Newsletter

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.

FY 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Registration Opened on October 2, 2024 * USCIS Issues New Guidance on EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Eligibility Criteria * Navigating the Self-Petition Process for an EB-1A Green Card: A Pathway for Extraordinary Individuals * Understanding the E-2 Visa: A Pathway for Foreign Investors to Establish Business in the U.S.

Effective October 1, 2024, USCIS will increase the investment and revenue thresholds under the International Entrepreneur Rule, as required every three years. Notably, the application fee will remain unchanged.

Applying for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery can be simple, but many applicants make errors that can lead to disqualification.

The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) is a U.S. immigration law enacted in 2002 to help protect certain children from “aging out” of eligibility for immigration benefits due to delays in the processing of their applications. Normally, a child is defined as being under 21 years old for immigration purposes. When processing delays occur, a child might turn 21 before the immigration application is completed, thus aging out and becoming ineligible for benefits as a “child.” CSPA was designed to prevent this from happening by allowing certain children to “freeze” their age under specific conditions.

Potential Federal Shutdown in FY 2025 Could Impact Some Immigration Services, Others to Continue * USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act * How an Aging-Out Child Can Benefit from the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)

The EB-1A is an employment-based, first-preference category green card designed for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. To qualify under EB-1A, the individual must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and show that their achievements have been recognized in their field. Importantly, no employer sponsorship or job offer is required for this category, which allows the individual to self-petition.

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity to 36 Months for Renewal Applicants * NVC Resolves Technical Issues in CEAC System Following User Complaints * USCIS Clarifies Conditional Permanent Resident Filing and Waiver Options * Unlocking the Green Card: How Computer Professionals Can Qualify for EB-1A Extraordinary Ability

October 2024 Visa Bulletin: EB-3 China Retrogresses, Other Categories See Minimal Changes * How Employers Can Avoid Paying Back Wages After Terminating an H-1B Employee: Proper Termination Protocol

When an employer terminates an H-1B worker, failing to follow the correct procedure can result in significant financial liability, including back wages owed to the employee. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) requires that employers adhere to a process known as a bona fide termination to avoid ongoing wage obligations.