In this issue: 1. FY 2027 Initial H-1B Registration Selection Process Completed – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2027 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). 2. USCIS Releases Update on Screening/Vetting […]
In this issue: 1. DOL Proposes Rule on Determining Employee/Independent Contractor Status – The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division issued a proposed rule that would rescind the analysis for determining employee or independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act and replace it with analysis that it published and adopted in a […]
In this issue: 1. FY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens March 4 – The initial registration period for the Fiscal Year 2027 H-1B cap will open at noon ET on March 4 and run through noon ET on March 19, 2026. 2. DOL-DHS Temporary Rule Will Increase H-2B Visa Limit in FY 2026 […]
Headlines: 1. PROFESSIONAL AND ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on professional and academic credentials and licenses in several countries. 2. CANADA – This article summarizes the Canadian government’s announcements with respect to immigration as of the end of 2025 and the start of 2026. New Publications and Items […]
In this issue: 1. OFLC Reminds Stakeholders of H-2B Filing Timeline for 2026 Peak Filing Season – The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification reminded employers and other interested stakeholders that the filing window to submit an H-2B application requesting work start dates of April 1, 2026, or later, opened on January 1, […]
Headlines: 1. ATTRACTING TALENT: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on attracting talent in several countries. 2. AUSTRIA – A change in administrative practice could significantly increase the number of direct descendants of Holocaust victims, and other members of the Jewish community who fled Nazi persecution even before the Nazis seized power in […]
In this issue: 1. DOS Expands Social Media Vetting to H-1B and H-4 Visa Applicants – This newest expansion of the government’s online presence screening practices for foreign nationals applies to both new visa applications and renewals. 2. USCIS Reduces Maximum Validity Period for Some Work Permits – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has reduced […]
In this issue: 1. DHS Publishes Interim Final Rule Ending Automatic Extension of Certain EADs – The rule does not affect the validity of EADs that were automatically extended before October 30, 2025, or that are otherwise automatically extended by law or through a Federal Register notice, such as for Temporary Protected Status-related employment documentation. […]
1. Group Sues Trump Administration Over $100K H-1B Application Fee; U.S. Chamber of Commerce Objects to Fee – In reaction to the fee, several entities have pushed back, including a lawsuit filed by a group representing many organizations that rely in part on H-1B workers and a letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to […]
Headlines: 1. CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on citizenship by descent in several countries. 2. CANADA – This article discusses government inspections of workplaces and required documentation of foreign workers’ pay and conditions, the updated proof-of-funds amounts for those applying for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program […]