On July 15th, 2022, USCIS announced that they will begin implementing phase two of the premium processing upgrade expansion plan for certain pending EB-1 and EB-2 I-140 Petitions. Beginning August 1st, 2022, USCIS will accept premium processing upgrades for the following categories: E21 National Interest Waiver Petitions received on or before July 1st, 2021 E13 Multinational… [Read More]
Client Advisory: Premium Processing Upgrades Expanded for Certain Pending EB-1 and EB-2 I-140 Petitions
On May 24th, 2022, USCIS announced that they have further expanded premium processing for certain pending EB-1 and EB-2 I-140 petitions. The included categories and implementation dates are as follows: June 1st, 2022 E13 Multinational Executive and Manager Petitions received before January 1, 2021 July 1st, 2022 E21 National Interest Waiver Petitions received on or… [Read More]
Client Advisory: USCIS Announces Temporary Final Rule Extending the Automatic Extension Period of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Certain Applicants
On May 4th, 2022, USCIS announced a new rule from DHS temporarily increasing the automatic extension period for EAD eligible renewal applicants. The automatic extension period begins the date of expiration on the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) for a new total of 540 days. The previous rule provided 180 days from the expiration of EAD;… [Read More]
Client Advisory: Possible Future Availability of Expedited Premium Processing for Certain Applications
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that they have issued a final rule to expand premium processing for the following forms: I-140, I-539, I-765. While premium processing does exist for some of these categories now, this new rule will include additional case types and categories. What Does This Mean? Nothing, yet…. [Read More]
CLIENT ALERT: Requirements for Those Traveling by Air into the United States
Regional Travel Bans Rescinded As of November 8, 2021, the U.S government has rescinded country-specific suspensions and limitations, and requirements for air travel and entry to the United States: Rescinding Proclamation 9984 (January 31, 2020) (Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus and Other… [Read More]
Form I-9 Requirements Flexibility Extended for an Additional 30 Days
Due to delays in the issuance of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), USCIS has announced that employees may use the I-797 Notice of Action indicating that their I-765 EAD has been approved as a valid document for proof of work authorization. The Notice of Action would need to have a notice date between December 1, 2019,… [Read More]
H-1B, L-1 and J-1 Visa Alternatives
President Trump’s June 22nd Executive Order was arguably the most aggressive assault on U.S. business immigration of his administration – tying COVID-era unemployment rates to suspension of new H-1B, L-1 and J-1 visas issued outside of the United States. The suspension does not impact foreign nationals already in the United States in a valid visa… [Read More]
USCIS Announces COVID-19 Temporary Policy for List B Identity Documents
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary policy for expired “List B” Identity documents used for to complete Employment Eligibility Verification of Form I-9. Starting May 1, List B Identity documents that expire on or after March 1, 2020, may be treated as if the employee presented a valid receipt for the document. USCIS… [Read More]
Trump Narrows Immigration Ban to 60 Day Suspension of Green Card Issuance
UPDATE: President Trump signed an Executive Order that says there will be a suspension of the issuance of a new green card. The Executive Order will not impact all green card petitions, including: Anyone physically present in the US on April 22, 2020. U.S. residents with pending I-485s will not be affected. If an individual… [Read More]
Impact of Work Closures and Temporary Shutdowns on H-1B Status
Please note, the COVID-19 situation is very fluid and the government agencies are issuing new and changing guidance on H-1B status and others on an almost daily basis. Before taking any actions, please consult with your counsel at FordMurray for the latest developments and updated guidance on this topic. With many local governments, state governments,… [Read More]
