7 TIPS TO HELP WITH YOUR U.S. NON-IMMIGRANT VISA INTERVIEW
Increased immigration, security concerns, economic factors, and other influences in recent years have all led to a considerable change in the way U.S. non-immigrant visas are granted, particularly regarding their categories, preferences, and quotas. What has not changed, however, is the visa interview process which allows immigration officers to screen through applications. This step in […]
INTERESTING IMMIGRATION FACTS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW
No matter your viewpoint, immigration is a hot topic in America, especially in recent years. It is also an ever-present issue all around the world. People in general are concerned with their borders, who is crossing them, and why. But not many people can really get into the details of immigration law, history, and policies. […]
NATURALIZATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS CLARIFIED BY USCIS
Over the past couple years, more and more lawful permanent residents are deciding to gain naturalization here in the United States. Despite this encouraging rise, the process of naturalization hasn’t gotten any easier. In fact, understanding the requirements and procedure is a common complaint amongst immigrants and residents. In order to help clear up some of the […]
IMMIGRATION-RELATED VIOLATIONS MORE HEAVILY PENALIZED
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) used its administrative powers to implement higher monetary, civil, and criminal penalties to be used against employers who violated the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). The final ruling was announced on June 30th, just two days before the new penalties took effect on August 1st, […]
WHAT IS THE H-1B & L-1 VISA REFORM ACT OF 2016?
A bipartisan bill known as the H-1B & L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2016 has recently been introduced to Congress and it is already turning heads and sparking debate. The purpose of the bill is to prevent firms from hiring additional H-1B visa employees if they already have more than 50 employees and more than 50% of […]
US COLLEGES USING LEGAL LOOPHOLE TO HELP STUDENTS GET VISAS
A number of U.S. colleges are using a legal ambiguity to help international entrepreneurs stay in America after graduating by hiring them upon graduation. While most foreign students would be required to compete for one of the United States’ 85,000 annual H-1B visas through its lottery system after graduation, federal rules state that employees of […]
DESPITE RATE HIKES, INDIA RECEIVES MAJORITY OF H-1B VISAS
Despite a hike in fees, India continues to receive a considerable share of the United States government’s H-1B visas. According to US Ambassador to India Richard Verma, who was present at the recent “The Future is Now: From COP21 to Reality” conference in Hyderabad, India receives roughly 70 percent of H-1B and L1 visas – […]
OPT STEM 24 MONTH EXTENSION – EFFECTIVE MAY 10, 2016
On March 10, 2016 a final rule was published in the Federal Register which amends the regulations on some F-1 nonimmigrant students’ participation in optional practical training (OPT) who have received degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Prior to the rule, F-1 STEM students could participate in full time employment related to their […]
KNOWN EMPLOYER PILOT – USCIS STREAMLINES CERTAIN PETITIONS
The Known Employer Pilot On March 3, 2015 a one year Known Employer pilot program was launched in an effort to test a program to streamline certain petitions. The Known Employer pilot includes the participation of nine employers and focuses on streamlining the following types of employment-based immigrant and non-immigrant petitions: As of March 6, […]
LOTTERY EXPECTED AGAIN THIS YEAR
The USCIS will start accepting H-1B petitions towards the FY 2017 Cap on April 1, 2016. The lead time required to plan and prepare new cases in time for the filing deadline makes it imperative that employers begin the planning process as soon as possible. In light of new regulations governing H-1B filings, it is […]