Newsletter

H-1B Modernization Reforms Face Uncertainty as Trump Administration Prepares for Office | Advisory for Nonimmigrant Visa Holders: Return to the U.S. Before January 20th | USCIS to Roll Out Revised Form I-129 for Nonimmigrant Worker Petitions on January 17, 2025 | USCIS Updates Policy on Immigration Flexibilities During Emergencies and Unforeseen Circumstances |

H-1B Modernization Rule Set for January 17, 2025: A Win for Employers and Employees, but Uncertain Future Looms | PERM Process and Equal Pay Transparency Laws | Immigration Agencies Announce Regulatory Agenda Amid Transition to New Administration

Equal Pay Transparency (EPT) laws have been passed in several states and localities, potentially impacting the PERM process for employers conducting labor market testing efforts within those states

Travel Preparation Tips for Nonimmigrant Visa Holders | December 2024 Update: DOL Releases Latest PERM and PWD Processing Times | USCIS Releases Revised Form I-485 with Updated Instructions and Requirements | DHS Permanently Increases EAD Automatic Extension to 540 Days for Eligible Applicants | Bundled Processing of H-4 and L-2 Applications with Principal’s I-129 to End January 18, 2025 | DOS Removes China, India, and Others from J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List with Retroactive Effect | USCIS Updates Guidance for International Entrepreneur Rule Applicants

F-1 visa holders who were not selected in the H-1B lottery have several options to consider.

USCIS Meets H-1B CAP for FY 2025, No Third Lottery to Be Held | USCIS Now Requires Medical Form Submission with I-485 for Certain Applicants | Protecting Yourself from the Potential Termination of TPS for Nepal: Steps to Take Now.

The Importance of Timely Visa Stamping in Light of Potential Policy Changes | DHS Offers Temporary Protections and Expanded Work Options for Lebanese Nationals | DHS and DOL Announce 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas for Fiscal Year 2025.

The reality of another Trump administration raises critical questions about the future of high-skilled immigration, particularly H-1B and L-1 visas. From 2016 to 2020, Trump's restrictive immigration policies reshaped the landscape for foreign professionals, employers, and international students. The denial rates for H-1B and L-1 visas surged to unprecedented levels, with Request for Evidence (RFE) rates reaching 60% and denial rates exceeding 25%, compared to the sub-8% denial rates under the Obama and Biden administrations.

Act Now to Avoid Upcoming Visa Restrictions: File H-1B and L-1 Extensions Without Delay * USCIS Updates Guidance on Determining Custody for Children Acquiring U.S. Citizenship * DHS Announces 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas for FY 2025 * DHS Updates H-2A and H-2B Visa Program Eligibility List *

An H-1B audit is a review conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that employers hiring H-1B workers comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

The Future of Business Immigration Under a Hardline Trump Administration * H-1B and L-1 Visas Under a New Trump Administration: What Could Come First? * December 2024 Visa Bulletin Update: Dates for Filing Announced * USCIS Updates Policy on Lawful Admission for Naturalization Applications * Federal Court Invalidates Parole Program for Undocumented Family Members of U.S. Citizens

If you're a green card holder working overseas, it's essential to take steps to preserve your U.S. residency for naturalization eligibility. Long absences can disrupt your ability to file for citizenship (N-400) and could even jeopardize your green card. Filing for a reentry permit and, in some cases, an N-470 application to preserve residency for naturalization, can help protect your U.S. status.

What Will Happen Under the New Trump Administration: Election Aftermath - Business Immigration in a Second Trump Administration * “Prepare Now: Conduct an H-1B Internal Audit to Ensure Compliance Before the Trump Administration Comes Knocking” * Protecting Your Path to U.S. Citizenship: Preserving Residency for the N-400 and Using a Reentry Permit While Working Abroad

Applying for a Social Security Number (SSN) as a non-immigrant visa holder is a straightforward process but requires specific documentation to prove your eligibility.

The EB-1A green card pathway has emerged as an increasingly viable solution for Indian professionals in computer science, IT management, and project management facing severe backlog delays in the U.S. employment-based immigration system.

EB-1A Green Card Pathway: An Exceptional Option for Indian Computer and Management Professionals Facing Decade-Long Priority Date Backlogs * Reminder: FY 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Ends November 7 * USCIS Updates Policy Manual Guidance for T Visa * How to Apply for a Social Security Card as a Non-Immigrant Visa Holder (F-1 OPT, H-1B, H-4 EAD, L-2, E-2, and Other EAD Holders)

The “Dropbox” for visa renewal refers to the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) offered by the U.S. Department of State. This program allows certain visa applicants to renew their visas without having to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

October 2024 DOL Updates on PERM and PWD Processing Times * Reminder: Diversity Visa Lottery Program for FY 2026 expires on 5th November 2024 * Using Dropbox for Visa Renewal: Eligibility and Process Explained * DHS Grants Temporary Protections to Lebanese Nationals in the U.S. * Immigration Under Mr. Trump if Re-Elected: Potential Policies and Impacts on Undocumented Immigrants

November 2024 Visa Bulletin * USCIS Issues Updated Guidance on Expedite Requests * USCIS Updates Guidance on International Entrepreneur Rule * DHS Announces Temporary Immigration Protections for Lebanese Nationals in the U.S.

Employers who hire H-1B workers are subject to many regulatory obligations. For example, the employer must continue to pay the H- IB worker the required wage rate throughout the entirety of the period of validity of the LCA.

Criminal history, particularly offenses categorized as Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT), can have serious consequences on an individual's ability to obtain visas, adjust their status to lawful permanent residence (green card), or become a U.S. citizen.

As a prospective Cap Subject H-1B Visa Employee, you shall gather all relevant documentation whether you are filing to change your current non-immigrant status to H-1B or going for H-1B visa interview overseas. If you are opting for the change of status, you have an obligation to prove legal status throughout your U.S. stay.

New Visa Services Provider for Several Countries * Indian Immigrants: Catalysts of Innovation in the U.S. STEM, Business, and Healthcare Sectors * PERM Prevailing Wage Determination and Processing Times

The E-2 visa allows foreign nationals from treaty countries to invest in and manage a U.S. business. While the required investment amount depends on the size and scope of the business or project, it should be substantial and typically exceed $100,000 to meet the visa criteria.

The EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) green card is one of the most sought-after routes for individuals looking to move to the United States without employer sponsorship or the need for significant financial investments.