UPDATE 2/17/2021 United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) indicated it will open H-1B registration for FY2021 on March 9, 2021. The window will close March 25, 2021. During the registration period, petitioners can electronically file petitioner and beneficiary information through the electronic registration process. On February 5, USCIS shared the following guidance on this year’s… [Read More]
Immigration 2020 – Now is the Time to Think About Green Card or Naturalization
2019 was a tumultuous year for immigration, and we expect 2020 to be no different. As the 2020 election approaches, immigration – even for highly-skilled, sought-after professionals – is likely to be a hot-button issue. While it might seem like an inopportune environment to pursue the next step of immigration, NOW is the time for… [Read More]
USCIS Announces Implementation of Electronic Filing for H-1B Petition for FY 2021 Cap
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the electronic registration process proposed in 2019 will be implemented for H-1B petitioners seeking to file cap-subject Petitions in 2020. The electronic registration requirement will fundamentally change how the H-1B lottery is administered and should reduce the burden of paperwork for employers and for USCIS. As a… [Read More]
SEVP Publishes Advice for DSOs and F-1 Students on OPT
Recently published guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for F-1 students and Designated School Officials (DSOs) should be viewed as a signal that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will more closely monitor compliance with the recommendations. The policy guidance, titled, “Practical Training: Determining a Direct Relationship Between Employment and a Student’s Major… [Read More]
Four Benefits to Hiring Foreign Faculty to U.S. Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities are faced with the task of preparing undergraduate and graduate students for lives beyond their degree program – and hiring foreign faculty and having a dynamic team of faculty, scholars, researchers and professional staff provides essential scaffolding for that goal. Most higher education employers have one primary reason for hiring foreign-born professionals… [Read More]
Back to School – 3 Tips for Designated School Officials (DSO)
It is the end of August, and students return to college and university campuses with high hopes and expectations for the future. This rite of passage carries a host of emotions, from nervousness to excitement for all college students and DSO. But it can be even more nerve-wracking for international students, who must always bear… [Read More]
EB-5 Investor Program to Receive USCIS Overhaul
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on Tuesday announced reforms to its EB-5 Investment Program that will increase the minimum investment to qualify for the investor green card. In addition to hikes in investment thresholds, USCIS announced reforms to Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designations and processing changes that could streamline the EB-5 process. The proposed… [Read More]
OPT Work Authorization Delays Impact Foreign Students
The New York Times reports student visa holders are encountering obstacles with obtaining work authorization associated with Optional Practical Training (OPT), a vital and essential component of the F-1 visa for most, if not all, foreign national students. OPT work authorization allows F-1 students to work temporarily in fields that advance their studies for a… [Read More]
What to do if your Business Receives a “No-Match” Notification
A recent New York Times article reported that tens of thousands of employers are expected to receive “no-match” notifications from the Social Security Administration, a move that could cause massive disruptions in hospitality, construction and agriculture workforces. The notifications are the first to be sent since 2012. The practice received increased scrutiny in 2007, when… [Read More]
H-1B Season – After the Lottery
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced Friday that it has completed the selection process for 2020 H-1B cap petitions for the U.S. advanced degree and general lottery. At this point, USCIS is continuing to issue receipt notices for H-1B petitions and will begin returning unselected petitions. Notifications should continue through the end of… [Read More]
