Headlines: International Entrepreneur Update: National Advocacy Groups Recommend Streamlining Parole Program; House Passes Bill To Create New Visa – There have been several recent developments of interest to international entrepreneurs. USCIS Releases Form I-9 Guidance for H-2B Workers Seeking to Change Employers – The guidance is related to a joint temporary final rule issued January […]
Headlines: FY 2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens March 1 – The initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap will open at noon ET on March 1, 2022, and run through noon ET on March 18, 2022. DHS, DOL Announce Availability of Additional H-2B Visas for First Half of Fiscal Year […]
Headlines: Biden Administration Implements New Actions to Increase Opportunities for STEM Students, Professionals, Others – Highlights of the new actions announced by the Departments of Homeland Security and State are summarized. USCIS Notes ‘Exceptionally High Number’ of Employment-Based Green Cards Available This Fiscal Year – USCIS said many more visas are available in the first […]
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, […]
