Headlines: 1. House Passes DREAM Act, Senate Passage Uncertain – Democrats hope to bring the bill to a Senate vote by the end of the Congressional session; if it is not passed by then, prospects are dim for the near future. 2. USCIS Introduces First-Ever Fee Waiver Form – The new form states requirements for […]
Headlines: 1. DOS Discusses Upcoming Employment Visa Number Priority Cut-Off Dates – It is unlikely that any cut-off dates will be set in the employment first preference during the coming months. 2. USCIS Issues Reminder on New Fees, Q&A on New Fee Schedule; Makes Corrections, Clarifications – The new fee schedule for immigration-related applications […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Issues Reminder on New Fees – The new fee schedule will take effect on Tuesday, November 23, 2010. 2. ETA Extends Comment Period on H-2B Wage Methodology Rule – The agency has extended the comment period until November 12, 2010. 3. DOS Final Rule Revises Exchange Student Regs – DOS is revising […]
Headlines: 1. WHD Plans Nationwide Audit of Independent Contractor Misclassifications – Targeted industries may include may include agriculture, construction, distribution, food processing, hospitality, janitorial services, landscaping, manufacturing, restaurants, and sanitation. 2. District Court Finds NY Education Law Limiting Pharmacist Licenses to U.S. Citizens, LPRs Unconstitutional – A New York education law was found unconstitutional because […]
Headlines: 1. ETA Publishes Proposed Rule on Wage Methodology for H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Employment – The proposed rule would revise the methodology by which the Department calculates the H-2B prevailing wage. 2. USCIS Releases Q&A on H-1B and L-1 Fee Increases – Among other things, USCIS noted that all employees in the U.S., regardless of […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Raises Many Fees, Adds New Fees – Among other things, USCIS is raising fees for most immigration benefits by a weighted average of 10 percent, establishing several new fees, and raising the premium processing service fee. 2. 2012 Diversity Visa Lottery Program Registration Begins in October – The Department of State strongly […]
Headlines: 1. Dep‘t of State Updates Guidance on Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility – Following an update by the CDC to its technical instructions, the State Department has updated guidance on medical grounds of inadmissibility and issued a corresponding cable to the field. 2. USCIS Discusses Effects of Invalid Puerto Rico Birth Certificates on I-9 Process […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Implements H-1B, L-1 Fee Increases – Effective immediately, the provisions require an additional fee of $2,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $2,250 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions postmarked on or after August 14, 2010. 2. CBP Clarifies TN Extensions of Stay While Immigrant Petition Is Pending/Approved – U.S. Customs and Border […]
Headlines: 1. President Signs Border Bill That Increases Fees for Certain Companies Using Many H-1B, L Workers – The Senate passed a border enforcement funding bill that would offset costs by raising fees for certain H-1B and L petitions. 2. Dep’t of State Finalizes Rule on Electronic Application Alternative for Immigrant Visas – The agency […]
Headlines: 1. ICE I-9 Final Rule Allows for Electronic Signatures, Scanning, Storage – Employers and recruiters or referrers for a fee who are required to complete and retain the Employment Eligibility Verification Form may now sign the form electronically and retain it in an electronic format. 2. USCIS Clarifies ‘O’ Validity Period When Gap Exists […]