Headlines: 1. Current I-9 Form Validity Extended Beyond June 30 – The I-9 form currently in use will continue to be valid beyond June 30, 2009. 2. H-1B Processing Time Will Increase July 1 – The ability to file an H-1B extension or change of employer petition for an H-1B employee on a same-day, or […]
Headlines: 1. Outlook Grim for India, China Employment-Based Visa Categories – The July cut-off date for the India and China EB-2 categories is January 1, 2000; both could become unavailable in August or September and remain unavailable indefinitely. 2. E-Verify Federal Contractor Rule Delayed Until September 8, 2009 – The effective date to require federal […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Updates Progress Toward H-1B Cap -USCIS has received approximately 45,700 H-1B petitions toward the H-1B cap for FY 2010. 2. USCIS Announces Extension of J-1 Entry Date for International Medical Graduates to Qualify for “Conrad 30” – The date by which international medical graduates must have been granted J-1 nonimmigrant status to […]
Headlines: 1. H-1B Cap Not Yet Reached, USCIS Announces – The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap. 2. DOL Announces New LCA/PERM Labor Cert Electronic Application System – ‘iCERT’ is a new electronic system for submitting the labor condition application (LCA) and the application for permanent labor certification. 3. DOL Extends […]
Headlines: 1. H-1B Update: FY 2010 Filing Starts April 1 – USCIS has put in place a five-day window for H-1B filings if the agency receives 65,000 or more applications within the first five business days in April. 2. H-2A/H-2B: DOL Withdraws Interpretation of FLSA On Relocation Expenses – The interpretation said that the FLSA […]
Headlines: 1. Economic Stimulus Bill Includes H-1B Restrictions for TARP Recipients – The final economic stimulus legislation includes H-1B restrictions for recipients of TARP. 2. US-VISIT Procedures Expanded to Additional Travelers – All non-U.S. citizens, except certain Canadians, must follow US-VISIT procedures when entering the U.S. 3. DHS Directive Includes Analysis of E-Verify – The […]
Headlines: 1. Prepare Early for H-1B Lottery – The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers recommends contacting your ABIL member now to begin preparing your H-1B strategy and paperwork. 2. New I-9 Form Available, USCIS Delays Change in List of Acceptable Documents – The new form reflects the DHS’s amended regulations governing the types of acceptable […]
Headlines: 1. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Challenges Legality of E-Verify Requirement for Federal Contractors – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the DHS challenging the legality of requiring federal contractors to begin using E-Verify by January 15. 2. DHS Issues Interim Rule on I-9 Verification Documents – The interim rule, among other […]
Headlines: 1. E-Verify Deadline Approaches for Federal Contractors – Federal contractors and subcontractors will be required to begin using the E-Verify online work authorization verification system starting January 15, 2009. 2. Canada Fast-Tracks Skilled Workers – Applicants who are not eligible for the federal skilled worker category may qualify under another category. 3. USCIS Revises […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Estimates 21 Percent of H-1B Cases Involve Fraud or Technical Violations – USCIS concluded that there is a 21 percent baseline fraud and technical violation rate for H-1B petitions and plans procedural changes as a result. 2. U.S. Increases Period of Stay for Trade-NAFTA Professionals From Canada and Mexico – The final […]