FordMurray advises that all visa holders and Green Card holders (lawful permanent residents) strongly consider avoiding non-essential international travel at this time. On January 25, President Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to implement “enhanced vetting” of visa applicants. In recent weeks major news outlets have reported on harsh… [Read More]
New Year, New Opportunities: Preparing for the H-1B Cap Registration and Lottery FY 2026
As we usher in the new year, it is time to evaluate your workforce needs, including any new hires or current employees who may require sponsorship. One critical consideration for this season is the H-1B Cap Registration, often referred to as the H-1B “Lottery,” which will occur in March (actual date to be determined). Preparing… [Read More]
Crimmigration: Navigating the Complex Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Law for Defense Attorneys
It is well-established that criminal and immigration law are inextricably intertwined. The catchphrases “crim-imm” or “crimmigration” are used interchangeably to refer to this intersection. As Maine welcomes more immigrants to our state, it is essential to protect noncitizen criminal defendants’ rights to be informed of the impact of criminal contacts on their immigration status. So,… [Read More]
Client Advisory: USCIS Set to Increase Fees Effective April 1, 2024
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to adjust its fee structure starting April 1, 2024, with exception to the Premium Processing Fee which is set to adjust slightly sooner on February 26, 2024. This change will affect a wide range of immigration applications and services. Here is a clear breakdown of what… [Read More]
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]
Future-Proof Your School: Strategizing Immigration Needs for 2024 Today
It may only be November and most institutions are thinking about the end of the semester and the holiday break, so why a post on hiring and immigration? There are a myriad of reasons why institutions of education need to start thinking about these issues now but amongst the primary ones are: it is getting… [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]
Immigration Options for Schools: A Brief Overview
As another school year is about to begin, many schools are facing an all-too-common issue right now – not enough employees to fill open positions. And, in schools who are educating, housing, feeding, and caring for our children, these open positions are hyper critical, and this shortfall is a big problem facing too many school… [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]
