The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification has announced plans to revise the permanent labor certification (PERM) process in an effort to streamline the program, improve the employer experience, and speed up the processing of labor certification applications.
Articles Discussing General Topics In Employing Immigrants.
Streamlined Arrival Process for International Travelers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has officially implemented its “Simplified Arrival” program that was piloted in various cities from 2021 to 2022 to streamline the arrival process for international travelers at all 238 arriving airports, 34 seaports, and all southern pedestrian and most northern secondary land ports. Under
Keys Features of USCIS Mobile Biometrics Services
As a part of various USCIS immigration applications, the U.S. government requires the applicants’ biometrics to be collected in order to conduct relevant background checks and services prior to granting the requested immigration benefits. In the past, mobile biometrics services (e.g., photographs and fingerprinting) may be provided by USCIS at
FY 2024 H-1B Registration Period Indicates 780,884 Registrations; USCIS Investigates Possible Abuse of Lottery System
On March 27, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the agency had received enough electronic registrations to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2024 annual limit. The current year saw 780,884 registrations, up 61 percent from 483,927 last year, which was a 57 percent jump from the previous
Elimination of Paper Documentation in Streamlined Entry Process Raises Issues for Foreign Nationals
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been implementing “Simplified Arrival” at all airports, seaports, and most ports of entry since early 2022. The purpose is to secure and streamline the entry process. But the elimination of paper documentation is raising issues for foreign nationals.
One outcome of Simplified Arrival implementation
USCIS: No Supporting Docs Needed to Update Gender on Immigration Forms
USCIS announced that it is no longer necessary to provide supporting documentation to change or update a prior gender selection on immigration forms. The intention is to “reduce barriers to travel, employment, services, and benefits by eliminating delays and preventing discrimination and harassment due to inconsistent identity documents.”
USCIS
State Department Issues Final Rule to Raise Consular Services Fees on May 30, 2023
On March 28, 2023, the U.S. Department of State published final adjustments to the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services for several nonimmigrant visa application processing fees and the fee for border crossing cards for Mexican citizens (ages fifteen and older).
Full Enforcement of REAL ID Law Moved to 2025, ETIAS Moved to 2024
New travel authorization systems are being postponed again in the United States and in Europe: REAL ID until May 7, 2025, and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) until 2024.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the deadline for REAL ID
USCIS Completes Initial FY2024 H-1B Selection Process
On March 27, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it completed the initial H-1B electronic registration selection process for fiscal year (FY) 2024.
USCIS Issues Guidance on Employers’ Ability to Pay Proffered Wage to Support Employment-Based Immigrant Petitions
On March 15, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued policy guidance clarifying how the agency analyzes an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage to support immigrant petitions in the employment-based first, second, and third preference categories.
Lawful Permanent Residents May Use Newly Available Mail Option for Temporary Evidence of Status
Lawful permanent residents may receive temporary evidence of their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status by mail, rather than physically visiting a field office, USCIS has announced.
LPRs eligible for delivery of temporary evidence of status will be mailed a Form I-94 with ADIT stamp, DHS seal, and a printed
USCIS Guidance Permits Use of Dates for Filing Chart in Calculating Child Status Protection Act Age
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently updated its policy manual, effective as of February 14, 2023, to include new provisions regarding how to calculate a “CSPA age” for dependent children approaching the age of 21.
USCIS Extends FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registration Period to March 20, 2023
On March 17, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services notified the public that it would extend the H-1B cap registration window until Monday, March 20, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Passport Renewals Experiencing Increased Delays
U.S. passport renewals are taking longer. Applying for renewals well in advance of travel abroad may be particularly important if you also need a visa in the new passport.
Moreover, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least 3 months, or even 6 months, beyond the period
What Travelers Need to Know About Electronic ‘E-Gate’ Border Entry Systems
Passport stamps used to be treasured mementos for some travelers, but they are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Instead, biometrics and electronic entry systems are being deployed. But that is not the only thing that is changing. Now, in many countries, e-Gates may take the place of customs