Headlines: 1. ICE Workplace Audits Stepped Up – ICE has stepped up audits of companies’ hiring records to determine compliance with employment eligibility verification laws. 2. USCIS Updates H-1B FY 2010 Cap Count – The recent pace of filings suggests that H-1B numbers may be exhausted for this fiscal year very soon. 3. SEVP Announces […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Reminds Applicants for Travel Documents To Apply Early – USCIS issued a fact sheet outlining eligibility requirements, the consequences of traveling without advance parole for affected persons, and the possible consequences of using advance parole after being unlawfully present in the U.S. or to return to the country of claimed persecution. 2. […]
Headlines: 1. Congress Extends Four Immigration Programs for Three Years – The non-minister religious worker, “Conrad 30,” EB-5 immigrant investor pilot, and E-Verify programs are extended for three years, until September 30, 2012. 2. USCIS Ombudsman Recommends Temporary Acceptance of Filed LCAs for Certain H-1B Filings – The USCIS ombudsman made several recommendations in light […]
Headlines: 1. DHS Rescinds ‘No-Match’ Rules – DHS said it will focus its enforcement efforts relating to the employment of unauthorized workers on improved verification. 2. Congress Poised To Extend Four Immigration Programs for Three Years – The final conference report includes a three-year extension for four immigration programs: (1) the E-Verify program; (2) the […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Says Fees May Rise – A decline in revenue from a decrease in applications could lead to higher application fees. 2. Labor Dept. Issues FAQ on LCAs – The Department issued a FAQ about the new iCERT Portal and the newly redesigned ETA Forms 9035 and 9035E. 3. ABIL Alert: Be Prepared […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Issues Guidance on E-Verify Federal Contractor Rule – Companies awarded a contract with the E-Verify clause are now required to enroll in E-Verify within 30 days of the contract award date. 2. October Visa Bulletin Shows EB-3s Backlogged 7 Years, Several Programs Expiring on September 30 – EB-3 cut-off dates are in […]
Headlines: 1. DHS Proposes To Rescind Social Security No-Match Rule; SEVIS Data To Be Integrated Into E-Verify – DHS has proposed to rescind amendments relating to procedures that employers may take to acquire a safe harbor from receipt of no-match letters. 2. OMB Extends I-9 Approval to August 31, 2012 – Employers may use the […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Reopens FY 2009 H-2B Petition Filing Period – The Department of State received far fewer than expected requests for H-2B visas and has announced that it will immediately accept new H-2B petitions. 2. State Dept. Introduces Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form – The new DS-160 Web-based nonimmigrant visa application form is part […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Issues Guidance to Employers Whose H-1B Petitions for Health Care Specialty Occupations Are Denied – Employers whose petitions were denied on certain bases should send an e-mail to the USCIS Service Center that issued the denial to request review. 2. DHS Secretary Announces Support for Federal Contractor E-Verify Rule, Intention to Rescind […]
Headlines: 1. More on E-Verify Federal Contractor Rule Delay – USCIS has instructed federal contractors not to use E-Verify to verify current employees until the final rule becomes effective on September 8, 2009, and they are awarded a contract that includes the FAR’s E-Verify clause. 2. China, India EB-2 Priority Dates Progress in August; DOS […]