Headlines: 1. DHS, USCIS Announce Initiative To Promote Startups and Spur Job Creation – Agencies announce efforts to attract foreign entrepreneurial talent to the U.S. 2. ICE Declares ‘Secure Communities’ Mandatory, Not Optional – ICE announced that a memorandum of agreement between ICE and a state is not required to operate Secure Communities in that state. 3. ICE Announces Intention […]
Headlines: 1. Company Held Liable for Back Wages of H-1B Employee Who Never Worked – The failure to prove every element of a bona fide termination left an employer who petitioned for an H-1B worker’s admission liable for the entire period of authorized employment. 2. Labor Dept. Weighs In on Staggered Dates of Need – Can an employer file […]
The Home Office will shortly roll out Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) (otherwise known as BID) for all visa applicants applying to enter the UK from overseas. The BRP is a plastic card with details on the applicant’s visa type and visa validity dates. There will be a phased introduction once Parliament has approved the legislation […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Changes Timeframes for RFEs – Among other things, the maximum response time for an RFE may not exceed 12 weeks (84 days). 2. USCIS Submits Revision of Basic Pilot Verification MOU to OMB for Review – Comments will be accepted until September 12, 2011. 3. DOS Determines Employment Preference Numerical Limit for […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Holds Immigrant Investor Quarterly Meeting – USCIS discussed case processing times and statistics, visa usage, and use of the governmental logo; regional center economic analysis; and stakeholder suggested topics and questions, including targeted employment areas, solicitation of funds before official RC designation; the use of multiple legal organization plans, and reorganized and […]
Headlines: 1. ICE To Audit 1,000 Employers Nationwide for I-9 Violations – The new actions bring the FY 2011 I-9 audit total to 2,338, surpassing the FY 2010 record. 2. USCIS Summarizes Stakeholder Engagement on L-1B Interpretation of ‘Specialized Knowledge’ – USCIS released an executive summary on the L-1B nonimmigrant classification with respect to interpretation […]
Headlines: 1. ‘B-1 in Lieu of H-1B’ Option Under Threat – The Department of State is discussing with the Department of Homeland Security removing or substantially modifying the B-1 in lieu of H-1B option. 2. NLRB Updates Immigration Status Procedures During NLRB Proceedings – A new memorandum from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) provides […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Announces Cap Count – USCIS announced the cap count as of May 20, 2011. 2. USCIS Proposes EB-5 Changes; Accepting Comments Until June 17 – USCIS has proposed significant changes to the administration of the EB-5 immigrant investor program’s intake and review process. 3. USCIS Launches ‘I-9 Central’ Online – The website […]
On May 24, 2011, President Felipe Calderon of Mexico signed a new Immigration Law, which abolished and superseded the General Population Law that had been in existence for 40 years. The new law involves significant changes to the current immigration regime, although these will not become evident until implementing regulations are published. Publication of the […]
As part of “Subclass 457” visa reforms, the Australian government has announced a sponsor accreditation scheme, available beginning on November 1, 2011, for certain standard business sponsors. The Australian Government has announced plans to introduce Accredited Sponsor (AS) status, beginning on November 1, 2011, to facilitate the priority processing of company nominations and temporary entry […]