U.S. IMMIGRANT POPULATION HITS RECORD HIGH
According to a new survey of the immigrant population in the United States, American immigration has reached an all-time high in recent years, with immigrants comprising 13.3 percent of U.S. residents in 2014. This marks the highest annual percentage in 94 years. The report, published by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), analyzed fresh census data of […]
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. […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
L-1B ADJUDICATIONS POLICY MEMORANDUM
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) held a Stakeholder Engagement on April 9, 2015 to discuss the L-1B Adjudications Policy Memorandum, which was posted by the USCIS on March 24, 2015. The initial L-1B memorandum will remain open for public feedback until May 8, 2015, and a final publication of the memorandum will […]