Headlines: 1. Details Released on DV-2014 Lottery Program; DV-2013 Entrants Should Keep Confirmation Numbers – Online registration for the DV-2014 Program begins on October 2, 2012, at noon EDT, and concludes on November 3, 2012, at noon EDT. The Department of State also said it may select more DV-2013 entries on October 1, 2012, so DV-2013 entrants […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Updates FAQs on Deferred Action – The latest FAQ was updated on September 7, 2012. 2. Congress Extends Four Immigration Programs for Three Years – The extended programs include the EB-5 regional center program, the E-Verify program, the special immigrant religious worker program, and the Conrad State 30 J-1 visa waiver program for certain foreign doctors […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Submits Emergency Requests to OMB for Deferred Action-Related Forms; ICE Agents File Lawsuit – USCIS has submitted information collection requests to the OMB for “emergency” consideration related to the new deferred action program. 2. USCIS Allows 30 Additional Days for Public Comment on Revised I-9 – USCIS received over 6,200 comments in response to its earlier […]
The Australian government has announced a raft of changes to visa programs effective July 1, 2012. Changes to the employer nominated permanent residence visa program were outlined in the last ABIL Global Immigration Update. Changes to the General Skilled Independent visas and Business Skills visas are outlined below. SkillSelect As of July 1, 2012, the […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Begins Accepting Deferred Action Requests – USCIS has released forms, instructions, and additional information relevant to the deferred action for childhood arrivals process. 2. Use Current I-9 Even After August 31 OMB Expiration Passes, USCIS Says – Employers should continue to use the current I-9 employment eligibility verification form even after the August 31, 2012, OMB […]
Headlines: 1. Congress Acts to Extend EB-5 Regional Center Program for Three Years – Congress has agreed in principle to extend the EB-5 regional center program for three years, until September 30, 2015. 2. USCIS Announces New EB-5 Program Office – USCIS announced the creation of a new office to oversee administration of the EB-5 […]
Headlines: 1. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Update: New Office; Stats, Summary Released – USCIS has announced formation of a new EB-5 program office. Also, USCIS released FY 2012 third-quarter statistics at its stakeholder call in July, and released a summary of questions and answers from the previous stakeholder meeting in May. USCIS also announced that it plans to […]
Headlines: 1. U.S., Canada Issue Joint Statement on ‘Beyond the Border’ Initiative – The action plan includes 32 initiatives and calls for enhancements to programs that help trusted businesses and travelers move efficiently across the border; introduces new measures to facilitate movement and trade; and invests in improvements to shared infrastructure and technology. 2. DOL Requests Comments on […]
Headlines: 1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Most Provisions of Arizona’s Immigration Enforcement Law – The Supreme Court struck down most provisions of Arizona’s 2010 immigration-related law, allowing to stand one provision requiring police to verify immigration status in certain circumstances. 2. Continued Heavy Demand in Employment Second Preference Category Leads to Worldwide Cut-Off Date for July – Continued heavy […]
Effective July 9, 2012, there will be a new Residency Management System for all foreign nationals residing in Japan. Consequently, the existing Alien Registration Card (ARC) will be replaced by a new Resident Card, which will serve as a form of identification for those foreigners working and living in Japan for more than 90 days. […]