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.
Articles Discussing Employing Immigrants.
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.
As
USCIS Updates Policy Manual on F, M Visa Status International Students’ Present Intent-to-Depart
Students studying in the United States in F or M visa status must have a foreign residence that they have no intention of abandoning. A new USCIS policy manual update has clarified that being the beneficiary of a PERM application or an immigrant visa petition does not mean the student
H-2B Cap Met for Second Half of Fiscal Year 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that as of March 7, 2024, the H-2B cap had been reached for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024.
The Scoop About Form I-9s
In this episode, Jen explains why Form I-9s create such consternation for HR folks.
H-1B Lottery Season – A Refresher on Eligibility Requirements and Employer Obligations
Employers Take Note: H1B Registration Update
H1B registration will take place March 6–22, 2024, and there are some noteworthy changes this year. First, starting February 28, employers will be able to create organizational accounts on my.USCIS.gov.
March 2024 Visa Bulletin Again Shows Little Movement
The March 2024 Visa Bulletin has been released by the U.S. Department of State and shows little movement from last month.
Deferred Enforced Departure of Up to 18 Months for Palestinians Announced
President Joe Biden announced Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for up to 18 months for Palestinians currently residing in the United States. The president took this action due to the terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the military response, and the humanitarian conditions in the Palestinian territories, particularly Gaza.
Form I-9 Software: Avoiding Unlawful Discrimination When Selecting and Using I-9 and E-Verify Software Systems
A recent employer fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides guidance for avoiding unlawful discrimination and other violations when using private software products to complete Forms I-9 and E-Verify cases.
USCIS Announces Upcoming H-1B Cap Lottery Dates and New Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process
USCIS has officially announced the dates for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap lottery, which will open on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at noon ET and end on Friday, March 22, 2024, at noon ET. This annual lottery is meant to select new H-1B candidates, who will be eligible
2024 Business Immigration Update
Executive Summary: Recent reports from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) make clear that American companies need foreign talent more than ever before, and FordHarrison is here to advise on how to navigate this evolving landscape.
Change is Coming to the H-1B Visa
By: Change is Coming to the H-1B Visa
On February 1, 2024, USCIS issued two regulations that will dramatically change the operation of the H-1B visa program. H-1B visas are available to employers who wish to employ foreign nationals in positions that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in a