The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that citizens of Iran will no longer be eligible for E-1 or E-2 visas. The move comes following the October 3, 2018 termination of the 1955 Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights with Iran. Without a qualifying treaty of commerce between Iran and the… [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]
Understanding Priority Dates: How Quotas Impact EB-1 and NIW Petition Timelines
Traditionally, EB-1 and NIW green card preference categories have been an expeditious way for employers to sponsor foreign employees with extraordinary ability for permanent resident status, and for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability to self-petition for a green card. But as immigration policy has fluctuated under President Trump’s administration, so have the timelines of these… [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]
Congress Questions USCIS on Spike in Denials and Increasing Delays
The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship questioned United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials about backlogs and changes in adjudication of petitions within the department at a July 16 House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. The hearing marks the most pointed criticism from the Judiciary Committee in recent memory and coupled with… [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]
Visa Applications to Include Social Media Information
The U.S. State Department added fields to all U.S. visa applications that will require applicants to disclose information regarding social media accounts used in the past five years, as well as telephone numbers, email address, international travel and deportation status. The new policy, effective May 31st, asks applicants to include their profile handles on popular… [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]
6 Strategies to Avoid USCIS H-1B Denials
Data assessment from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Data Hub shows denial rates for new H-1B petition and H-1B extensions at unprecedented levels in the two fiscal years since President Trump took office. The USCIS launched the H-1B Employer Data Hub in early April. The Hub is part of an ongoing initiative… [Read More]
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