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 […]
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 […]