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 makes it imperative that employers begin the planning process as soon as possible. In light of new regulations governing H-1B filings, it is […]
NEW FEES FOR H-1B AND L-1 VISAS
As has been widely reported in the media, the Omnibus spending bill signed into law by President Barack Obama on December 18, 2015 contained a surprise for companies who are dependent on high-skilled foreign workers. The new law imposes significant additional fees for “dependent companies” with more than 50 employees who have 50% or more […]
H-1B VISA PETITION FILING DATE FAST APPROACHING
The FY 2015 H-1B Visa Filing Date is fast approaching. As the primary method for non-immigrant skilled workers to obtain a U.S. work authorization, H-1B visas are in high demand. The USCIS will begin receiving applications April 1, 2016. 65,000 regular visas for skilled workers and 20,000 H-1B visas for U.S. University Master’s degree holders […]
FINAL VERSION OF THE L-1B MEMORANDUM
On August 17, 2015, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a final version of the L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum, which became effective on August 31, 2015. The final publication of the L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum provides “consolidated and authoritative guidance on the L-1B program superseding and rescinding certain prior L-1B memoranda” and […]
OCTOBER 2015 VISA BULLETIN DUAL SYSTEM EASES TIMELINE TO FILE PERMANENT RESIDENCE
As part of President Obama’s Immigration Reform policies, the Department of State inconcert with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has introduced a new dualdeadline system that will ease Permanent Residency Applications, especially for people ofIndian and Chinese citizenship. The dual deadline – one for Final Action and one for FilingI-485 applications will come into […]
NEW GUIDANCE SHOULD PROVIDE FLEXIBILITY ON L-1B ADJUDICATIONS
The publication of the Final Guidance on L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandumprovides “consolidated and authoritative guidance on the L-1B program” and will serve asguide for adjudication of all L-1B petitions pending or filed with the USCIS as of August 31,2015. It is expected that the processing of L-1B visas will be substantially eased as aresult and […]
OCTOBER 2015 VISA BULLETIN DUAL SYSTEM EASES TIMELINE TO FILE PERMANENT RESIDENCE
As part of President Obama’s Immigration Reform policies, the Department of State in concert with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, has introduced a new dual deadline system that will ease Permanent Residency Applications, especially for people of Indian and Chinese citizenship. The dual deadline – one for Final Action and one for Filing I-485 […]
NEW L-1B ADJUDICATIONS POLICY MEMORANDUM EFFECTIVE ON AUGUST 31, 2015
The publication of the Final Guidance on L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum provides “consolidated and authoritative guidance on the L-1B program” and will serve as guide for adjudication of all L-1B petitions pending or filed with the USCIS as of August 31, 2015. It is expected that the processing of L-1B visas will be substantially eased as a result […]
USCIS FINAL GUIDANCE ON FILING OF AMENDED H-1B PETITIONS POST AAO DECISION ON MATTER OF SIMEIO SOLUTIONS, LLC
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), on July 21, 2015, issuedFinal guidance on measures it has enacted on when an H-1B employer must file anamended or new H-1B petition following the precedent decision in the Matter of SimeioSolutions, LLC (decided on April 9, 2015).The USCIS argues that the AAO decision merely reaffirms existing […]
USCIS ISSUES GUIDANCE REGARDING H-1B AMENDMENTS (IN LIGHT OF MATTER OF SIMEIO SOLUTIONS, LLC)
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a Policy Memorandum on July 21, 2015 to clarify when an H-1B employer must file an amended or new h-1B petition following the precedent decision Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC (decided on April 9, 2015). The memorandum provides the following rules: USILaw recommends that employers should file an […]