Headlines: 1. USCIS Reaches FY 2018 H-1B Cap -On April 7, 2017, USCIS reached the H-1B cap for FY 2018. USCIS also received a sufficient number of H-1B petitions to meet the 20,000 visa U.S. advanced degree exemption. 2. USCIS Changes H-1B Specialty Occupation Guidance for Computer Programmers -Attorneys are expecting an increase in requests for evidence challenging eligibility […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS To Accept FY 2018 H-1B Petitions Starting April 3 -USCIS will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3, 2017. 2. State Dept. Cable Calls for U.S. Embassies To Increase Scrutiny of Certain Visa Applicants -The cable orders U.S. embassies to identify “applicant populations warranting increased scrutiny” and toughen their […]
Headlines: 1. DHS Issues Two New Immigration Enforcement Memos -Two new DHS memoranda call for strict enforcement of immigration laws, stepped-up detentions, and enhancement of expedited removal, among other things. 2. TSA Notifies Travelers of Upcoming 2018 REAL ID Airport Enforcement -Effective January 22, 2018, TSA will start enforcing REAL ID requirements at airport security checkpoints. 3. DOJ Final Rule […]
Headlines: 1. Trump Era Begins With Tumultuous First Week, Entry Ban -President Donald Trump’s tumultuous first week included a series of executive orders on immigration, refugees, and other issues. Among them was a temporary and immediate entry ban on people traveling to the United States from certain countries. 2. Entry Ban: Frequently Asked Questions -ABIL member firm Maggio & […]
Headlines: 1. Reading the Tea Leaves: Requests From DHS Office By Trump Transition Team, Policy Statement, Cabinet Nominees Offer Hints -President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has requested various documents and information from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that, along with a statement of policies on his website, may provide hints of what Mr. Trump might prioritize […]
One way to obtain a green card is to file a national interest waiver (NIW) application. Foreign nationals can qualify if they can show their work is in the national interest. There are two significant advantages to this immigration strategy: 1) a foreign national can self-petition rather than having to be sponsored by an employer; […]
Headlines: 1. Most Previous Forms Accepted Until February 21, But Must Include New Fees -USCIS said it will accept most prior versions of forms until February 21, 2017, but all filings postmarked December 23 or later must include the new fees or they will be rejected. 2. USCIS Urges H-2B Employers To Stop Identifying Returning Workers in Petitions […]
Headlines: 1. Graham, Durbin Introduce Bipartisan ‘Bridge Act’ for DACA Beneficiaries -Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) have introduced bipartisan legislation “to protect undocumented individuals should the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program be discontinued.” 2. Congress Extends Four Immigration Programs Through April 28 -The law extends the EB-5 Regional Center Program, E-Verify, the Conrad State […]
Headlines: 1. USCIS Publishes Long-Awaited Final Rule on Certain Employment-Based Visa Programs -USCIS has issued a final rule, effective January 17, 2017, to provide greater flexibility for high-skilled foreign professionals. The new regulations also codify current informal administrative guidance about statutory provisions added in 2000. 2. USCIS Revises I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form -By January 22, 2017, employers must […]
Headlines: 1. Atlanta NPC To Issue PERM Notifications Via Email Beginning in December -Starting December 1, 2016, the ANPC also will receive via email ETA Form 9089 audit responses and responses to Requests for Information, Additional Audit Information Requests, and Notices of Decisions for Appeals. The Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification offered related tips. […]