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 […]
H-1B FY 2017 CAP – PLANNING FOR FILING OF FRESH PETITIONS
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 makesit imperative that employers begin the planning process as soon as possible.In light of new regulations governing H-1B filings, it is also critical that […]
NEW FEES FOR H-1B AND L-1 VISAS EFFECTIVE 12/18/2015
USCIS Guidance Clarifies Effective DateThe USCIS has just issued guidance that the effective date for the enactment of PublicLaw 114-113 that imposes new fees for H-1B and L-1 filings will be effective on December18, 2015. Those cases that have already been filed on or after that date without the newfees will have a Request for […]
H-1B FY 2017 CAP – PLANNING FOR FILING OF FRESH PETITIONS
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 makesit imperative that employers begin the planning process as soon as possible.In light of new regulations governing H-1B filings, it is also critical that […]
NEW FEES FOR H-1B AND L-1 VISAS
As has been widely reported in the media the Omnibus spending bill signed into law byPresident Barack Obama on December 18, 2015 contained a surprise for some companieswho are dependent on high-skilled foreign workers.The new law imposes significant additional fees for “dependent companies” with more than50 employees and with 50% or more of their employees […]