaacson and Cora-Ann Pestaina as Partners

Cyrus D. Mehta & Partners, PLLC, formerly known as Cyrus D. Mehta & Associates, P.L.L.C., announces that David A. Isaacson and Cora-Ann V. Pestaina have become partners in the firm. David A. Isaacson’s practice includes a variety of family-based and employment-based applications for both nonimmigrant visas and permanent residence, as well as waivers, naturalization and […]

January 2016 Immigration Update

Headlines:   1. USCIS Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule to Change Certain Employment-Based Visa Programs – USCIS seeks public comments on a proposed rule published on December 31, 2015, “Retention of EB-1, EB-2 and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers,” that would change certain aspects of employment-based visa programs.   2. […]

CDMA COMMENT ON USCIS JOB PORTABILITY GUIDANCE

https://www.scribd.com/doc/293634387/CDMA-Comment-On-Proposed-Guidance-on-Job-Portability-Under-INA-204-j

December 2015 Immigration Update

Headlines: USCIS Adds 16 Countries to H-2A/H-2B Visa Programs – The countries being added in January are Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Singapore, Taiwan, and Timor-Leste. Moldova will no longer be designated as an eligible country to participate in the H-2B program because Moldova is not meeting […]