NEWS
USCIS Launches New Online Change of Address Tool
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily. E-COA will significantly improve the speed and [...]
OFLC Provides Guidance on When Amended LCA is Required
In a series of FAQs, DOL issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), Round 4 – Labor Condition Application (LCA/ ETA Form 9035/9035E), for the H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 programs. It is important to note that the key element [...]
USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registrations
The USCIS announced today that they will conduct a second random selection on properly submitted H-1B CAP registrations. We predicted this was a possible outcome early in the year. The USCIS website newsroom stated: In March 2023, USCIS conducted an initial random [...]
The 7 Ps That Guide Us! What it Takes to File a Successful L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Petition
This blog by Attorney Kidambi outlines the rigorous process adopted by the Firm when processing L-1 Petitions. READ MORE
You Don’t have to be Einstein to Play Leapfrog with your Immigration! – How the EB-1 Category Can Help You Get Ahead
Attorney Kidambi addresses the recent retrogression in Visa Numbers and how clients can benefit from filing under the EB-1 category. READ MORE
Here We Go Again! Expedited Roll Out of New PERM Application Could Make Already Complicated Process Worse
AILA member Vaman Kidambi describes the challenges AILA members and others have shared about the expedited roll-out of the new PERM application form, and urges the Department of Labor to slow the roll-out in order to address valid concerns. READ [...]
Significant EB-4 Retrogression Renders Immigration Option Unavailable for R-1 Nonimmigrants
Attorney Kidambi draws attention to the sudden and dramatic retrogression of visa numbers in the EB4 Visa Category and how this is likely to affect Religious Workers (R-1). Kidambi & Associates represents several prominent religious nonprofit organizations and takes pride [...]
The Latest Court Ruling’s Impact On H-1B Spouses And Immigration
A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Department of Homeland Security’s regulation that allows the spouses of H-1B visa holders to work, a significant victory for highly skilled foreign-born professionals, their families and the companies that employ them. [...]
U.S. plans to resume domestic visa renewals for IT Workers
A State Department spokesperson said plans call for resuming domestic renewals in "certain petition-based nonimmigrant work visa categories," which include H and L visas. H-1B visas let employers hire high-skilled foreign workers with a bachelor's or higher degree for two [...]
U.S. proposes ‘huge’ fee increase for most green card applications
Last week, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ended public comment for a proposed fee increase unveiled by the Biden administration in January. The deadline for public comment was initially set for March 6, but was extended another week until [...]
H-1B CAP registration completed for 2023
H-1B cap selection has been completed for this year. 10 REASONS FOR LOW H-1B CAP SELECTION If you think H-1B CAP selection has been low this year, here are a few things to consider: Unlike paper filed cases, the current [...]
USCIS Extends COVID-19-related Flexibilities
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain COVID-19-related flexibilities through March 23, 2023. Under these flexibilities, USCIS considers a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date set forth in the following requests or notices before taking [...]
USCIS Issues Guidance on an Employer’s Ability to Pay
USCIS is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the analysis of an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for certain employment-based immigrant petition adjudications.
State Department Plans Pilot for Domestic Visa Renewal
The State Department will launch a pilot program later this year offering visa renewal options in the US for H-1B specialty occupation workers and other temporary visa holders who are currently required to travel abroad.
Options for Nonimmigrant Workers Following Termination of Employment
USCIS is providing information for nonimmigrant workers whose employment has terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily. These workers may have several options for remaining in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on existing rules and regulations. READ [...]
Will You Make the H-1B CAP in 2023?!
On March 12, 2008, Bill Gates appeared before Congress and testified that the H-1B CAP “is arbitrarily set and bears no relation to the U.S. economy's demand for skilled professionals.” He also famously urged Congress to increase the H-1B CAP [...]
Will You Make the H-1B CAP in 2023?!
2023 appears to be a year where we finally see some balance in the way the H-1B CAP is utilized. Hopefully, you are among the lucky ones who get picked in this year’s lottery. Read more - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-make-h-1b-cap-2023-vaman-kidambi
FY 2024 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1 – $10 FEE REMAINS UNCHANGED
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners [...]
USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing Expansion [EB-1C – Now, F-1 OPT (coming)]
USCIS announced that: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing the final phase of the premium processing expansion for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. Unlike previous phases of the expansion, this phase [...]
H-1B CAP Registration Fee of $10 May Remain the Same for 2023
The proposed fee increase announced recently by the USCIS is currently in the 60-day comment period which ends on March 6, 2023. If there are enough comments to offset some of the increases, there could be delays while the USCIS [...]