Client Advisory: Renewal of H-1B Visa Stamp within the U.S.

The Department of State announced that, beginning on January 29, 2024, and ending on April 1, 2024, certain H-1B applicants will be eligible to renew their H-1B visa stamp without having to travel internationally to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Eligible applicants will apply through an online portal found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visa/employment/domestic-renewal.html To be eligible for… [Read More]

Giving Thanks for Change: A Feast of Proposed H-1B Visa Amendments for 2024

As an employer seeking to hire and retain key team members, it is critical to stay informed about the latest H-1B visa program changes proposed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as these changes could significantly impact the landscape of employment-based immigration. The USCIS aims to “modernize” the H-1B program with these… [Read More]

Unlocking International Talent: The Conrad 30 J-1 Waiver Options for Hospitals

In today’s globalized world, the healthcare industry is more diverse than ever before, with hospitals continually seeking to attract international medical talent to provide high-quality care to their patients. The Conrad 30 J-1 waiver program is a valuable tool for HR leaders of hospitals looking to bring in foreign physicians to address critical shortages in… [Read More]

Client Advisory: Update to Form I-9 Employment Verification Flexibility

During the global pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security provided more flexible measures for employers in the I-9 employment verification process. In particular, the most flexible of these steps was to allow employers to verify documents used to complete the I-9 virtually, i.e., without physically inspecting the actual document. The USCIS announced that, as of… [Read More]

Client Advisory: USCIS Proposes Fee Increase Under New Rule

The Biden Administration has proposed raising application fees for employment-based visas and other immigration programs. As a result of the proposed rule, employers would be required to pay significantly higher fees for petitioning for and sponsoring workers for permanent residence. The new fee schedule proposes a significant increase in fees for using the electronic registration… [Read More]

Client Advisory: October Visa Bulletin Announces Considerable Retrogression for EB-2 India

The State Department released its October Visa Bulletin revealing a significant retrogression in certain employment-based immigrant visa (green card) categories. The EB-2 Category for India was the most impacted. On September 6th 2022, USCIS reported that the visa cap had been reached for EB-1 and EB-2 visas for applicants in countries of chargeability. With the release of… [Read More]

Client Advisory: USCIS Updates Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record

USCIS recently announced updates made to form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Beginning October 5, 2022 USCIS will only accept Form I-693 edition 7/19/2022.  The last day USCIS will accept the earlier edition of Form I-693 will be October 4, 2022. This date is based on when the Civil Surgeon signs the… [Read More]