Quick Reference Guide to Some Important Forms and Fee Increases for H-1B Employers
We have compiled a Quick Reference Guide to Some Important Forms and Fee Increases for H-1B Employers.
The IOWA Caucus Fiasco May Have Lessons For H-1B CAP Registration
In order to be proactive and ensure H-1B CAP petitions are filed on time and with the least amount of disruption, it may be prudent and certainly proactive to commence processing of H-1B petitions as in previous years. I believe it is better to be prepared than find oneself in a situation like the Democrats did in Iowa on Monday night
President Trump expands travel ban to additional countries
On January 31, 2020 President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation expanding Travel Ban 3.0 to include certain foreign nationals of the following six countries: Burma (Myanmar), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania. According to the Department of Homeland Security, these additions were based on an assessment from the Department of Homeland Security after reviewing updated [...]
USCIS Data on Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker Receipts, Completions, and RFEs from FY 2015-2020
USCIS has compiled data on receipts, completions, RFEs from FY2015 to FY2020 for various employment-based non-immigrant visa categories. Read the statistics here.
OFLC Announces Decommissioning Schedule for the iCERT System Labor Certification Registry
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) is making this public service announcement to alert employers and other interested stakeholders that the iCERT System Labor Certification Registry, which provides public access to labor certification decisions in the PERM, LCA, H-2A, and H-2B visa programs, will be decommissioned. Effective February 28, 2020, members of the [...]
DOS Final Rule Amending B Visa Regulations
DOS final rule governing the issuance of B non-immigrant visas for temporary visitors is effective 1/24/2020. This rule establishes that travel to the United States with the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child by giving birth in the United States is an impermissible basis for the issuance of a B non-immigrant visa. [...]
USCIS Issues Policy Alert on Replacing Permanent Resident Cards (Form I-90)
USCIS issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding eligibility requirements, filing, and adjudication of requests to replace Permanent Resident Cards using Form I-90. The effective date for this policy is January 16, 2020. Comments are due by January 30, 2020.
USCIS Notice of Implementation of H-1B Registration Process for FY2021
USCIS published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the implementation of the registration process for H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY2021. The initial H-1B petition registration period will begin on 3/1/20. USCIS intends to close the initial registration period on 3/20/20 and will announce the actual end date on its website. (85 FR 1176, 1/9/20)
USCIS Expands Guidance Related to Naturalization Requirement of Good Moral Character
USCIS expanded its policy guidance regarding unlawful acts that may prevent an applicant from meeting the good moral character requirement for naturalization. The commission of, or conviction or imprisonment for, an unlawful act, during the statutory period for naturalization, may render an applicant ineligible for naturalization should the act be found to adversely reflect on [...]
USCIS Announces Implementation of H-1B Electronic Registration Process for Fiscal Year 2021 Cap Season
USCIS announced that it has completed a successful pilot testing phase and is implementing the registration process in the next H-1B lottery. Employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions for the fiscal year 2021 cap, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, must first electronically register and pay the associated $10 H-1B registration fee. [...]