As mentioned in our last blog post, H-1B petitions filed during 2017 were subjected to a dramatic and unprecedented increase in scrutiny by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”). As a result, thousands of...more
While it’s holiday season for most of the world, in the immigration world December also marks the unofficial start of H-1B lottery season.
Background on the H-1B Visa -
The H-1B program allows employers in the United...more
Following President Trump’s inauguration, and in response to his April 2017 “Buy American, Hire American” Executive Order, various agencies of the federal government have announced enhanced efforts to protect U.S. workers...more
In February 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) issued a rule permitting certain persons maintaining H-4 nonimmigrant status to apply for and, if eligible, receive employment authorization from DHS. Employment...more
It has long been thought that an employer may refuse to hire a foreign worker who: (1) is not currently authorized to work or (2) will require future visa sponsorship to work for the employer. A new legal theory has...more
Feeling Discouraged About Immigration? You are not alone. Many agree that the U.S.’s current immigration system is in need of comprehensive legislative reform....more
Another week brings another unexpected new development in the world of immigration. On Friday, March 3, 2017, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that starting on April 3, 2017, it will...more
As you may be aware, President Trump issued an Executive Order (“EO”) on January 27, 2017. The EO, “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States,” restricts entry by nationals of seven (7)...more
Now that we have rung in 2017, it is a good time to start planning for Fiscal Year 2018 cap-subject H-1B petitions. Even though Fiscal Year 2018 starts October 1, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will...more
On November 14, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Effective January 22, 2017, employers must use this newly released version...more
On Friday April 1, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year (FY) 2017 cap. It is critical that employers begin preparation as soon as possible for...more