New ETA Form 9035
The new ETA Form 9035, LCA for Non-immigrant Workers is now available. We are aware of the change and have implemented appropriate changes to our processing.
Policy forthcoming for the practice of denying pending I-131 applications
Sources indicate USCIS will end the practice of denying pending I-131 applications when an applicant travels overseas. At CIS Ombudsman Annual Conference, USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna indicated this policy will be forthcoming. We will provide updates as we receive them.
USCIS to Expand Information Services Modernization Program to Key Locations
USCIS will expand its Information Services Modernization Program to key field offices, beginning with the Detroit Field Office and the five offices in the Los Angeles District on Nov. 13. Field offices in the Newark, Great Lakes, and San Francisco districts will implement the program during the first quarter of FY 2019. USCIS anticipates expanding [...]
DHS Final Rule Increasing the Premium Processing Fee
DHS final rule is increasing the premium processing fee charged by USCIS. DHS is increasing the fee by 14.92 percent, from $1,225 to $1,410. This rule is effective on October 1, 2018. Applications postmarked on or after that date must include the new fee. https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2018-08-31/pdf/2018-19108.pdf
USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for Certain Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny
USCIS has posted a policy memorandum that provides guidance to USCIS adjudicators regarding their discretion to deny an application, petition, or request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when required initial evidence was not submitted or the evidence of record fails to establish eligibility. This updated [...]
USCIS and the Justice Department Formalize Partnership to Protect U.S. Workers from Discrimination and Combat Fraud
USCIS and the Department of Justice announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that expands their collaboration to better detect and eliminate fraud, abuse, and discrimination by employers bringing foreign visa workers to the United States. This new effort improves the way the agencies share information, collaborate on cases, and train each other’s investigators. The MOU [...]
USCIS Changing Policy on Accrued Unlawful Presence by Nonimmigrant Students and Exchange Visitors
USCIS has posted a policy memorandum changing how the agency will calculate unlawful presence for students and exchange visitors in F, J, and M nonimmigrant status, including F-2, J-2, or M-2 dependents, who fail to maintain their status in the United States. This policy aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the [...]
Policy changes by the Trump Administration are slowing and restricting legal immigration
AILA provides a report that surveys how policy changes by the Trump Administration are slowing and restricting legal immigration. Please read PDF about this topic. policy changes.pdf
New E-Verify.gov Website a User-Friendly Source to Verify Employment Eligibility
USCIS today announced the launch of new website, E-Verify.gov. This is the authoritative source for information on electronic employment eligibility verification. E-Verify.gov is for employers, employees and the general public. The user-friendly website provides information about E-Verify and Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, including employee rights and employer responsibilities in the employment verification process. E-Verify.gov [...]
USCIS Updates Webpage to Share More Accurate Processing Times
USCIS has launched a pilot to test a redesigned processing times webpage that displays the data for all forms in an easier-to-read format and also tests a new way of collecting data and calculating the processing times for some forms. The pilot will test four forms using a new automated methodology for calculating processing times. [...]