ABIL Immigration Insider • April 3, 2023

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In this issue:

1. H-1B Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).

2. USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693 – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is removing the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an individual applies for an underlying immigration benefit.

3. DOS to Raise Most Consular Service Fees – Effective May 30, 2023, a Department of State final rule raises most consular service fees, although the fee increases are smaller than those proposed in the notice of proposed rulemaking due to revised projections.

4. DOS Eliminates Separate Column for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras in Visa Bulletin Employment-Based Charts – As announced in its April Visa Bulletin, the Department of State is no longer including a separate column covering applicants chargeable to El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras in certain employment-based charts.

5. DOS to Allow J-1 Sponsors to Digitally Sign Form DS-2019 and Submit It Electronically – Effective April 27, 2023, a Department of State interim rule will give J-1 sponsors two new options: using digital signature software to sign Certificates of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019) and transmitting the form electronically.

6. USCIS Updates Policy on Timeframes for Paper-Based Filings/Responses – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated policy guidance to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday.

7. New Filing Address Announced for Courier Delivery Services to USCIS Phoenix Lockbox – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has changed the filing location for courier delivery services to the Phoenix, Arizona, lockbox. The facility has moved to Tempe, Arizona.

8. New HART Center to Focus on Humanitarian Cases – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the opening of the virtual Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center, the first to focus on humanitarian and other cases, such as visas for crime and domestic violence victims.

9. April Visa Bulletin Shows Worldwide EB-4 Backlog of 5+ Years, EB-2 Retrogression – The EB-4 category, which includes special immigrant religious workers, now has a worldwide backlog of 5+ years. Also, the EB-2 final action dates for Rest of World, India, Mexico, and the Philippines have retrogressed several months to keep number use within the FY 2023 annual limit.

10. USCIS Ends Certain COVID-19 Flexibilities – Certain flexibilities first introduced in March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic ended on March 23, 2023.

11. CBP Issues Reminder About New EADs – The redesigned work permit cards will be issued concurrently with existing card stock until it is depleted. All previously issued cards remain valid until their printed expiration dates.

12. CDC Terminates COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Entry by Air Passengers From China – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is no longer requiring a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 for air passengers traveling to the United States from the People’s Republic of China, including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.

13. Many Travelers No Longer Receive Admission Stamps in Passports – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expanded a pilot program to eliminate entry stamps (the ink stamp, not the visa stamp) upon admission to the United States. Records of admission are now documented online at CBP’s I-94 website.

14. Mobile Passport Control Available at Canadian Preclearance Locations – U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded its Mobile Passport Control (MPC) program to include the Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver Preclearance locations in Canada.

15. June 23 is Deadline for Employers to Download Old E-Verify Case Info – On June 24, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will dispose of E Verify records that are more than 10 years old (those last updated on or before December 31, 2012).

16. USCIS Issues Policy Alert on Evidence for Employers’ Ability to Pay Proffered Wage – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its guidance to discuss in more detail various types of evidence and explain how it reviews all evidence relevant to the employer’s financial strength and the significance of its business activities.

17. LPRs May Receive Temporary Evidence of Status by Mail, USCIS Says – Certain lawful permanent residents may receive temporary evidence of their status by mail rather than physically visiting a field office to receive an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp).

18. Biometrics Requirement Removed for Regional Center Investor Petitioners – As of March 15, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has removed the biometrics submission requirement and related $85 fee for petitioners filing Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor.

19. DHS Announces Extension for Certain Paroled Ukrainians – The Department of Homeland Security will consider, on a case-by-case basis, an estimated 25,000 Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members who were paroled into the United States at a land border before the Uniting for Ukraine program began, for a one-year extension of their parole period and employment authorization, if applicable.

20. USCIS Lockbox to Relocate From Phoenix to Tempe, Arizona – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it will forward to Tempe any applications, petitions, or requests received via courier delivery services at Phoenix between March 31 and April 28. After April 28, the agency will not accept courier delivery services at the previous address.

21. USCIS Releases New Guidance, Resources for International Entrepreneurs – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has issued comprehensive guidance on parole for international entrepreneurs, and new entrepreneur resources.

22. DHS Extends and Redesignates Somalia for TPS, Announces Student Relief – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to publish a Federal Register notice extending and redesignating Somalia for temporary protected status. DHS also announced special student relief for certain F-1 nonimmigrant Somali students.

23. USCIS Announces Premium Processing, New Online Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.

24. DOL Releases FAQs on Final Rule Revising AEWR Methodology for H-2A Non-Range Occupations – The Department of Labor released frequently asked questions on a final rule published February 28, 2023, and effective March 30, 2023, revising the methodology by which it determines the hourly Adverse Effect Wage Rates for non-range agricultural occupations (i.e., all occupations other than herding and production of livestock on the range).

25. DHS Extends Enforcement Date for REAL ID – A new final rule extends the date for card-based enforcement of the REAL ID regulations to May 7, 2025. Beginning on that date, federal agencies are prohibited from accepting a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for official purposes unless it is REAL ID compliant and issued by a state that DHS has determined is in full compliance.

26. USCIS Issues Guidance on Mobile and Remote Biometrics Collection – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued policy guidance to address mobile biometrics collection and the biometrics collection of benefit requestors in remote locations.

27. USCIS To Propose ‘Frontlog’ Rule To Eliminate Backlogs – As part of its modernization program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on April 1, 2023, that it plans to propose a “Frontlog Rule” soon to eliminate and reverse backlogs.

28. ABIL Global: Mexico – This article provides a summary of the non-lucrative Temporary Resident Visa.

New Publications and Items of Interest – New Publications and Items of Interest

ABIL Member / Firm News – ABIL Member / Firm News

Government Agency Links – Government Agency Links

Download:

ABIL Immigration Insider – April 2023

1. H-1B Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 27, 2023, that it has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). USCIS said it randomly selected registrations to reach the cap and has notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the registration.

H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, including petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2023, if based on a valid, selected registration.

USCIS noted that an H-1B cap-subject petition must be properly filed at the correct USCIS service center and within the filing period indicated on the relevant registration selection notice. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition is at least 90 days. Online filing is not available for H-1B petitions, so petitioners filing H-1B petitions must do so by paper, the agency noted. Petitioners must include a printed copy of the applicable registration selection notice with the FY 2024 H-1B cap-subject petition.

Details:

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2. USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures on Form I-693

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 31, 2023, that it is removing the requirement that civil surgeons sign Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an individual applies for an underlying immigration benefit, including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The requirement had been subject to a temporary waiver since December 9, 2021.

USCIS said that this policy update will allow it to adjudicate cases with immigration medical examinations that previously would have been considered invalid. Rather than issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) in the case of a Form I-693 signed more than 60 days before the filing of the I-485, but otherwise valid, USCIS can now accept I-693s for adjudicative purposes for up to two years after the date the civil surgeon signed the form.

Details:

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3. DOS to Raise Most Consular Service Fees

Effective May 30, 2023, a Department of State (DOS) final rule raises most consular service fees, although the fee increases are smaller than those proposed in the notice of proposed rulemaking due to revised projections for fiscal year (FY) 2022-2024 demand, DOS said.

Below are the adjustments that DOS will implement under the final rule:

  • The application processing fee for non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) (except the E category) will increase from $160 to $185.
  • The application processing fee for H, L, O, P, Q, and R category NIVs will increase from $190 to $205.
  • The processing fee for Border Crossing Cards for Mexican citizens age 15 and over will increase from $160 to $185.
  • The fee for E category NIVs will increase from $205 to $315.
  • The fee for the exchange visitor waiver of two-year residency requirement will stay at $120, instead of the proposed $510.

Details:

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4. DOS Eliminates Separate Column for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras in Visa Bulletin Employment-Based Charts

As announced in its April Visa Bulletin, the Department of State (DOS) is no longer including a separate column covering applicants chargeable to El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras in the charts titled, “Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases” and “Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications,” for applicants who are seeking an immigrant visa in the EB-4 category. Final action and filing dates for applicants from these three countries are now provided in the column headed “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed.”

DOS has now published a notice in the Federal Register confirming the change and explaining its rationale.

Details:

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5. DOS to Allow J-1 Sponsors to Digitally Sign Form DS-2019 and Submit It Electronically

Effective April 27, 2023, a Department of State (DOS) interim rule will give J-1 sponsors two new options: using digital signature software to sign Certificates of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019), and transmitting the form electronically.

DOS said that the sponsor community “has long sought the ability to digitally sign and electronically transmit (e.g., via email) Forms DS-2019, i.e., the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System- (SEVIS-) generated documents that prospective exchange visitors and their spouses and dependents, if any, must present at U.S. embassies or consulates to apply for J visas.”

Comments on the interim rule are due May 30, 2023.

Details:

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6. USCIS Updates Policy on Timeframes for Paper-Based Filings/Responses

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated policy guidance to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. In these situations, effective immediately, USCIS will consider a filing or response submitted on paper timely if the agency receives it by the end of the next business day. While the receipt date for these cases will continue to reflect the date USCIS physically received the request, USCIS will consider the benefit request timely filed.

USCIS said it is pursuing several ways to increase flexibility related to filing deadlines, including this policy update. The update applies to all benefit requests or responses to a USCIS action that the agency receives on paper on or after March 29, 2023. The update does not affect electronic filings or responses submitted electronically, which USCIS considers received immediately upon submission. USCIS is not applying this policy retroactively.

Details:

USCIS alert (Mar. 29, 2023). https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-on-time-frames-for-paper-based-filings-and-responses-ending-on-saturdays

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7. New Filing Address Announced for Courier Delivery Services to USCIS Phoenix Lockbox

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed the filing location for courier delivery services to its Phoenix, Arizona, lockbox. The facility has moved to Tempe, Arizona, and the filing location for courier delivery services for UPS, FedEx, and DHL has also changed to Tempe. The filing location remains the same when using the U.S. Postal Service.

USCIS said it will forward any applications, petitions, or requests received in Phoenix via courier delivery services to Tempe between March 30 and April 28, 2023. After April 28, USCIS will not accept courier delivery at the previous address.

Details:

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8. New HART Center to Focus on Humanitarian Cases

On March 30, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the opening of the virtual Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions, and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center, the sixth service center within its Service Center Operations directorate and the first to focus on humanitarian and other cases, such as visas for crime and domestic violence victims.

“One of my biggest visions for USCIS is to ensure that this backlog—this unprecedented backlog—is something that, by the time I depart the agency, is well on its way to recovery,” USCIS Director Ur Jaddou said. “The backlog has stopped growing and it’s starting to peer downward. My goal is to continue that slide downward.” The virtual center will accept paper and electronic applications, Ms. Jaddou said.

“HART’s workforce will improve the quality and efficiency of our humanitarian caseload processing. These applications and benefits affect vulnerable populations, and this center will make a positive impact in the quality and scale of our humanitarian processing abilities,” USCIS tweeted.

Details:

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9. April Visa Bulletin Shows Worldwide EB-4 Backlog of 5+ Years, EB-2 Retrogression

According to the Department of State’s (DOS) Visa Bulletin for April 2023, the EB-4 category, which includes special immigrant religious workers, now has a worldwide backlog of 5+ years. Also, the EB-2 final action dates for Rest of World, India, Mexico, and the Philippines have retrogressed several months to keep number use within the FY 2023 annual limit.

EB-4 Backlog

Previously, DOS was applying the per-country limit to the EB-4 subcategory, which made the “North Central American” (NCA) countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras oversubscribed, but preserved religious worker current priority dates for all other chargeability areas. DOS has now announced that it interprets the limit to apply to the family/employment-based system as a whole and not within each category, meaning that because the NCA countries are not oversubscribed in the total family/employment system, DOS cannot set a cutoff for them just in the EB-4 category.

DOS is no longer including a separate column covering applicants chargeable to El Salvador, Guatemala, or Honduras in the charts titled, “Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases” and “Dates for Filing of Employment-Based Visa Applications,” for applicants who are seeking an immigrant visa in the EB-4 category. Final action and filing dates for applicants from these three countries are now provided in the column headed “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed.”

EB-2 Retrogression

The Rest of World, Mexico, and Philippines EB-2 final action dates retrogressed to 01JUL22, and the India EB-2 final action date retrogressed to 01JAN11. “This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly,” the bulletin states.

Details:

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10. USCIS Ends Certain COVID-19 Flexibilities

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that certain flexibilities first introduced in March 2020 to address the COVID-19 pandemic ended on March 23, 2023. USCIS previously notified the public that barring any changes presented by the pandemic, the extension of these flexibilities announced on January 24, 2023, would be the last.

USCIS said it “retains discretion to provide certain flexibilities on a case-by-case basis upon request, for applicants or petitioners affected by an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, such as natural catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, severe weather, etc.), national emergencies (public health emergencies), or severe illness (including COVID).”

USCIS also noted that flexibilities regarding reproduced signatures first announced on March 20, 2020, became policy as announced on July 25, 2022.

Details:

“Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances,” USCIS. https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/immigration-relief-in-emergencies-or-unforeseen-circumstances

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11. CBP Issues Reminder About New EADs

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Carrier Liaison Program recently issued a reminder that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began producing redesigned employment authorization documents (EADs) on January 30, 2023. CBP said that the redesigned work permit cards will be issued concurrently with existing card stock until it is depleted.

All previously issued cards remain valid until their printed expiration dates, CBP said.

Details:

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12. CDC Terminates COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Entry by Air Passengers From China

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is no longer requiring a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 for air passengers traveling to the United States from the People’s Republic of China, including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. The previous requirement also applied to passengers who had been in China, Hong Kong, or Macau in the past 10 days and were traveling to the United States from Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, South Korea; Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Canada; and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada.

The CDC said the PRC’s COVID-19 surge has returned to a baseline level. According to World Health Organization data, daily cases peaked at 7 million cases per day on December 23, 2022, then declined 99% by January 24, 2023, leveling off around 20,000 cases per day from January 24 through February 21, 2023. In addition, no variants of concern have been identified as emerging from the PRC now, the CDC said.

Details:

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13. Many Travelers No Longer Receive Admission Stamps in Passports

According to reports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expanded a pilot program to eliminate entry stamps (the ink stamp, not the visa stamp) upon admission to the United States, begun in December 2021. Records of admission are now documented online at CBP’s I-94 website.

Ports of entry participating in the pilot program to eliminate entry stamps include:

  • Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL))
  • Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS)
  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • Dublin Airport (DUB)
  • Houston (George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH))
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Montréal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK))
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport-SeaTac (SEA)
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Land ports of entry at Buffalo, Detroit, El Paso, Laredo, San Diego, Seattle, and Tucson

The admission stamp may be used during secondary processing, when appropriate, and in limited circumstances in primary processing, such as when processing immigrant visas or upon the specific request of a traveler, CBP said. Travelers experiencing difficulties in retrieving their I-94 form as proof of admission through the CBP website or mobile application can contact their local CBP port of entry for assistance.

Travelers must still obtain visas, unless exempt.

Details:

“CBP Expands Pilot Program Eliminating Entry Stamps on Admission to the United States,” National Law Review. https://www.natlawreview.com/article/cbp-expands-pilot-program-eliminating-entry-stamps-admission-to-united-states

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14. Mobile Passport Control Available at Canadian Preclearance Locations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded its Mobile Passport Control (MPC) program to include the Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver Preclearance locations in Canada. This brings MPC availability to 38 air and seaport locations, CBP said. The MPC mobile app, available to U.S. citizens and Canadian B1/B2 visitors, allows travelers to submit their passport and travel information using a mobile device and to store their information for future international travel.

Details:

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15. June 23 is Deadline for Employers to Download Old E-Verify Case Info

On June 24, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will dispose of E‑Verify records that are more than 10 years old (those last updated on or before December 31, 2012). E‑Verify employers have until June 23, 2023, to download case information from the Historic Records Report if they want to retain information about these E-Verify cases.

Employers who have not already done so must record the E‑Verify case verification number on the corresponding Form I‑9, Employment Eligibility Verification, or attach a copy of the case details page to the Form I‑9. Employers should retain the Historic Records Report with the Forms I‑9, USCIS said.

Details:

CBP announcement (scroll to Improving Traveler Experience). https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-highlights-top-2022-accomplishments

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16. USCIS Issues Policy Alert on Evidence for Employers’ Ability to Pay Proffered Wage

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy alert on March 15, 2023, on employers’ ability to pay the proffered wage to prospective beneficiaries of certain I-140 immigrant petitions. This is important in many employment-related green card petitions. USCIS said it is updating its guidance to discuss in more detail various types of evidence and explain how it reviews all evidence relevant to the employer’s financial strength and the significance of its business activities. Among other things, the new guidance explains that an employer must submit one of three forms of initial required evidence, but may also include other types of relevant evidence.

USCIS explained that employers must submit annual reports, federal tax returns, or audited financial statements for each available year from the case’s priority date. If the employer has 100 or more workers, it may instead include a financial officer statement attesting to the petitioner’s ability to pay the proffered wage. An employer may also submit additional evidence, the agency said, such as profit and loss statements, bank account records, or personnel records. USCIS noted that many employers satisfy the ability to pay requirement by also submitting payroll records demonstrating that, during the relevant time period, they have been paying the employee at least the proffered wage indicated on the Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers (Form I-140).

Details:

USCIS policy alert, PA-2023-08 (Mar. 15, 2023). https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20230315-AbilityToPay.pdf

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17. LPRs May Receive Temporary Evidence of Status by Mail, USCIS Says

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 16, 2023, that certain lawful permanent residents (LPRs) may receive temporary evidence of their status by mail rather than physically visiting a field office to receive an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp).

USCIS said LPRs are entitled to evidence of status and may require temporary evidence of their status in the form of an ADIT stamp if:

  • They do not have their green card; or
  • Their Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (green card), Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is still pending adjudication and their green card and extension notice have expired.

This alternate Form I-94 with an ADIT stamp is an acceptable List A receipt for Form I-9 and E-Verify purposes, USCIS said. Some lawful permanent residents will still need to appear in person at a USCIS field office to receive temporary evidence of their status, including those who have urgent needs, do not have a useable photo in USCIS systems, or whose address or identity cannot be confirmed.

When an LPR calls the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283 or 800-767-1833 [TDD for the hearing impaired]) to request temporary evidence of status, an immigration services officer will verify their identity, physical mailing address, and whether that address can receive UPS or FedEx express mail. The officer will then either create an in-person appointment if needed or submit a request to the field office to initiate the creation of the temporary evidence. If an in-person appointment is not needed, a USCIS field office will review the request for temporary evidence and mail the applicant a Form I-94 with ADIT stamp, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal, and a printed photo of the LPR obtained from USCIS systems.

Details:

I-94 webpage, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home

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18. Biometrics Requirement Removed for Regional Center Investor Petitioners

As of March 15, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has removed the biometrics submission requirement and related $85 fee for petitioners filing Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor. USCIS said it may still request the submission of biometrics from a Form I-526E petitioner as necessary. The agency said it will refund biometrics fees paid by about 980 petitioners since the form’s release in 2022. Petitioners do not need to contact USCIS to request a refund.

Effective May 15, 2023, USCIS will accept only the 03/15/23 edition of Form I-526E. Until then, petitioners can submit either the new edition or the previous edition of Form I-526E (dated 06/01/22). The previous edition still contains instructions about the biometrics submission requirement that are no longer accurate.

Details:

USCIS alert (Mar. 15, 2023). https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-removes-biometrics-requirement-for-form-i-526e-petitioners

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19. DHS Announces Extension for Certain Paroled Ukrainians

The Department of Homeland Security DHS) will consider, on a case-by-case basis, a one-year extension of parolee status for the estimated 25,000 Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members who were paroled into the United States at a land border before the Uniting for Ukraine program began.

Specifically, individuals paroled into the United States at a port of entry between February 24, 2022, and April 25, 2022, will be considered for the one-year extension. DHS said it is considering these individuals, on a case-by-case basis, for the one-year extension to align with the two-year parole period provided under Uniting for Ukraine. DHS estimates that it will take approximately four weeks to consider and vet all the individuals in the group. The agency will review cases based on the date of parole.

Details:

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20. USCIS Lockbox to Relocate From Phoenix to Tempe, Arizona

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that on March 31, applicants and petitioners filing at the Phoenix, Arizona, lockbox will see a new filing location for courier delivery services such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL. USCIS will move its Phoenix lockbox to Tempe for courier delivery services. When using the U.S. Postal Service, the filing location will remain the same.

USCIS said it will forward to Tempe any applications, petitions, or requests received via courier delivery services at Phoenix between March 31 and April 28. After April 28, the agency will not accept courier delivery services at the previous address.

Details:

USCIS alert (Mar. 17, 2023). https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-relocates-lockbox-from-phoenix-to-tempe-arizona-for-courier-delivery-services

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21. USCIS Releases New Guidance, Resources for International Entrepreneurs

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued comprehensive guidance on parole for international entrepreneurs, and new entrepreneur resources.

Guidance

USCIS explained that the International Entrepreneur Rule, published in January 2017, provided a framework for the Department of Homeland Security to use its parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay, on a case-by-case basis, to noncitizen entrepreneurs who possess a substantial ownership interest in a start-up entity and who can demonstrate that their stay in the United States would provide a significant public benefit through that start-up entity’s potential for rapid business growth and job creation.

USCIS said that after fully implementing the rule in 2021, it has received a growing number of applications and “continues to adjudicate them as expeditiously as possible.” The agency has now published guidance in the Policy Manual that includes information about:

  • The criteria for consideration for the applicant, the start-up entity, and the qualified investment or government award or grant;
  • Evidence and documentation;
  • The discretionary nature of the entrepreneur parole adjudication;
  • Conditions on parole and bases for termination;
  • The criteria for consideration for an additional parole period; and
  • Options available to the entrepreneur’s family to join the entrepreneur as parolees and, if eligible, to obtain employment authorization.

USCIS noted that although an individual who is paroled into the United States has not been admitted into the United States for purposes of immigration law, parolees may enter and remain in the United States and may be authorized to work.

New Resources

USCIS announced on March 9, 2023, that it has published additional online resources to provide an overview of some of the temporary and permanent pathways for noncitizen entrepreneurs to work in the United States. Included are “some of the most important immigration-related considerations for entrepreneurs contemplating starting or managing a business in the United States,” USCIS said.

The new pages include:

Details:

“New Entrepreneur Resources Available on USCIS Website,” USCIS alert (March 9, 2023). https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/new-entrepreneur-resources-available-on-uscis-website

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22. DHS Extends and Redesignates Somalia for TPS, Announces Student Relief

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans to publish a Federal Register notice on March 13, 2023, extending and redesignating Somalia for temporary protected status (TPS). DHS also announced special student relief for certain F-1 nonimmigrant Somali students.

TPS Extension

The extension of Somalia TPS is for 18 months, from March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Somalia must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from March 13, 2023, through May 9, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and work authorization.

All individuals who want to request TPS under Somalia’s designation must apply, DHS said. Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Somalia’s prior designation. DHS said it recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new employment authorization document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through March 17, 2024, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Somalia’s TPS designation. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under Somalia’s previous TPS designation.

TPS Redesignation

Under the redesignation of Somalia, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from March 13, 2023, through September 17, 2024. Applicants may also apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later, DHS said.

Special Student Relief

Effective March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024, DHS is also suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Somalia, regardless of country of birth (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia), and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the current crisis in Somalia. DHS said it is taking action to provide relief to these Somali students who are lawful F-1 nonimmigrant students “so the students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 nonimmigrant student status.”

DHS will deem an F-1 nonimmigrant student granted employment authorization by means of the notice to be engaged in a “full course of study” for the duration of the employment authorization, if the nonimmigrant student satisfies the minimum course load requirement described in the notice.

Details:

DHS notice of employment authorization for Somali students (advance copy), 88 Fed. Reg. 15427 (Mar. 13, 2023). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-13/pdf/2023-04737.pdf

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23. USCIS Announces Premium Processing, New Online Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions

On March 6, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.

Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, is now also available to
F-1 students in these categories. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of this form by mail. Premium processing expansion for certain F-1 students will occur in phases, and students requesting premium processing should not file before these dates:

  • Beginning March 6, USCIS now accepts Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for certain F-1 students who already have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, if they are filing under one of the following categories:
    • (c)(3)(A)—Pre-Completion OPT
    • (c)(3)(B)—Post-Completion OPT
    • (c)(3)(C)—24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students
  • Beginning April 3, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests, filed either via paper form or online, for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with Form I-765.

Details:

USCIS news release (Mar. 6, 2023). https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-announces-premium-processing-new-online-filing-procedures-for-certain-f-1-students-seeking-opt

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24. DOL Releases FAQs on Final Rule Revising AEWR Methodology for H-2A Non-Range Occupations

The Department of Labor (DOL) released frequently asked questions (FAQs) on a final rule published February 28, 2023, and effective March 30, 2023, revising the methodology by which it determines the hourly Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) for non-range agricultural occupations (i.e., all occupations other than herding and production of livestock on the range).

The FAQs note, among other things, that:

  • OFLC encourages employers to monitor each of the wage sources that affect their H-2A wage obligation from the time of job order submission (or signing a work contract) until the last date an H-2A agricultural worker or worker in corresponding employment is employed under the H-2A job order “to ensure that they are in compliance with the obligation to offer, advertise, and pay workers a wage rate that is at least equal to the highest rate among the sources at all times.”
  • Any adjustment to an AEWR applicable to an employer’s job opportunity, based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code(s) assigned to the job opportunity before certification, may affect the employer’s wage obligations during the work contract period. “Whether an employer’s H-2A program certification was adjudicated using the 2010 AEWR methodology or the 2023 AEWR methodology, the employer’s wage obligation during the work contract period, including any extension granted, is subject to increase if the OFLC Administrator publishes an adjusted AEWR during the work contract period and the new AEWR is higher than the approved wage rate listed on the employer’s job order and/or work contract,” OFLC said.
  • An employer must pay H-2A workers and workers in corresponding employment at least the certified wage rate throughout the work contract period. The FAQ notes that DOL’s H-2A regulations “prohibit contract terms that would decrease the wage paid in the event an adjusted AEWR or prevailing wage rate is lower than the offered rate.”

Details:

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25. DHS Extends Enforcement Date for REAL ID

On May 3, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an interim final rule extending the REAL ID card-based enforcement deadline to May 3, 2023. A new final rule published March 9, 2023, further extends the date for card-based enforcement of the REAL ID regulations to May 7, 2025. Beginning on that date, federal agencies cannot accept a state-issued driver’s license or identification card for official purposes unless it is REAL ID compliant and issued by a state that DHS has determined is in full compliance.

Current regulations also permit federal agencies to accept noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards for official purposes until May 2, 2023. The final rule also extends that date, authorizing federal agencies to continue to accept noncompliant driver’s licenses and identification cards for official purposes until May 6, 2025.

Details:

DHS final rule, 88 Fed. Reg. 14473 (Mar. 9, 2023). https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-03-09/pdf/2023-04496.pdf

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26. USCIS Issues Guidance on Mobile and Remote Biometrics Collection

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued policy guidance on March 7, 2023, to address mobile biometrics collection and the biometrics collection of benefit requestors in remote locations.

USCIS said the guidance is intended for benefit requestors who may be unable to attend appointments at USCIS Application Support Centers (ASC) due to health or other issues, or because their physical location requires multiple modes of transportation or substantial travel times to reach an ASC, where USCIS generally collects biometrics. The policy provides for circumstances under which USCIS may conduct mobile biometrics collection for benefit requestors who reside in remote locations in relation to ASCs, and provides an alternative method to fingerprint collection, to include fingerprint cards and coordination with other agencies, for certain benefit requestors who live in locations so remote that USCIS mobile biometric services would not be practical, the agency said.

Details:

USCIS Policy Manual, Chapter 2—Biometrics Collection. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-c-chapter-2

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27. USCIS To Propose ‘Frontlog’ Rule To Eliminate Backlogs

As part of its modernization program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on April 1, 2023, that it plans to propose a “Frontlog Rule” soon to eliminate and reverse backlogs, which have led to backbiting, backlashing, and backtracking. The plan is to leapfrog over backlogs without getting bogged down. The logging industry reportedly will particularly benefit.

Some said they were agog at the plan and hoped it would not become a boondoggle or pose logistical problems. Sen. Grassley expressed skepticism: “How can you toggle back and forth between backlogs and frontlogs? Sounds like something made up by goblins. It boggles the mind,” he commented, squinting skeptically through his goggles. USCIS said it would take dogged determination, along with a backbone.

Some said they didn’t even know what a frontlog was. “Google it,” a USCIS spokesperson replied. USCIS staff plan a webinar on the proposal, to be broadcast from Lake Chaubunagungamaug (formally known as Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagogg-chaubunagungamaugg).

Details:

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28. ABIL Global: Mexico

This article provides a summary of the non-lucrative Temporary Resident Visa.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way people work, with many companies and employees shifting to remote work to comply with social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders. Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the trend toward remote work, and it is likely that remote work will continue to be a more common and accepted way of working in the future.

From an immigration perspective, many countries are exploring the possibility of offering a “nomad” visa, and some others have already updated their laws and now offer a nomad visa. Mexico is not offering a specific “nomad visa” or program, but it does offer a Temporary Resident Visa that can be obtained for a variety of purposes, including studying, working, or retirement.

While the Temporary Resident Visa’s non-lucrative activities are not specifically designed for digital nomads, the visa can be a viable option for those who wish to live and work in Mexico for an extended period and continue working remotely. The Temporary Resident Visa for non-lucrative activities, in general terms, will be the appropriate immigration visa for foreigners coming to Mexico to work remotely, provided that they continue to receive their salaries or income from abroad.

Moreover, the non-lucrative visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to live in Mexico for an extended period without engaging in any paid work or remunerative activities. This type of visa is typically intended for individuals who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves while living in the host country and who wish to spend an extended period of time there for leisure or other non-work-related purposes.

To obtain a non-lucrative visa to work remotely and live in Mexico, foreigners must meet certain requirements, such as proof of economic solvency, demonstrating that they have a steady source of income or savings to support themselves during their stay in Mexico, explaining the activities to be carried out, and identifying the city where they plan to live, among others.

This type of visa is requested directly at the Consulate General of Mexico of the foreigner’s choice as the first step of the process. The second and final stage of the process is to convert the consular visa to the temporary resident card for non-lucrative activities.

Details:

Temporary Resident Visa, Government of Mexico. https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/leamington/index.php/non-mexicans/visas/115-temporary-resident-visa

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New Publications and Items of Interest

OFLC webinar on new AEWR rule. The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification invites interested stakeholders to participate in a webinar on April 4, 2023, that provides an overview of the new Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) rule and gives the stakeholder community an opportunity to familiarize itself with the regulatory changes. The webinar will discuss the methodology behind the new AEWR rule and examples of how it will be applied. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor (scroll to March 27, 2023).

OFLC webinar materials on CW-1 applications. On March 20, 2023, the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification conducted a webinar that provided an overview of common issues the National Processing Center has identified with CW-1 Applications for Temporary Employment Certification and offered filing tips to minimize common application errors. The presentation materials are now available under the “Webinars” tab at the bottom of the CW-1 Program page at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/foreign-labor/programs/cw-1.

EOIR staff directory. The Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review has released a staff directory for its Office of the Chief Immigration Judge. The directory includes names and telephone numbers of staff, including clerks. https://www.justice.gov/eoir/page/file/1563306/download

Agency Twitter accounts:

  • EOIR: @DOJ_EOIR
  • ICE: @ICEgov
  • Study in the States: @StudyinStates
  • USCIS: @USCIS

E-Verify webinar schedule. E-Verify released its calendar of webinars. https://www.e-verify.gov/calendar-field_date_and_time/month Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers:

  • ABIL is available on Twitter: @ABILImmigration

Recent ABIL member blogs are at http://www.abilblog.com/
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ABIL Member / Firm News

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has launched a new website that is responsive to mobile and tablet devices. https://klaskolaw.com/

Charles Kuck (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/charles-kuck/) was included on the Top 100 list of Georgia Super Lawyers, as the only immigration lawyer on the list.

Robert Loughran (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/robert-f-loughran/) presented “Nonimmigrant Options for Singaporeans,” hosted by Enterprise Singapore on March 13, 2023, during SxSW Interactive in Austin, Texas. The presentation reviewed U.S. immigration classifications, options, timeframes, red flags, and trends available to a delegation of companies and startups from Singapore.

Cyrus Mehta (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/cyrus-d-mehta/) and Kaitlyn Box have co-authored a blog posting: ” Dealing with Section H.10-B Labor Certification Denials.” http://blog.cyrusmehta.com/2023/03/dealing-with-section-h-10-b-labor-certification-denials.html

Mr. Mehta was quoted by the Times of India in “USCIS New Guidelines on Employer’s Ability to Pay May Help Startups Retain Talent.” Mr. Mehta said, “The new ‘Ability to Pay’ (ATP) guidance may help employers who may not have sufficient net income or be able to show that the difference between the net current assets exceed[s] the next current liabilities in their tax returns. The guidance allows for an analysis of ‘other factors’ to demonstrate the employer’s ability to pay especially when companies operate at a loss for a period to improve their business position in the long run.” Mr. Mehta added that the new guidance “might thus help startups to demonstrate their ability to pay by submitting other evidence including bank statements, personnel records, credit lines, gross sales and revenues as well as media accounts about the company and its overall reputation.”

Mr. Mehta and Jessica Paszko co-authored a new blog posting: “Pathways for H-1B Workers Who Want to Become Entrepreneurs.” http://blog.cyrusmehta.com/2023/03/pathways-for-terminated-h-1b-workers-who-want-to-become-entrepreneurs.html

Mr. Mehta and Stephen Yale-Loehr (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/stephen-yale-loehr/) were quoted by the Times of India in “Laid-Off H-1B Workers to Get 6-Month Reprieve.” The article discusses a recommendation by a presidential advisory panel to extend the grace period for laid-off H-1B workers from 60 to 180 days. In the past six months, the article notes, many laid-off H-1B employees have highlighted on social media their plight of trying to find another job within the 60-day grace period after a layoff. Mr. Yale-Loehr said that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “is not required to follow that recommendation.” Moreover, he said, even if USCIS were to extend the grace period, the agency “might have to go through the normal rulemaking process to do that. That could take months.” Also, he noted, if USCIS extends the grace period, “expect a lawsuit by U.S. workers challenging the change as beyond the immigration agency’s authority. Finally, a grace period extension wouldn’t apply retroactively to help H-1B workers already laid off. In sum, laid-off H-1B workers should not get their hopes up yet.” Mr. Mehta called the recommendation “good news” and said the extended period would not take effect immediately. “The actual regulation at 8 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) needs to be amended, which is a process, since the administration must allow for notice and comment to the public before changing a rule,” he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/laid-off-h-1b-workers-may-get-6-month-reprieve/articleshow/98679904.cms?from=mdr

WR Immigration will present a webinar on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement of a new process to protect undocumented whistleblowers, on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. PT. WR Immigration and Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP will discuss what employers need to know. Attorneys will share their insights on what employers can expect in the months ahead, including likely claims and how employers can prepare in light of the new DHS policy. https://wolfsdorf.com/us-department-of-homeland-security-announces-new-process-to-protect-undocumented-whistleblowers/ (article); https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5916790874887/WN_Ko4qkNdRQAyCpRpYWxfbow (webinar)

WR Immigration has released a video, “Chatting with Charlie: Understanding the March 2023 Visa Bulletin.” In this month’s episode, WR Immigration Director of Visa Consulting Charlie Oppenheim, Partner Charina Garcia and Senior Associate Laura Bloniarz will update HR and global mobility professionals with the latest information from the Department of State’s March 2023 Visa Bulletin. The Chatting with Charlie webinar series focuses on basics of the visa bulletin, projections of retrogression and backlogs, predictions on visa movements, and guidance for strategic visa planning for HR and global mobility managers, in addition to visa applicants who want to learn how to understand the visa bulletin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgw7Y2cJl24&t=173s

WR Immigration has published “USCIS Issues Policy Alert on Evidence for Employers’ Ability to Pay Proffered Wage.” https://wolfsdorf.com/uscis-issues-policy-alert-on-evidence-for-employers-ability-to-pay-proffered-wage/

WR Immigration, a nationally ranked Tier 1 law firm, was named a 2023 Legal Technology Trailblazer by the National Law Journal. The annual list recognizes companies pioneering in the legal industry by developing technology that improves how legal professionals and law firms operate. WR Immigration was recognized for its proprietary Immigration Management System, WRapid™—a centralized, cloud-based platform and Enterprise Resource Planning solutions software for business immigration. https://wolfsdorf.com/wrapid-recognized-as-legal-technology-trailblazer-by-the-national-law-journal-for-best-immigration-software/

On February 24, 2023, Cornell Law School sponsored “Immigration Reform: Lessons Learned and A Path Forward,” a conference held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Both in-person and over Zoom, about 220 people attended the conference, which explored targeted legislation and other policy changes that could be enacted in 2023. Panels focused on three topics: work visa changes to help alleviate high-skilled and low skilled-labor shortages, border security and asylum reforms, and a permanent path forward for Dreamers, farmworkers, and others. “Major reforms require the convergence of a widely recognized problem, policy solutions, and sufficient political will, ” said Mr. Yale-Loehr, conference co-organizer and moderator. “Our conference brought together expert scholars, analysts, and advocates to probe ways to clarify key problems, identify achievable policies, and build the political will needed to enact them. We hope to build on the conference discussions to develop constructive proposals that have a realistic chance of enactment this year.” https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/news/law-school-sponsors-conference-on-immigration-reform-at-national-press-club/

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Government Agency Links

Follow these links to access current processing times of the USCIS Service Centers and the Department of State’s latest Visa Bulletin with the most recent cut-off dates for visa numbers:

USCIS case processing times online: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Department of State Visa Bulletin: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html

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ABIL Global Update • April 2023

/in /by

In this issue:

1. SELF-EMPLOYMENT VISAS: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of self-employment visas in several countries.

2. AUSTRALIA – Australia is granting thousands of refugees permanent visas after a decade of uncertainty.

3. CANADA – The government of Canada has announced forthcoming new Post-Graduation Work Permit measures.

4. ITALY – The Italian government has approved a new immigration law decree.

5. MEXICO – This article provides a summary of the non-lucrative Temporary Resident Visa.

6. SCHENGEN AREA – This article answers frequently asked questions about the Schengen visa-free system.

7. UNITED KINGDOM – New immigration rules are being implemented. Also, some updates from sponsors are now automated.

8. New Publications and Items of Interest – New Publications and Items of Interest

9. ABIL Member / Firm News – ABIL Member / Firm News

Download:

ABIL Global Immigration Update – April 2023

1. SELF-EMPLOYMENT VISAS: AN OVERVIEW

This article provides an overview of self-employment visas in several countries.

Canada

Interested in working as a self-employed person in Canada? The visa options might be more narrow than you think. As of April 1, 2021, the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) removed the Owner/Operator category from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The Owner/Operator program enabled applicants to apply for a work permit in Canada without having to comply with the job advertisement regulatory requirements listed under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Unlike a regular high-wage/low-wage LMIA, the Owner/Operator LMIA was an opportunity for entrepreneurs to work in and immigrate to Canada while simultaneously receiving 200 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Express Entry—essentially guaranteeing the opportunity to apply for permanent resident status in the future. The end of the owner/operator LMIA means those perks are off the table and the immigration landscape for self-employed persons in Canada has shifted. So, with the Owner/Operator program gone for almost two years, what has filled that void?

Currently, the closest alternative to the Owner/Operator LMIA is the Self-Employed Persons Program, which allows a person to immigrate to Canada permanently as self-employed. The catch? To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics—a criterion that many do not happen to meet. In this context, relevant experience refers to a minimum of two one-year periods being self-employed or participating at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics. The two years of relevant experience must be completed during the period starting five years before the day you apply and ending on the day the IRCC makes a decision on your application. While there is no net worth requirement for the program, applicants must satisfy a visa officer that they have enough money to settle in Canada with their dependents and finance the cultural or athletic work on which their selection was based.

For those who have dual intent to immigrate to Canada as a temporary worker and then eventually as a permanent resident, the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit, under the International Mobility Program (IMP), is a good alternative. The C11 work permit is suitable for three groups of people: (1) self-employed individuals who would like to start a business in Canada; (2) entrepreneurs who would like to buy a business or franchise in Canada; and (3) individuals who were selected under any of the Entrepreneur streams of the Provincial Nominee Program. In each case, all applicants are required to own a minimum of 50% of the company. Under section 183 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), applicants must satisfy the officer that they have the ability and willingness to leave Canada once their temporary work permit expires. Self-employed applicants who are solely seeking temporary residence have the additional burden of proving that their business would generate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits, or opportunities for Canadian citizens. Significant benefits refer to significant economic stimulus, as well as advancement of the Canadian industry in which the person works, both of which may be hard to prove to visa officers.

On the other hand, applicants seeking eventual permanent residence under the C11 work permit, not including Québec, may apply for a work permit under the actual or potential provincial nominees undertaking business activities portal. A key eligibility requirement under this stream is that the foreign national must have a letter of support from the respective province or territory of which they are seeking residency that indicates the significant economic, social, or cultural benefit that the person will bring to Canada. With that being said, all work permits issued under IMP C11 can only be issued for a maximum period of two years. Once this period has elapsed, an extension can only be granted if an application for permanent residence is being processed or in exceptional circumstances, i.e., for significant investment projects or applicants for whom a provincial nomination certificate is still pending. If the latter is true, the applicant also requires an additional letter of continued support from the province or territory where they reside. However, extension approvals are hard to come by.

Ultimately, there are no great visa options for self-employed persons wishing to immigrate to Canada. Since the cessation of the Owner/Operator LMIA, the Self-Employed Persons Program, and the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit have sought to act as the recommended pathways for self-employed persons to obtain a work permit in Canada. However, despite the aforementioned visa options, it’s clear that there are many gaps in the system—leaving many skilled self-employed persons, working in various industries, behind.

Going forward, the IRCC needs to create a streamlined pathway for self-employed persons to be able to work in Canada. Self-employed workers shouldn’t need to jump through a multitude of hoops to bring business to Canada; they deserve better.

Italy

The type and number of self-employment (Lavoro Autonomo) authorizations available to non-European Union (EU) nationals are set by the quota decree (decreto-flussi). Not all self-employment categories are available each year. The most common categories available each year are:

  • Entrepreneurs intending to implement an investment plan of interest for the Italian economy, involving an investment of at least €500.000 and creating at least three new jobs in Italy. https://www.mazzeschi.it/self-employment-visa-for-entrepreneurs-intending-to-implement-an-investment-plan-in-italy/
  • Freelancers/independent contractors who intend to practice regulated or controlled professions (i.e., individuals belonging to a professional association or enrolled with an official/public register) or professions that are not non-regulated but are considered representative at the national level and are included in the lists edited by the Public Administration.
  • Holders of corporate office or administrative/controlling positions (e.g., Chairman, CEO, member of board of directors, auditor) in an Italian company, active for at least three years (requirements set in Visa Decree May 11, 2011 n. 850).
  • Foreign citizens who intend to set up innovative start-up companies, under certain conditions, who will have a self-employment relationship with the start-up. https://www.mazzeschi.it/italy-startup-visa/ https://medium.com/agileinsider/italys-start-up-visa-6a442a9fdbd1
  • Internationally well-known and highest-repute artists, artists of recognized highly professional qualification, or artists who are hired by well-known Italian theaters, important public institutions, public television, or well-known national private television (requirements set in Visa Decree May 11, 2011 n. 850).

General eligibility requirements include:

  • Suitable accommodation in Italy;
  • Financial resources exceeding the minimum level set by law for exemption from the healthcare contribution (€8,500);
  • Police Clearance (Nulla Osta) in Italy; and
  • Certificates, documents, or attestations as required for the type of self-employment activity to be performed (applicants must meet the legal requirements for the performance of the activity in question, including, when required, the prerequisites for entering into professional registers).

Some categories of self-employment visas are issued outside the quota decree (e.g., translators and interpreters, university professors, lecturers, managers in an intra company framework).

Details:

“Italy Self-Employment Visa,” Mazzeschi S.r.l. https://www.mazzeschi.it/italy-self-employment-visa/

“Italy’s Freelance Visa: Not as Easy as it Sounds!,” Mazzeschi S.r.l. https://www.mazzeschi.it/italys-freelance-visa-not-as-easy-as-it-sounds/

“Can You Work Remotely While on Holiday in Italy? How Much ‘Remote Work’ Is Allowed If You Do Not Have a Work Visa?,” Mazzeschi S.r.l. https://mm-63015.medium.com/can-you-work-remotely-while-on-holiday-in-italy-3d5ce4eeabd

Mexico

In general terms, Mexico does not allow a visa based on self-employment. The government believes that if the self-employment visa were an option for foreigners to enter Mexico, a considerable number of foreigners would be coming to Mexico to live and work by themselves.

However, there are some exceptions to authorize this type of activity, for example, for economic dependents provided that their main activity continues to be economic dependence on the principal; self-employed work can be authorized as a secondary activity. If an economic dependent decides to be self-employed, he or she must request a work permit from the National Immigration Institute.

For permanent residents, self-employment is allowed. In fact, permanent residents may carry out any legal activity in Mexico. Mexican immigration law establishes an obligation to notify authorities about new activities within a 90-day period after the new work begins.

A foreigner may incorporate a company in Mexico—a small enterprise, for example—then register the company before the immigration authorities and request a work permit.

Netherlands

Dutch immigration rules for independent entrepreneurs are based on the concept of added value for the Dutch economy. This translates into a points-based system (PBS). U.S. and Japanese nationals are exempt from the PBS. Also exempt previously were high net worth individuals investing at least €1.25 million, but this scheme was discontinued in 2022 for lack of interest.

Entrepreneurs (e.g., self-employed, business owners, contractors) are those who own 25% or more of the stake in a company, run entrepreneurial risk, and can influence the level of their own salary. They are not eligible for employee permit categories, which are generally more straightforward than the PBS, which in some cases is a high threshold to meet.

The allocation of points is administered by RVO (Rijksdienst voor ondernemend Nederland), an agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The processing time is around three to six months. Applicants receive a residence permit for two years, renewable as long as the business is kept active and generates an income equal to at least the national statutory minimum wage. Points can be earned for personal experience, business plan, and added value. In each of these categories, 30 points (out of a potential 100 per category) must be obtained, or, alternatively, 45 points in categories 1 and 2. A detailed business plan and accountant-verified financial forecasts are essential for a successful application.

As noted above, U.S. nationals and Japan are exempt from the PBS. The 1956 Treaty of Friendship and Trade allows U.S. entrepreneurs to obtain a residence permit, provided that “substantial” capital is invested in the business. The policy guidelines explicitly quote €4,500 as a substantial amount. Comparable criteria apply to Japanese entrepreneurs, based on the 1913 bilateral Trade and Seafaring Treaty. This makes the entrepreneur scheme a particularly attractive scheme for these nationalities.

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2. AUSTRALIA

Australia is granting thousands of refugees permanent visas after a decade of uncertainty.

On February 12, 2023, the Australian government announced that refugees who arrived in Australia before 2013 can now transition to a permanent Resolution of Status (RoS) visa. Approximately 19,000 refugees who have essentially lived in indefinite limbo over the past decade will now be able to build their lives in Australia with certainty.

The RoS visa allows for immediate Social Security payments, and access to the national disability insurance scheme and higher education loans. Once the residence requirements have been met, these refugees also can apply for Australian citizenship. Being granted a permanent visa also means that applications can be submitted for separated family members to come to Australia.

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3. CANADA

The government of Canada has announced forthcoming new Post-Graduation Work Permit measures

On March 17, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced that the government of Canada will be passing special measures that will allow eligible former international students who hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to apply for an extension or renewal of their permit of up to 18 months.

Beginning April 6, 2023, former international students whose PGWP expired or is expiring in 2023 can apply for an extension to their PGWP of up to 18 months. Former international students who applied for an extension to their PGWP under the 2022 special measures can apply for an additional PGWP extension of up to 18 months under the new 2023 measures. Furthermore, eligible former international students whose PGWPs already expired and who need restoration of status can apply to restore their status even if they are beyond the 90-day restoration period, and can apply for a new work permit and receive interim work authorization during the processing of their new PGWP application.

Below is a summary of these developments:

No extension to PGWPs before COVID-19

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, PGWPs could not be extended. As such, former international students who had obtained a PGWP at the completion of their studies usually had to apply for either permanent residence or another type of work permit if they wished to continue working and remaining in Canada after the expiration of their PGWP.

Special measures for PGWPs following COVID-19

Since COVID-19, the Government of Canada passed a set of measures to address labor shortages in Canada, and to help employers find and retain talented and qualified foreign workers.

Among the measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were those allowing former international students with PGWPs expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, to apply for an extension to their PGWP of up to 18 months. The measures also included the option to apply for interim work authorization for all holders of a PGWP expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, and an authorization for those who needed to restore their status to do so even if they were beyond the 90-day restoration period.

  1. Additional special measures for PGWPs

As stated in the announcement of the Honourable Sean Fraser of March 17, 2023, the government of Canada will be implementing additional special measures as of approximately April 6, 2023, that will allow certain former international students who hold a PGWP that expired or is expiring in 2023, and who meet the eligibility criteria, to apply for an extension or renewal of their work permit of up to 18 months. Moreover, certain eligible former international students who held a PGWP will benefit from a special authorization allowing them to apply for a new work permit, receive interim work authorization during the processing of their application, and restore their status even if they are beyond the 90-day restoration period.

The government of Canada stated that PGWP holders who are eligible to apply under the new 2023 PGWP special measures will receive a communication in their Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Secure Account informing them of their eligibility.

More detailed instructions and information are to follow in the coming weeks.

  1. Closing remarks

The Government of Canada announcement of March 17, 2023 represents another important step to address Canada’s labour shortage and help Canadian employers in their efforts to find and retain qualified workers and talent. The 2023 PGWP special measures are also in line with recent initiatives led by IRCC such as the recent temporary pilot project to lift the 20-hour off campus work cap for certain qualifying international students. As we have throughout the years, the Gomberg Dalfen team will continue to keep you updated about recent and new developments in Canadian immigration law.

Details:

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program—[R205(c)-C43]—International Mobility Program, Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/post-graduation-work-permit-program.html

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4. ITALY

The Italian government has approved a new immigration law decree.

On March 9, 2023, the Italian government approved a new immigration law decree that includes interesting updates to Italian immigration law. The decree will be converted into law by the parliament within 60 days after its publication in the official gazette (March 10, 2023).

The points indicated below are not yet confirmed, as the parliament may modify the decree before converting it into law.

Major changes include:

  • Residence permits for work and family reasons can be renewed for three years instead of two years.
  • It will be possible to convert study residence permits into work permits without being subject to the quota limitations, also for those students not graduating in Italy.
  • The “quota” will be issued every 3 years (Decreto Flussi will be published every three years instead of every year).
  • Foreign nationals may engage in work-related activities while waiting for the contract of stay to be signed.
  • There are restrictions to the rules for special protection permits.
  • Tougher punishments are being introduced for traffickers who contribute to the bodily harm or death of people being transported illegally.

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5. MEXICO

This article provides a summary of the non-lucrative Temporary Resident Visa.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the way people work, with many companies and employees shifting to remote work to comply with social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders. Overall, the pandemic has accelerated the trend toward remote work, and it is likely that remote work will continue to be a more common and accepted way of working in the future.

From an immigration perspective, many countries are exploring the possibility of offering a “nomad” visa, and some others have already updated their laws and now offer a nomad visa. Mexico is not offering a specific “nomad visa” or program, but it does offer a Temporary Resident Visa that can be obtained for a variety of purposes, including studying, working, or retirement.

While the Temporary Resident Visa’s non-lucrative activities are not specifically designed for digital nomads, the visa can be a viable option for those who wish to live and work in Mexico for an extended period and continue working remotely. The Temporary Resident Visa for non-lucrative activities, in general terms, will be the appropriate immigration visa for foreigners coming to Mexico to work remotely, provided that they continue to receive their salaries or income from abroad.

Moreover, the non-lucrative visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to live in Mexico for an extended period without engaging in any paid work or remunerative activities. This type of visa is typically intended for individuals who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves while living in the host country and who wish to spend an extended period of time there for leisure or other non-work-related purposes.

To obtain a non-lucrative visa to work remotely and live in Mexico, foreigners must meet certain requirements, such as proof of economic solvency, demonstrating that they have a steady source of income or savings to support themselves during their stay in Mexico, explaining the activities to be carried out, and identifying the city where they plan to live, among others.

This type of visa is requested directly at the Consulate General of Mexico of the foreigner’s choice as the first step of the process. The second and final stage of the process is to convert the consular visa to the temporary resident card for non-lucrative activities.

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6. SCHENGEN AREA

This article answers frequently asked questions about the Schengen visa-free system.

  1. In which countries does the visa waiver apply?

The visa-free regime applies to stays in the territories of the European Union (EU) Member States, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland. The EU Member States covered by the visa waiver are:

  • The EU Member States that are part of the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden;
  • The EU Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis (those who are not yet part of the Schengen area without internal borders): Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania. Stays in these states are not calculated in the overall period of stay for the Schengen area. Instead, the 90-day limit is calculated individually for each of these states. For example, after a 90-day stay in the Schengen area, a person can immediately travel to Bulgaria and stay for another 90 days there;

The visa waiver, in principle, also applies to the associated Schengen states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

  1. Does the visa waiver include the French and Netherlands overseas territories?

Regarding France and the Netherlands, visa-free travel applies only to the European territory of these Member States. The visa regime between the overseas territories of these Member States and the six countries remains subject to bilateral arrangements between the countries concerned or to national legislation.

The overseas territories of France are Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Martin, Clipperton Island, and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.

The overseas territories of the Netherlands are Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles (consisting of Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Saint Eustatius, and Saint Martin).

  1. How long can I stay without a visa in the Schengen area?
  • The date of entry is considered as the first day of stay in the Schengen territory.
  • The date of exit is considered as the last day of stay in the Schengen territory.
  • The 180-day reference period is not fixed. It is a moving window, based on the approach of looking backward at each day of the stay (be it at the moment of entry or at the day of an actual check, such as inland police control or border check upon departure).
  • Absence for an uninterrupted period of 90 days allows for a new stay of up to 90 days.

Periods of the previous stay authorized under a residence permit or a long-stay visa are not taken into account in the calculation of the duration of visa-free stay. Residence permits and long-stay visas are subject to different rules, and the above explanations and calculations do not apply to them.

  1. Can I enter the Schengen area more than one time during that period?

Yes, you can. However, you must carefully calculate your days of stay; the overall period of stay must not exceed the overall total of 90 days of stay within any 180-day period (see above).

  1. What travel documents are needed to enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area?

You will need a passport issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area.

  1. Does the visa waiver include the right to enter the territory of the Schengen States?

The visa waiver does not give an unconditional right of entry and stay. The Member States have the right to refuse entry and stay in their territories if one or more of the entry conditions are not met.

For stays not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period, the entry conditions for third-country nationals include:

  • Possession of a valid travel document (see question 4, above) or documents authorizing them to cross the border;
  • Justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay, and having sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return;
  • Not being a person for whom an alert has been issued in the Schengen Information System (SIS) for the purpose of refusing entry; and
  • Not being considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security, public health, or international relations with any of the Member States, in particular where no alert has been issued in Member States’ national databases for the purposes of refusing entry on the same grounds.
  1. What documents do I need to show to the immigration officer at the port of entry?

You need to show your passport. In addition, you might be asked to show documents proving your purpose and conditions of stay (for example, tickets for further journeys and return tickets; reservations for accommodation; an invitation letter in case of visits, conferences or events; a school enrollment certificate in case of study) as well as evidence of sufficient means of subsistence (see below).

  1. How much money do I need to have with me to travel to the Schengen area?

According to Article 5(3) of the Schengen Border Code, “means of subsistence shall be assessed in accordance with the duration and the purpose of the stay and by reference to average prices in the Member State(s) concerned for board and lodging in budget accommodation, multiplied by the number of days stayed.” To assess the means of subsistence, the reference amounts set by each Schengen State must be taken into account.

The verification of sufficient means of subsistence may be based on cash, travelers’ checks, and credit cards in the third-country national’s possession. Declarations of sponsorship, where such declarations are provided for by national legislation and letters of guarantee/invitation from hosts, as defined by national legislation, in the event that the third-country national is staying with a host, may also constitute evidence of sufficient means of subsistence.

A credit card’s validity may be verified by contacting the issuing company or by using other facilities available at the border crossing point (e.g., exchange offices). An invitation from hosts may be verified by contacting the host directly or by verifying the host’s good faith through national contact points of the Member States in which the host resides.

  1. Is travel medical insurance always necessary for travel in the Schengen area?

Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for visa-free third country nationals. However, it is recommended for travel to the Schengen countries.

  1. For what purposes can I travel without a visa to the Schengen area?

You can come as a tourist, to visit friends or family, to attend cultural or sports events or exchanges, for business meetings, for journalistic or media purposes, for medical treatment, for short-term studies or training, and for any similar activities. The visa waiver does not apply to persons traveling for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity in the Member States, i.e., for those who are coming to work in the EU (see question below).

  1. Do I need a visa to work in the Schengen area for less than 90 days?

Yes, most of the Member States require a visa and a work permit if you intend to work there, even if it is for less than 90 days. Contact the embassy/consulate of the Member State where you intend to work to ask whether a special type of visa and work permit are needed.

  1. If I plan to visit a friend or relative living in the Schengen area, will I need to provide any specific information about this person at the border?

You may be asked to provide information on this person. It is recommended to have at least the address and contact number.

  1. Will I need to apply for a visa and/or study permit if I plan to travel to the Schengen area for short-term studies?

You will need to apply for a study permit only if you intend to undertake studies exceeding 90 days of stay in the Schengen area within a period of 180 days. For longer studies, you must apply for a study permit, and the rules vary from country to country. It is recommended to consult the embassy/consulate of the country in which you intend to study.

  1. Once the visa-free travel applies, can I travel from one Schengen country into another country?

There are no border controls between countries in the Schengen area. Border controls are carried out between the Schengen countries and Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania (the EU Member States that do not yet fully apply the Schengen acquis). Controls are also carried out between Schengen countries and Ireland (which does not belong to the Schengen Area).

Non-EU citizens must fulfill all entry conditions (see question 5) and might need to demonstrate that at possible ad hoc controls in the Schengen area.

  1. If I stay beyond 90 days (without a residence permit or a long-term visa) or work in the Schengen area (without a working permit), what could happen?

A non-EU national who stays in the Schengen area beyond 90 days (without a residence permit or long-stay visa) is illegally present, which can result in a re-entry ban to the Schengen area. Working in the Schengen area without a work permit is also illegal (even if less than 90 days) and can likewise result in a re-entry ban to the Schengen area. Depending on the Member State, administrative penalties may also apply.

Details:

Italian Immigration & Citizenship, Mazzeschi S.r.l., Mar. 2023. https://www.mazzeschi.it/mazzeschi-asiadesk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Mazzeschi-Italian-Immigration-and-Citizenship-magazine-March-2023_compressed.pdf

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7. UNITED KINGDOM

New immigration rules are being implemented. Also, some updates from sponsors are now automated.

New Immigration Rules

New Immigration rules were set forth recently by the United Kingdom (UK). The main changes and implementation dates are below, including important updates for sponsors.

Sponsored Worker Salary Thresholds and Related Changes

The minimum salary requirements to sponsor staff under the Skilled Worker and Senior or Specialist Worker (previously known as Intra-Company Transfer [ICT]) categories will change for all applications where the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is assigned on or after April 12, 2023:

  • Skilled Worker. For most applications, sponsors must pay the higher of the general salary threshold, the going rate for the role, or the hourly rate:
  • General salary threshold: up from £25,600 to £26,200. A lower general threshold may apply if, for example, the applicant is a new entrant (such as a student or someone under 26 years old) or the role is in a shortage occupation. The lower general threshold is increasing from £20,480 to £20,960.
  • Going rates. The going rate for each type of job (occupation code) is changing. The new rates are shown starting on page 39 of the statement of changes. Going rates are currently prorated based on a 39-hour work week. Starting on April 12, this will change to a 37.5-hour work week.
  • Hourly rate: up from £10.10 to £10.75.
  • Senior or Specialist Worker. The general threshold is increasing from £42,400 to £45,800 (and Graduate Trainee applications from £23,100 to £24,220). The going rates for a Skilled Worker are also changing.
  • Irregular working patterns. In a new development, the rules will account for those being sponsored to work a pattern where their regular hours are not the same each week, resulting in uneven pay.
  • Absence from work. Normally, if a sponsored worker is absent from work without pay for more than four weeks during a calendar year, their sponsorship must end. Under the new rules, jury service and attending court as a witness are added to the list of permitted reasons for absences that will not count toward the four-week period.

Given that some minimum salary thresholds are increasing, sponsors may wish to assign any CoS for upcoming applications by April 11, 2023.

Other Changes

  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. The UK is implementing a U.S.-style electronic pre-travel authorization system of its own. The ETA will require non-visa nationals (those who do not require a visa before traveling to the UK as a visitor, and therefore are not on the visa national list) to apply for electronic pre-travel authorization. If the authorization is refused due to a criminal conviction, for example, the traveler will need to apply for a visitor’s visa. The ETA will start in November 2023 for Qatari nationals before extending to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in February 2024 and thereafter will be extended to all other non-visa nationals (including U.S., Australian, and Canadian nationals).
  • Youth Mobility Scheme. As of April 12, 2023, New Zealanders applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme will be eligible if they are ages 18-35 (it is normally 18-30) and will receive a three-year visa instead of the normal two years.
  • Innovator Founder replaces Start-Up. As of April 13, 2023, applicants seeking to establish an innovative business in the UK can apply for the new Innovator Founder route. The new route has no minimum investment funds requirement (currently £50,000). Unlike under the Start-Up route, Innovator Founders will be permitted to undertake employment in skilled roles (RQF Level 3 or above), outside the running of their business.
  • Long residence settlement (indefinite leave to remain) applications. It is possible to apply for settlement after 10 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK. In a change starting on April 13, 2023, prospective applicants should be aware that time spent in the UK as a visitor or short-term student, or on the seasonal worker routes, will not count toward long residence. Applicants who have spent time as a visitor (or on other temporary permission) who are later granted permission on another basis will still be able to qualify for long residence settlement, but they will need to wait longer to do so.

UKVI Automates Some Updates From Sponsors

In other news, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) recently notified sponsors that they no longer need to wait many weeks or pay a priority service fee to replace their Authorising Officer or Key Contact, or to add a level 1 user. This type of update now takes effect as soon as the request has been made in the Sponsor Management System (SMS), provided that the postcode of the person to be added matches the postcode of the sponsor or their representative as shown in the SMS. A signed submission sheet still must be sent to UKVI for a change of Authorising Officer.

Also, annual allocation renewals for most types of Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) will be automated as of June 24, 2023. Sponsors will be granted the number of CoS they assigned during the previous year. Sponsors whose annual allocation expires before June 24 will need to submit a renewal request through the SMS unless they have had automatic renewals in previous years.

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8. New Publications and Items of Interest

Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers: https://www.abil.com/

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9. ABIL Member / Firm News

Several Gomberg Dalfen, S.E.N.C. lawyers were named in the 2023 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, including Seth Dalfen, Avi Gomberg (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/avi-gomberg/), Genevieve Hénault, and Lisa Middlemiss. They are ranked lawyers based on the Lexpert® peer Survey. This year, the overall national response rate from law firm practitioners to the survey was 76 percent.

IMMpact Immigration Litigation (Joseph & Hall, PC, Kuck Baxter, Siskind Susser PC, and Bless Litigation LLC) announced a call for plaintiffs in prevailing wage determination litigation. IMMpact will represent individuals who filed Forms ETA 9141, Application for a Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD), before October 1, 2022. IMMPact plans to sue the Office of Foreign Labor Certifications (OFLC) and the Department of Labor because “the OFLC is failing to work on these applications in a timely manner.” IMMpact notes that OFLC is currently processing Forms ETA-9141 that were filed in January 2022. “The failure to adjudicate these applications in a timely manner adversely impacts employers’ ability to hire needed employees, threatens those in H-1B classification with losing their status, and adversely affects the ability of institutions of higher education to meaningfully take advantage of the special handling procedures implemented to ensure the most qualified professors are hired,” IMMpact said. https://www.immpactlitigation.com/prevailing-wage-determination-litigation-plaintiff-onboarding/

Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP, has launched a new website that is responsive to mobile and tablet devices. https://klaskolaw.com/

Charles Kuck (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/charles-kuck/) was included on the Top 100 list of Georgia Super Lawyers, as the only immigration lawyer on the list.

Robert Loughran (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/robert-f-loughran/) presented “Nonimmigrant Options for Singaporeans,” hosted by Enterprise Singapore on March 13, 2023, during SxSW Interactive in Austin, Texas. The presentation reviewed U.S. immigration classifications, options, timeframes, red flags, and trends available to a delegation of companies and startups from Singapore.

Cyrus Mehta (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/cyrus-d-mehta/) was quoted by the Times of India in “USCIS New Guidelines on Employer’s Ability to Pay May Help Startups Retain Talent.” Mr. Mehta said, “The new ‘Ability to Pay’ (ATP) guidance may help employers who may not have sufficient net income or be able to show that the difference between the net current assets exceed[s] the next current liabilities in their tax returns. The guidance allows for an analysis of ‘other factors’ to demonstrate the employer’s ability to pay especially when companies operate at a loss for a period to improve their business position in the long run.” Mr. Mehta added that the new guidance “might thus help startups to demonstrate their ability to pay by submitting other evidence including bank statements, personnel records, credit lines, gross sales and revenues as well as media accounts about the company and its overall reputation.”

Mr. Mehta authored a new blog post: “The Dates for Filing Chart in the Visa Bulletin Not Only Protects Children from Aging Out But Can Be Dramatically Advanced to Allow Many More Backlogged Immigrants to File Adjustment of Status Applications.”

Mr. Mehta and Kaitlyn Box co-authored several new blog postings:

Mr. Mehta and Jessica Paszko co-authored several new blog postings: “Pathways for H-1B Workers Who Want to Become Entrepreneurs,” http://blog.cyrusmehta.com/2023/03/pathways-for-terminated-h-1b-workers-who-want-to-become-entrepreneurs.html; and “National Interest Waiver for STEM Graduates and Entrepreneurs, Along with Premium Processing, Will Benefit H-4 Spouses Seeking Work Authorization.” http://blog.cyrusmehta.com/2023/02/national-interest-waiver-changes-for-stem-graduates-and-entrepreneurs-along-with-premium-processing-will-benefit-h-4-spouses-seeking-work-authorization.html

Mr. Mehta and Stephen Yale-Loehr (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/stephen-yale-loehr/) were quoted by the Times of India in “Laid-Off H-1B Workers to Get 6-Month Reprieve.” The article discusses a recommendation by a presidential advisory panel to extend the grace period for laid-off H-1B workers from 60 to 180 days. In the past six months, the article notes, many laid-off H-1B employees have highlighted on social media their plight of trying to find another job within the 60-day grace period after a layoff. Mr. Yale-Loehr said that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “is not required to follow that recommendation.” Moreover, he said, even if USCIS were to extend the grace period, the agency “might have to go through the normal rulemaking process to do that. That could take months.” Also, he noted, if USCIS extends the grace period, “expect a lawsuit by U.S. workers challenging the change as beyond the immigration agency’s authority. Finally, a grace period extension wouldn’t apply retroactively to help H-1B workers already laid off. In sum, laid-off H-1B workers should not get their hopes up yet.” Mr. Mehta called the recommendation “good news” and said the extended period would not take effect immediately. “The actual regulation at 8 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) needs to be amended, which is a process, since the administration must allow for notice and comment to the public before changing a rule,” he said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/laid-off-h-1b-workers-may-get-6-month-reprieve/articleshow/98679904.cms?from=mdr

Angelo Paparelli (bio: https://www.abil.com/abil-lawyers/angelo-paparelli/) discussed immigration history, law, politics, and related issues in “Episode 34: Immigration Law: Outspoken Changemaker in a Convoluted Maze,” part of the “Fill to Capacity” podcast series. https://www.nationofimmigrators.com/2023/01/outspoken-changemaker-in-a-convoluted-maze/

Greg Siskind, of Siskind Susser, PC, spoke on an American Bar Association (ABA) Techshow panel recently and was quoted by the ABA Journal on artificial intelligence (AI) tools and platforms for lawyers: “There are lower tech, low-code or no-code platforms available to build automation tools. When we’re talking about AI for lawyers, we’re basically talking about automating tasks in your practice.” He said his firm uses Afterpattern, which allows firms, legal aid organizations and courts to create document and workflow automations. The article notes that Mr. Siskind has used the platform to build an app that screens Ukrainians for Temporary Protected Status eligibility. He has also used it as a drafting tool, which the article says enables him to onboard hundreds of plaintiffs in mass immigration litigation in a short amount of time. “The whole thing happens in a matter of minutes. Before, we put tons and tons of labor into getting that information and drafting the declarations. Now, we can start onboarding for a case and file it two weeks later,” he said. Mr. Siskind added that he has used Afterpattern for Form I-9 digitization and auditing and for generating retainers. In the past few months, he also began to use Casetext’s CoCounsel to conduct research for his mass immigration litigation, the article notes. “Everything that I hate about ChatGPT is like, ‘It’s nice it said that, but what is that based on?’ ” Siskind said. “But this tool basically produced a 20-page memo that had all the cases that discussed a particular issue, links to those cases and summaries under each citation telling us what that particular case was about. It was wonderful for the amount of time it saved.” https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/how-can-lawyers-use-ai-to-improve-their-practice

Mr. Siskind appeared on an MSNBC “Morning Joe” segment with the co-founders of Casetext. https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/first-ever-a-i-legal-assistant-makes-its-debut-164266565592

WR Immigration, a nationally ranked Tier 1 law firm, was named a 2023 Legal Technology Trailblazer by the National Law Journal. The annual list recognizes companies pioneering in the legal industry by developing technology that improves how legal professionals and law firms operate. WR Immigration was recognized for its proprietary Immigration Management System, WRapid™—a centralized, cloud-based platform and Enterprise Resource Planning solutions software for business immigration. https://wolfsdorf.com/wrapid-recognized-as-legal-technology-trailblazer-by-the-national-law-journal-for-best-immigration-software/

WR Immigration will present a webinar on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) announcement of a new process to protect undocumented whistleblowers, on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. PT. WR Immigration and Hirschfeld Kraemer LLP will discuss what employers need to know. Attorneys will share their insights on what employers can expect in the months ahead, including likely claims and how employers can prepare in light of the new DHS policy. https://wolfsdorf.com/us-department-of-homeland-security-announces-new-process-to-protect-undocumented-whistleblowers/ (article); https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5916790874887/WN_Ko4qkNdRQAyCpRpYWxfbow (webinar)

 

 

WR Immigration published “USCIS Issues Policy Alert on Evidence for Employers’ Ability to Pay Proffered Wage.” https://wolfsdorf.com/uscis-issues-policy-alert-on-evidence-for-employers-ability-to-pay-proffered-wage/

WR Immigration published “Celebrating Black History Month: WR Recognizes Two Important Figures.” WR showcased two prominent figures in the black immigrant community in the United States “who have made an amazing impact through their civil advocations and humanitarian efforts: Miriam Makeba and Dikembe Mutombo.” https://wolfsdorf.com/celebrating-black-history-month-wr-recognizes-two-important-figures/

In the latest edition of “Chatting with Charlie” on the May Visa Bulletin outlook, WR Immigration Director of Visa Consulting Charlie Oppenheim, Partner Charina Garcia, and Senior Associate Laura Bloniarz update HR professionals with the latest employment-based green card processing information from the April and May Visa Bulletins. https://wolfsdorf.com/chatting-with-charlie-webinar-unpacking-the-april-and-may-visa-bulletins/

WR Immigration recently presented a webinar, “Alternatives to the H-1B Lottery.” Ms. Garcia and Audrey Lustgarten discussed what to do when considering global alternatives, including alternative U.S. options, a review of immigration options to confirm eligibility, non-immigration factors, and more. https://wolfsdorf.com/webinar-alternatives-to-the-h-1b-lottery/

Mr. Yale-Loehr co-authored “DACA, Public Health, and Immigrant Restrictions on Healthcare in the United States,” which was published in the May 2023 edition of the Lancet Regional Health-Americas, a leading medical journal. The article discusses the consequences of court developments for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and broader efforts to expand access to healthcare for immigrant populations in the United States. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667193X23000674?via%3Dihub

On February 24, 2023, Cornell Law School sponsored “Immigration Reform: Lessons Learned and A Path Forward,” a conference held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Both in-person and over Zoom, about 220 people attended the conference, which explored targeted legislation and other policy changes that could be enacted in 2023. Panels focused on three topics: work visa changes to help alleviate high-skilled and low skilled-labor shortages, border security and asylum reforms, and a permanent path forward for Dreamers, farmworkers, and others. “Major reforms require the convergence of a widely recognized problem, policy solutions, and sufficient political will, ” said Mr. Yale-Loehr, conference co-organizer and moderator. “Our conference brought together expert scholars, analysts, and advocates to probe ways to clarify key problems, identify achievable policies, and build the political will needed to enact them. We hope to build on the conference discussions to develop constructive proposals that have a realistic chance of enactment this year.” https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/news/law-school-sponsors-conference-on-immigration-reform-at-national-press-club/

Mr. Yale-Loehr was quoted by the New York Times in “In Rare Victory, Immigrants Prevail in Suit Over Meat Plant Raid.” The article reports on a case involving nearly 100 immigrants who were rounded up during a 2018 raid at a meat processing plant in Tennessee and have reached a $1.17 million settlement against the U.S. government and federal agents, who they said used racial profiling and excessive force during the operation. The article notes that the settlement agreement, approved February 27, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, is likely the first class settlement over an immigration enforcement operation at a work site, according to immigration experts. In the past, only individual immigrants have reached settlements related to immigration raids, the article says, adding that legal experts have called it a rare victory for undocumented immigrants. Mr. Yale-Loehr said, “It is very hard to win a settlement from the U.S. government and agents in immigration enforcement cases. The outcome is particularly important because federal agents were held accountable for overreaching and racial profiling.” https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/27/us/meat-plant-raid-immigrants-tennessee.html (subscription required)

Mr. Yale-Loehr was quoted by Univision in ” ‘Cruel,’ ‘Illegal,’ ‘Immoral,’ ‘Disappointment’ … Rain of Criticism Regarding Biden’s New Asylum Immigration Policy at the Border.” Mr. Yale-Loehr said, “The Biden administration is between a rock and a hard place. Congress has failed to reform our broken immigration system, and more and more people are trying to enter the United States for a variety of reasons, including persecution, gang violence, and climate change. The Biden administration hopes its proposed rule will survive a court challenge. I doubt it.”

Mr. Yale-Loehr was quoted by Cornell Law School News in “Asylum and Convention Against Torture Appellate Clinic Celebrates 20th Anniversary.” Mr. Yale-Loehr said, “Because of the complexity of immigration law, it is very hard to win asylum for someone. We are fortunate that we have excellent students who work tirelessly to save their clients from persecution or torture.” He also said, “The clinic has been a highlight of my legal career. I feel honored to have worked with so many excellent students over the years to help persecuted people win asylum and start a new life in the US.” Over 20 years, the article notes, about 200 students have represented close to 100 clients. In a system where the vast majority of asylum seekers lose their appeals, the clinic has won an estimated 66 percent of its cases, the article says. https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/news/clinic_20th_anniversary/

Mr. Yale-Loehr was quoted by Marketplace in “As Summer Approaches, Labor Shortages Make Summer Hiring Tough.” He said that consumers will notice labor shortages “in terms of increased prices. When you go to a restaurant, because there’s not enough workers, you’re going to see it in terms of reduced hours” at restaurants and at the community recreation center, for example. https://www.marketplace.org/2023/04/14/labor-shortages-make-seasonal-hiring-tough-summer/

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