U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, is valid indefinitely.
Articles Discussing Employing Immigrants.
May 2024 Visa Bulletin Shows No Advancement in Final Action Dates for EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Categories
The U.S. Department of State recently released the May 2024 Visa Bulletin. The bulletin does not show any movement from last month for most employment-based preference categories.
USCIS Schedule A Update: Faster Green Card Sponsorship for ‘Sciences or Arts’ High Achievers?
In connection with the current administration’s push to retain STEM talent, on April 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it has updated its definition for “Schedule A, Group II” occupations. This clarification expands the applicability of the Schedule A, Group II designation and may greatly increase the
USCIS Schedule Update: Faster Green Card Sponsorship for ‘Sciences or Arts’ High Achievers?
In connection with the current administration’s push to retain STEM talent, on April 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it has updated its definition for “Schedule A, Group II” occupations. This clarification expands the applicability of the Schedule A, Group II designation and may greatly increase the
USCIS’s New Rule Increases Automatic EAD Extensions from 180 to 540 Days
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a temporary final rule to increase the automatic extension period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain renewal categories from 180 days to up to 540 days past the expiration date of the current EAD.
DHS: Automatic Extension of Work Authorization for Certain Renewal Applicants
Good news for those applying for or with pending Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals. DHS is temporarily reinstituting its 540-day automatic extension of work authorization for eligible individuals.
Although DHS has streamlined its EAD process and extended EAD validity periods for certain applicants from two years to five years,
USCIS Announces H-1B Cap Lottery Results for Fiscal Year 2025
On March 27, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began to release the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap lottery results following an announcement that it had received enough registrations during the initial registration period.
DHS Announces Artificial Intelligence Pilot Program to Modernize Immigration Processes
On March 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its daily operations, signifying a shift toward modernizing and enhancing the efficiency of immigration processes.
Instructions for Burma TPS Extensions, Redesignations Released
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published instructions on how to apply for the extended and redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma (Myanmar).
On March 25, 2024, DHS extended and redesignated TPS for Burma until Nov. 25, 2025.
Applications for re-registration and employment authorization document (EAD) renewals
Webinar: Best Practices for Form I-9 Compliance
All employers must properly and timely complete a Form I-9 for every new employee hired in the United States. But, that’s not as easy as it sound! And employers can make costly mistakes without realizing it. To avoid liability, employees who process Form I-9s should be trained on what to do, and how to do it. We can help!
Summary of Upcoming Changes to USCIS Filing Requirements in April 2024
April 1, 2024, will mark the beginning of new changes to USCIS form editions, filing fees, and direct filing addresses for many common immigration applications and petitions.
Of particular note are the upcoming changes to the filing requirements for the Form I-129 and Form I-140. With the H-1B lottery filing
USCIS Extends FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registration Deadline to Noon on March 25, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the agency’s deadline to register candidates for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap lottery, providing additional time for companies and attorneys to complete the online process.
April 2024 Visa Bulletin Shows Advancement, but State Department Predicts Little to No Further Movement in Coming Months
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed it will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications based on the Final Action Dates chart for the April 2024 Visa Bulletin.
Justice Department Issues Employer Fact Sheet on Discrimination and Form I-9 Software Programs
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a new Employer Fact Sheet alerting employers about avoiding unlawful discrimination and other Form I-9 violations when using commercial or proprietary programs to electronically complete I-9s and participate in E-Verify. It is a comprehensive, though not exhaustive, explanation.
DOJ states:
Ensure the
USCIS to Implement Varying Filing Fees by Visa Category
In just two weeks, on April 1, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement its new filing fee structure. The new fees will vary by visa type with exceptions for small employers and non-profit entities. A new Asylum Program Fee will also be added to certain petitions.
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