Headlines: 1. USCIS Proposes Changes in Fees, Large New Fee for EB-5 Regional Center Applications – A new proposed fee rule would increase the average application and petition fees by a “weighted average” of approximately 10 percent, and would establish a hefty new fee of $6,230 for an application for regional center designation under the […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Revises Employment Authorization Document – The EAD now includes a machine-readable zone on the back of the card. 2. State Dept. Raises Consular Fees for Nonimmigrant Visas and BCCs – The interim final rule, effective June 4, 2010, also reopens the comment period on the raised fees for an additional 60 days. […]
Headlines: 1. Can Immigration Law Be REPAIRed? Some Senators Think So – Under the Democrats’ REPAIR (Real Enforcement with Practical Answers for Immigration Reform) proposal, a green card would be available immediately to foreign students with an advanced degree from a U.S. institution in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics with an offer […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Conducts Comprehensive Policy Review, Holds Session on RFEs – USCIS has launched a comprehensive effort to review all agency policies with the participation of both its workforce and the public. 2. Controversial New Arizona Statute Signed Into Law – The governor of Arizona signed a law that directs local police to make […]
Headlines: 1. Few H-1 Petitions Filed So Far – USCIS has received approximately 13,500 H-1B petitions counting toward the 65,000 cap. 2. USCIS Discusses Extension of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training and F-1 Status for Students Under H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations – The Q&A explains the cap-gap and other details. 3. Dept. of State Discusses Visa Number […]
Headlines: 1. ABIL Meets With USCIS, Proposes Immigration Reforms – ABIL said it believes that employment-based immigration reforms should encompass changes in both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories so that the U.S. becomes the most attractive global destination for highly skilled and essential workers. 2. USCIS To Accept FY 2011 H-1B Petitions Beginning April 1 […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Stops Allowing H-1B Filings With Uncertified LCAs – USCIS will not extend the period in which it temporarily accepted H-1B petitions filed with uncertified labor condition applications. 2. DOS Proposes Increase in Passport Fees – A first-time U.S. passport book for adults (age 16 and over) will increase from $100 to $135. […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Changes Filing Location for Employment Authorization Application – USCIS has revised filing instructions and addresses for the I-765. 2. USCIS Revises Permanent Residence Application, Changes Filing Locations – USCIS has posted a revised I-485 and changed the filing locations. 3. Kerry, Lugar Introduce Immigrant Entrepreneur Bill – The “StartUp Visa Act of […]
Headlines: 1. H-1B Update: Filing Date Approaches; Scrutiny at POEs Increases; USCIS Issues H-1B Guidance Under Economic Stimulus – Employers will be able to submit cap-subject H-1B petitions on April 1, 2010, for the FY 2011 H-1B program. 2. State Dept. Proposes Fee Changes for Consular Services – Among other things, the application fee for […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Releases Tips on Filing I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker – USCIS released a Q&A on ways to ensure that an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker will not be rejected. 2. USCIS Is Reissuing Advance Parole Documents To Correct Date – USCIS is reissuing Advance Parole documents because some were mailed to […]