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 […]
Headlines 1. State Dept. Announces Oversubscription of September Employment-Based Second and Third Preference Categories -The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for September 2018 announced oversubscription of employment-based visa numbers in several categories. 2. USCIS Extends, Expands Suspension of Premium Processing for Certain H-1B Petitions; Increases Premium Processing Fee -USCIS announced that it is extending the […]
Headlines: 1. Controversial DHS Draft Rule Proposes Changes to Public Charge Definition – A controversial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) draft rule leaked to the media would make more immigrants inadmissible or deportable for receiving public benefits. 2. EB-1 Green Cards Backlogged Worldwide – The worldwide backlog for EB-1 visas is expected to continue […]
Headlines: 1. State Dept. Announces Oversubscription of August Employment-Based Preference Categories, Limits on Special Immigrant Translator Visa Availability – The Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for the month of August 2018 includes announcements about employment visa availability. 2. USCIS Postpones Implementation of Memorandum on Notices to Appear – USCIS announced that issuance of operational […]
Headlines: 1. Supreme Court Upholds Latest Trump Entry Ban – On June 26, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld 5-4 the Trump administration’s third travel ban order. The ban prevents the entry into the United States of certain nationals from specific countries, with some exceptions. 2. USCIS Updates Notice to Appear Policy Guidance to […]