EB-5 Integrity Fund Payments Begin
The Department of Homeland Security EB-5 Integrity Fund is now requiring payments from regional centers. The funds will be used to support the detection and investigation of fraud and other immigration crimes.
$150k Fine Over Unplaced H-1B Worker Supported by DOL
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) appeals board supported a penalty levied against a tech recruitment firm. The firm violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) when it did not place the H-1B visa holder and failed to make promised salary payments, as per the Labor Condition Application (LCA) and the H-1B filing.
USCIS Issues Policy Alert on Evaluation of Eligibility for O-1B Visa Classification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy alert regarding the evaluation of eligibility for the O-1B visa classification. This policy guidance aims to provide clarification on how USCIS evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for the O-1B visa classification.
Our Perspective: Demand for Highly Skilled Workers Remains Strong as H-1B Cap Registration Period Opens
With recent tech layoffs from some major players, some may be questioning whether IT demand remains as strong as it once was. From what we are experiencing, that is simply not the case. Demand for IT works remains steady, and many employers are still struggling to find the talent they need.
USCIS Announces Premium Processing for Certain F-1 Students
USCIS announced the availability of premium process for qualified F-1 student visas. In addition, online application for premium processing is available for OPT in STEM programs.
Remote Hearings for Immigration Court Requests Granted if No Timely Decision
Requested remote hearings that do not receive a decision within 48 hours prior to the scheduled court time will, by default, be granted. This currently applies to the New Jersey Newark Immigration Court.
INA§ 204(l): A Safety Net For H-4, And Other Categories, When The Principal Beneficiary Dies
If the H-1B holder has a pending or approved I-140 and passes away, INA § 204(l) provides a safety net to the H-4 derivative beneficiaries.
Criteria for H-1B Specialty Occupations Clarified
Although the previous administration’s many attempts to dismantle the H-1B VISA program were successfully defended against, employers and professionals alike are still recovering from the damage inflicted over those years. In fact, USCIS is still making changes to ensure that its staff and the public understand USCIS policies and practices as they stand today.
Recent Federal Court Decision Upholds Limited Judicial Review for Immigration Cases
A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denial of a Ukrainian man’s bid for permanent residency will not be reviewed by the Seventh Circuit. The court found that the man’s petition did not meet the criteria for permitting judicial review of agency decisions.
Breaking News: Asylum Seekers Must Meet Certain Criteria for Eligibility
The new emergency Asylum measure being proposed by the Biden administration is set to take effect in May for a period of two years in an attempt to curb the anticipated migration surge when the Trump-era Title 42 public health law is set to expire.