NEWS
USCIS Launches Mobile Form for Replacing Green Card
Lawful permanent residents who file the online Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, without assistance from an attorney or accredited representative, can now file their form and upload evidence entirely on a mobile device. The redesign of the [...]
Retaining Form I-9
To calculate how long to keep an employee’s Form I-9 after employment is terminated, enter the following: 1. Date the employee began work for pay 1. ________________________ A. Add 3 years to the date on line 1. A. ______________________ [...]
H-1B Premium Processing NOT for Most H-1B Petitions
The USCIS announcement dated July 24th does not apply to most H-1B petitions filed and currently pending with the USCIS. Most importantly, it does not include CAP Gap petitions that have to be adjudicated prior to September 30th in order [...]
USCIS to Resume H-1B Premium Processing for Certain Cap-Exempt Petitions
USCIS will resume premium processing for certain cap-exempt H-1B petitions effective immediately. The H-1B visa has an annual cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year. Additionally, there is an annual “master’s cap” of 20,000 petitions filed for beneficiaries with a [...]
USCIS Targets Level 1 Salary on LCA to Question Specialty Occupation Nature of H-1B Position
In what appears to be a pattern, the USCIS is questioning whether a position is a specialty occupation by referencing the fact that the labor condition application (LCA) reflects a level 1 wage, indicating that it is an entry-level position [...]
USCIS Introduces Redesigned Form for Green Card Applicants
USCIS published a revised Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (Form I-485). The revised version gives applicants better information to accurately complete Form I-485, including clear navigation to the parts of the form and isntructions that are relevant [...]
USCIS to Resume H-1B Premium Processing for Physicians under the Conrad 30 Waiver Program
USCIS will resume premium processing for all H-1B petitions filed for medical doctors under the Conrad 30 Waiver program, as well as interested government agency waivers starting Monday, June 26. The Conrad 30 program allows certain medical doctors to stay [...]
ALERT for Students w/Cap Gap Waiting on H-1B CAP Rejection or Decision
USCIS announced on May 3, 2017 that it has completed data entry of all fiscal year 2018 H-1B cap-subject petitions selected in the computer-generated random process. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected. Due [...]
USCIS Will Issue Redesigned Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents
USCIS today announced a redesign to the Green Card and EAD. The new cards will be issued on May 1, 2017. The redesigned cards will be more secure and tamper-resistant and deter counterfeiting and fraud than the ones currently in [...]
USCIS Provides PowerPoint Presentation on Immigrant Fee Payment Process
USCIS hosted webinars on March 13, 20 to discuss updates to the USCIS Immigrant Fee payment process. An overview of the online payment process and the electronic identity verification process was provided. The powerpoint presentation of the same is outlined [...]
USCIS Rescinds 2000 NSC Guidance on H-1B Computer-Related Positions
USCIS issued a policy memorandum on March 31, 2017, that supersedes and rescinds a December 22, 2000, memorandum with guidance on H-1B computer-related positions issued by the Nebraska Service Center (NSC). The new memo offers clarity on USCIS's approach to [...]
DOL announces plans to protect American workers from H-1B program discrimination
DOL announced plans today to protect U.S. workers from H-1B program discrimination by providing greater transparency and oversight. The department will protect American workers against discrimination through the following actions: Rigorously use all of its existing authority to initiate investigations [...]
USCIS Announces Further Measures to Detect H-1B Visa Fraud and Abuse
USCIS has announced multiple measures to further deter and detect H-1B visa fraud and abuse. Beginning today, USCIS will take a more targeted approach when making site visits across the country to H-1B petitioners and the worksites of H-1B employees. [...]
WHAT TO DO? If ICE Stops you on the way to the Grocery Store…
Do you know what to do if immigration (ICE) officers stop you in a public place? Read and download the pdf to know your rights.
WHAT TO DO? If ICE comes knocking at your door
Do you know what to do if immigration (ICE) officers come knocking at your door? Read and download the pdf to know your rights.
WHAT TO DO? ICE Worksite Visit – Employee Rights
Do you know what to do if immigration (ICE) officers come to your worksite? Read and download the pdf to know your rights.
New Executive Order to Replace Travel Ban
Here's the latest update about a new Executive Order that replaces Travel Ban. https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/executive-order-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states
USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Premium Processing for All H-1B Petitions
Starting April 3, 2017, USCIS will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions. This suspension may last up to 6 months. https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-will-temporarily-suspend-premium-processing-all-h-1b-petitions
Erroneous H-1B Approval Notices with “1B1” Annotation
We have been receiving USCIS I-797 Notices of Approval for H-1B that is annotated "1B1". The USCIS California Service Center (CSC) has confirmed that this was a technical error that has now been resolved, and that USCIS will reprint corrected [...]
USCIS Releases Updated Handbook for Employers
USCIS has released an updated Handbook for Employers, Guidance for Completing Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification form) rev. 1/22/17