March 01, 2024 – Weekly Immigration News Update.

Dear Clients and Colleagues, We trust this newsletter reaches you in good health. In this edition, we are bringing attention to significant updates and information from the legal world including increases in premium processing fees effective this month and a new digital service by DHS to assess eligibility to work in the US. Introducing New myUSCIS Organizational Accounts for Enhanced H-1B Registration Collaboration On February 28, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has officially launched new online organizational accounts. Employers now have the opportunity to either create new accounts or upgrade their existing ones. These accounts are pivotal for participating in the forthcoming H-1B cap registration season as well as filing the H-1B petitions. This streamlined online platform is designed to facilitate a more efficient registration process for employers seeking to apply for H-1B visas for their prospective employees.

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Important Update: Premium Processing Fees Increase Effective February 26, 2024

We would like to draw your attention to the recent updates regarding the premium processing service fees administered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As of February 26, 2024, there has been an increase in the fees for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, applicable to a range of petition types. This fee adjustment is crucial for both businesses and individuals who seek to expedite their immigration procedures. Below is a comprehensive summary of the fee adjustments:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, $1,500 (H-2B or R-1 nonimmigrant status) to $1685, $2,500 (all other available Form I-129 classifications), to $2,805
• Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker,$2,500 (employment-based classifications E11, E12, E21 (non-NIW), E31, E32, EW3, E13 and E21 (NIW)), to $2,805
• Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,$1,750 to $1965 (Form I-539 classifications F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, J-2, E-1, E-2, E-3, L-2, H-4, O-3, P-4, and R-2),
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization,$1,500 to $1685 (certain F-1 students with categories C03A, C03B, C03C).

These changes reflect an increase in fees across the board, impacting a wide range of immigration petitions and applications. It is crucial for applicants and petitioners to plan accordingly and budget for these increased costs when considering premium processing for their applications. How Will This Affect You? Premium processing is a valuable service for those seeking expedited processing of their immigration petitions. The service guarantees processing within 15 calendar days, providing a significant advantage for time-sensitive applications. With the increased fees, it’s essential to assess the cost-benefit of opting for premium processing in your immigration strategy.

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Introducing E-Verify+: A Next Generation Service Launching Spring 2024

We are excited to announce a significant milestone in the evolution of employment eligibility verification in the United States. On February 22, 2024, E-Verify disclosed its plans to launch a pilot of its “next generation” service, aptly named E-Verify+, in the upcoming spring. This innovative service represents a leap forward in USCIS’ commitment to enhancing the verification process for both employers and employees. What is E-Verify+? E-Verify+ is the result of comprehensive feedback and the continuous effort to improve employment verification services. The “plus” in E-Verify+ symbolizes the array of additional benefits and features designed to streamline the verification process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for employers, and providing employees with greater control over their personal information. Key Features of E-Verify+:

• Streamlined Form I-9 Process: E-Verify+ aims to simplify the completion and management of Form I-9, reducing paperwork and saving time for both employers and employees.
• Enhanced Efficiency for Employers: With E-Verify+, employers can look forward to a more streamlined verification process, making it quicker and easier to confirm the eligibility of their workforce.
• Increased Control for Employees: A significant focus of E-Verify+ is to empower employees by providing them with more control over their personal information throughout the verification process.
• Feedback-Driven Improvements: The pilot phase of E-Verify+ will actively seek feedback from its users to ensure that the service meets the needs of the modern workplace.

Participation in the Pilot: E-Verify is inviting employers to participate in the pilot program of E-Verify+. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of advancements in employment eligibility verification and to contribute to the shaping of this service. Feedback collected during the pilot will be invaluable in refining E-Verify+ to best serve the needs of all stakeholders. Stay Updated For the latest information on E-Verify+ and updates on the pilot program, please visit the website at E-Verify.gov. Continuous updates and resources will be provided to ensure users are well-informed and prepared for the transition to E-Verify+.

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We hope you find this information valuable. If you have any questions or require legal assistance related to any of these updates, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

Sincerely,

Keshab Raj Seadie, Esq.
Law Offices of Keshab Raj Seadie, P.C.

[Disclaimer: This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney for personalized advice.]