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 […]
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 […]