NEWS
H-1B
E-Verify User Manual for Corporate Administrators
USCIS provides an updated M-1053, E-Verify User Manual for Corporate Administrators which provides guidance on E-Verify processes and outlines the rules and responsibilities for corporate administrators enrolled in E-Verify. Read the updated E-Verify User Manual
USCIS FEES TO BE RAISED FOR SEVERAL PETITION CATEGORIES – EFFECTIVE DATE 12/23/2016
USCIS published a Fee Increase schedule in the Federal Register today. Applications and petitions mailed, postmarked, or otherwise filed on or after 12/23/16 must include new fee. (81 FR 73292, 10/24/16) USCIS Fee Schedule (pdf) A few important Forms and the corresponding fee increases are listed below: Form From To I-129 $325.00 [...]
FAQ on Employment Authorization for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses
On February 26, 2015, USCIS hosted a teleconference about new regulatory changes, effective May 26, 2015, that extended eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of certain H-1B nonimmigrants who have already started the process of seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident status. Those eligible include H-4 dependent spouses of principal [...]
Known Employer Pilot Program Test
The USCIS has created the Known Employer pilot to assess a way to streamline the process for employers seeking to hire certain workers through employment-based visa categories. By modifying the process by which USCIS reviews an employer’s eligibility to sponsor individuals under certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa classifications, the Known Employer pilot is [...]
Webinar- H-1B – Lessons From FY2016 – How to Prepare for FY2017 H-1B Season
Please register for H-1B – Lessons From FY2016 - How to Prepare for FY2017 H-1B Season on Feb 12, 2016 12:00 PM EST at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8654143144839593217 The idea behind this webinar is to harness the valuable experience learned from processing H-1Bs from prior years and how the various RFEs have created a valuable source [...]
Proposed I-765 revisions to accomodate EAD for beneficiaries of approved I-140 petitions
A draft version of a revised form I-765, application for employment authorization has been released.
H-1B and L-1 Fee Increase** Applicable for a Select Few
On 12/18/15, the President signed into law the omnibus appropriations bill for 2016. Highlights of Business Immigration Provisions of the Act: The bill extends the EB-5, Conrad 30, Special Immigrant Religious Workers, and E-Verify programs through the end of FY2016. Fee Increase: It also includes the following changes to the currently expired H-1B/L-1 [...]
Law Requiring Payment of $2,000/$2,250.00 in Additional Fees Sunsets
The USCIS released this update this morning: H-1B and L-1 petitions filed on or after Oct. 1, 2015, should not include the additional fee that was previously required by Section 402 of Public Law 111-230, as amended by Public Law 111-347, for certain H-1B and L-1 petitions. The additional fee required by Public [...]
USCIS Resumes Premium Processing for Extension of Stay H-1B Petitions
USCIS announced this today. Beginning July 13, 2015, USCIS will resume accepting Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for all Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, H-1B extension of stay petitions. Premium processing requests for Form I-129 H-1B extension of stay petitions received by USCIS before July 13, 2015 will be [...]
USCIS Clarifies Scope of Premium Processing H-1B Suspension
In response to an inquiry by AILA, USCIS has confirmed that the temporary suspension of premium processing for H-1B extensions applies to any H-1B petition requesting an extension of stay for the beneficiary regardless of whether the petition is filed by the same employer or is requesting a change of employer. Courtesy - [...]
USCIS Temporarily Suspends Premium Processing for Extension of Stay H-1B Petitions
Starting May 26, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B Extension of Stay petitions until July 27, 2015. During this time frame, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, for a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, [...]
Form I-9 Webinar On-Demand
USCIS has published an informative webinar thats's available on demand about Form I-9 and how to properly complete it. Please watch the I-9 Form webinar.
H-1B Petition Rejected – F-1 Student Options
If an H-1B petition filed on your behalf did not make the 'Random Selection Process', you have certain options. If you are currently in F-1 status with an OPT, students in STEM programs could immediately apply for a 17-months extension of Optional Practical Training. A. Eligibility for STEM extension: The student must have [...]
H-4 Spouses Employment Authorization – Advanced Copy of Proposed Rule
DHS issued advance copies of two proposed rules for foreign high-skilled workers, including a rule that would extend the availability of employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of principal H-1B nonimmigrants and a rule to update the regulations for H-1B1, CW-1, E-3 nonimmigrants, and EB-1 immigrants. Courtesy - AILA. Read the proposed [...]
DHS Announces Proposals to Attract and Retain Highly Skilled Immigrants
As part of the Administration’s continuing commitment to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the publication of two proposed rules, including a rule to extend employment authorization to spouses of certain H-1B workers, and a proposal to enhance opportunities for certain groups of highly-skilled workers [...]
Visa Interview Waiver Program is now Permanent
In January 2012, the Department of State introduced a two-year visa interview waiver pilot program. This pilot program was one of the cornerstones of President Obama’s initiative to improve and speed up the visa process for certain categories of travelers to the U.S. This pilot program has now been made permanent. According to [...]
ICE press release on Infosys Settlement Agreement
ICE press release on $34 million settlement agreement involving Infosys, an Indian consulting, technology and outsourcing company alleged to have committed systemic H-1B and B-1 visa fraud and abuse of immigration processes and also agreed to enhanced corporate compliance measures. Read the article on Infosys Settlement Agreement.
USCIS Revises Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today published a revised Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for use. All employers are required to complete a Form I-9 for each employee hired in the United States. Improvements to Form I-9 include new fields, reformatting to reduce errors, and clearer instructions to both employees and employers. [...]
BALCA Interprets Drafting of Alternative Requirements on the ETA 9089
BALCA reversed the denial, finding that the CO ignored the employer's experience requirements stated in Item H-14 and incorrectly interpreted the alternative education requirements as alternative employment requirements. (Matter of General Electric Co., 1/22/13) Read the BALCA decision. [Courtesy - AILA]
U.S. Embassy, India announces the expansion of the visa interview waiver program
The U.S. Embassy, New Delhi, India announced the expansion of the visa interview waiver program. This will allow certain Non Immigrant Visa applicants seeking to renew a visa that expired within the last 48 months to obtain a Visa without an interview. The program streamlines processing for the following: Under the current [...]