The Department of State (DOS) has released the June Visa Bulletin and there were no changes. Retrogression remains a problem that needs a legislative solution. The USCIS posted that it will only honor the Final Action Date chart for I-485 filings.
PERM Filings
The OFLC delayed the use of the new ETA 9089 PERM form and the filing platform but has announced that it will go into effect as of June 1, 2023. We do not expect a further delay.
Immigration Options for Healthcare Workers
The Congressional Research Service published a report on the various immigration options for international healthcare workers.
H-1b Lottery Numbers
The USCIS has released data that shows almost 800,000 registrations were submitted in the FY 2024 lottery for the 85,000 H-1b visas available. The numbers reflect a 15% selection rate. It was revealed that over 400,000 persons submitted multiple registrations. In what may be the understatement of the year, the USCIS indicated that the numbers… Continue reading H-1b Lottery Numbers
May Visa Bulletin
The Department of State (DOS) has released the May Visa Bulletin and sadly, retrogression is widespread impacting almost all categories and all countries. Only the EB1 category was not impacted. The USCIS announced that the would only allow I-485 filings using the Final Action Date chart. Forward advancement is not expected until October. Additional retrogression… Continue reading May Visa Bulletin
HNM to host free webinar
HNM will be hosting a free webinar to discuss options that may be available for those who were not selected in the H-1b lottery. Register here.
IT Staffing Firm Fined $9.9M
An IT Staffing firm has been fined $9.9 million for its use of B visas instead of H-1b work visas. The charges were brought under the False Claims Act. Check out the full story here.
Nurse Staffing Agency Loses
A Federal Judge recently ruled that a New York based staffing company violated numerous federal laws including anti-trafficking laws in their treatment of international nurses recruited from the Philippines. The charges claimed that the staffing company failed to pay the proper wages and that the liquidated damage clauses were unlawful.
Victory for H-4 EAD Holders
A Federal District Court judge ruled in favor of H-4 EAD holders ruling that an Obama era H-4 EAD rule was not issued in violation of the law.
H-1b Cap Lottery Ends
The USCIS has announced that it has completed its selection process and all registrant records have been updated. Reports from immigration attorneys and large users indicate a very disappointing selection rate with most reporting under 15%. We expect that the USCIS will release final numbers in the near future. Filings can start April 1 and… Continue reading H-1b Cap Lottery Ends
COVID 60 Day Rule Ends
USCIS notices requiring responses such as RFE’s, NOID’s, NOIR’s, etc issued as of March 23, 2023, no longer enjoy the extra 60 days being afforded under the COVID flexibility policies that have been in place since 2020.