Headlines: 1. Trump Administration Plans to Close USCIS International Operations -USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna told senior staff that the agency’s International Operations Division, which operates in more than 20 countries, will be closed down. The duties of those offices will be transferred to U.S. embassies and consulates and to domestic U.S. offices. 2. USCIS […]
Headlines: 1. Trump Administration Moves Ahead on Reversing H-4 EADs -On February 20, 2019, the Trump administration sent a proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review that would halt work authorization for H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders in the United States. 2. Premium Processing Resumes for H-1B Petitions Filed […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Clarifies Advance Parole Policy When Renewal Application Is Pending -The USCIS Ombudsman reported that the agency has resolved a discrepancy in the application of policy concerning persons with advance parole who recently filed renewal applications and then left the United States. 2. USCIS To Issue New Version of Form I-539 and New […]
Headlines: 1. Feature Article: ENTERTAINERS AND SHORT-TERM ENTERTAINERS: AN OVERVIEW -This article provides an overview of provisions for entertainers and short-term entertainers in Canada and Italy. 2. EUROPEAN UNION -This article provides a summary of highlights of “Brexit” and the outlook for the near future with respect to the free movement of affected workers. 3. […]
Headlines: 1. DHS Prioritizes U.S. Advanced Degrees in H-1B Final Rule; Electronic Registration Requirement Postponed -DHS has published a final rule amending regulations governing H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption. The final rule reverses the order by which USCIS selects H-1B petitions under the H-1B regular cap […]
Headlines: 1. Begin Work on H-1B Petitions Now, ABIL Attorneys Urge; H-1B Tips for Employers -Employers should assess their need for H-1B employees and begin working on their H-1B petitions now. Filing season is expected to open April 1, 2019, for FY 2020 cap-subject H-1B visas. 2. DOL’s iCERT System Crashed on January 1, Preventing […]
Headlines: 1. January Visa Bulletin Shows Significant Progress in EB-1, EB-3, and Other Workers India -The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for January 2019 shows significant progress in the EB-1 category for all chargeability areas, as well as in the EB-3 and Other Workers India categories. Other priority dates remain Current or backlogged with little […]
Headlines: 1. ELECTRONIC DEVICE SEARCHES UPON ENTRY INTO CANADA: AN OVERVIEW -This article provides an overview of electronic device searches upon entry in Canada. 2. BELGIUM -Belgium will implement new gross salary thresholds in January. Also, implementation of the single permit is expected soon. 3. COLOMBIA -Colombia’s Ministry of Labor has implemented a Unique Registry […]
Headlines: 1. DATA PROTECTION IN INDIA: AN OVERVIEW -This article provides an overview of data protection in India. 2. CANADA -Canada has expanded biometric information collection for foreign nationals. 3. HONG KONG -A landmark decision by Hong Kong’s highest court means that same-sex spouses and partners may now receive dependent visas. 4. ITALY -A security […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Now Accepting Copies of Negative O Visa Consultations Directly from Labor Unions USCIS has begun accepting copies of negative consultation letters directly from labor unions relating to a current or future O nonimmigrant visa petition request. 2. USCIS Changes Filing Location for Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence Petitioners must send Form […]