Headlines: 1. DHS Issues Supplemental Q&A on OPT Interim Rule for F-1 Students – Among other things, the supplemental Q&A discusses the e-mail notification process allowing an employer whose pending H-1B petition on behalf of an F-1 student was randomly selected to receive an H-1B visa number for FY 2009 to request change of status […]
Headlines: 1. H-1B Roundup: Cap Reached, Random Selection Completed; Some Applications ‘Wait-Listed’ – USCIS announced a preliminary number of nearly 163,000 H-1B petitions received during the filing period ending on April 7, 2008. 2. DHS Issues Interim Rule on Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students – DHS issued an interim final rule extending the maximum […]
Headlines: 1. Employers to File FY 2009 H-1B Petitions on April 1; USCIS Publishes Interim Rule Prohibiting Multiple H-1B Petitions for Same Employee – The H-1B supply is expected to be exhausted immediately; USCIS published an interim final rule prohibiting employers from filing multiple H-1B petitions for the same employee. 2. DHS Issues No-Match Supplemental […]
Headlines: 1. Fines, Prosecutions for Hiring Undocumented Workers To Increase – The increased fines are expected to take effect March 27, 2008, and will be assessed on a per-worker basis. 2. Filing Tips for H-1B Applications – The Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers recommends these tips for employers planning to file H-1B applications. 3. USCIS […]
Headlines: 1. Naturalization Processing Times Increase Drastically – The average processing time for naturalization applications has increased to approximately 18 months. 2. H-2B Cap Reached – USCIS has received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year 2008. 3. DHS Begins Collecting 10 Fingerprints at Boston […]
Headlines: 1. Fees Raised for Nonimmigrant, Immigrant Visa Applications; BCCs – The Department is raising the fees in light of increased security measures and fee collection mandates on behalf of the FBI. 2. Rhetoric on Support for Science Doesn’t Match Reality of Appropriations – The appropriations bill signed into law in December included meager funding […]
Headlines: 1. No-Match Letters Will Not Be Sent This Year, SSA Says; DHS Will Revise Rule – The SSA will not send out no-match letters this year to employers, in response to a preliminary injunction. 2. USCIS Releases New Form I-9 – USCIS has revised the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form, to be required beginning […]
Headlines: 1. Backlogged Immigration Cases ‘Could Take Years’ to Process, USCIS Says; No Forward Movement of Cut-Off Dates – USCIS faces huge backlogs because of fee changes combined with confusion over the cut-off date for employment-based applications. 2. Talent Pool Increasingly Global: EU Blue Cards Proposed, Migrant Policy Web Site Launched – Will the European […]
Headlines: 1. U.S. Adds Photo Verification, Sues Illinois on Verification Ban; Towns Rethink Anti-Illegal Laws – The photo tool will be available when a new employee presents an EAD or green card to complete the I-9. 2. USCIS Announces New Naturalization Test -The revised test emphasizes fundamental concepts of American democracy, U.S. history, and the […]
Headlines: 1. DHS Issues Final Rule on Employer ‘No-Match’ Obligations; Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order Until October 1 – The amended regulation describes the legal obligations of employers relating to the unlawful hiring or continued employment of unauthorized workers. 2. ABIL Releases Tips on Verification Compliance – Prudent employers should follow these steps to confirm […]