Ever been frustrated by the USCIS and wondered how a government agency can be so inefficient ? You may enjoy reading this briefing from the Migration Policy Institute. This is not a political piece and the lead author is the former INS Commissioner. If this were a movie it would be a tragedy at times… Continue reading USCIS Takes it on the Chin
Author: Mike Hammond
November Visa Bulletin
The Department of State (DOS) has released the November Visa bulletin and sadly, there were no surprises. India and China EB2 moved forward in both the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing charts and India and China EB3 retrogressed by almost 2 years. All other categories remained current. The USCIS announced that they will… Continue reading November Visa Bulletin
More H-1b Visas ?
Although the H-1b lottery season is still 6 months away, the high demand for IT workers along with the shortage of qualified workers is causing many to ask the question of whether it is time to raise the H-1b cap ? Although in theory, it would be nice if our politicians would consider market conditions… Continue reading More H-1b Visas ?
IT Serve Synergy
HNM partner Cadence Moore and Julieta Grinffiel, our Dallas Managing attorney are both attending the IT Serve 2021 Synergy event being held Sept 30-Oct 1st in Dallas. Cadence will be speaking as part of a legal panel. If you are attending, stop by our booth or attend Cadence’s session.
USCIS Extends 60 Day Rule
The USCIS has once again extended the response date for RFE’s and other deadlines by 60 days as part of its COVID-19 guidelines and accommodations. The latest extension applies to notices issued through Jan 15, 2022. For a full listing of the COVID accommodations, follow this link.
Talent Shortage
Recent reports show that hiring demand is high but, there remains a major talent shortage. Check out this recent report from Manpower Group. Although certainly not a panacea, there are a number of workers in the U.S. being prevented from being available in the talent pool due to inefficiencies and outdated policies from the USCIS… Continue reading Talent Shortage
Another Trump Era H-1b Rule is Declared Invalid
Last week, a Federal judge declared the last of the Trump Era (Stephen Miller creations) regulations illegally issued and declared it invalid. This last regulation would’ve changed the way H-1b cap cases were selected moving from a random lottery to a system that selected petitions by salary. This would’ve been a major boost to international… Continue reading Another Trump Era H-1b Rule is Declared Invalid
Visa Ban to be Lifted for travelers who are Vaccinated
Based upon a press event held by the White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, Jeff Zients, the requirement for an NIE to enter the US for persons from countries subject to the Visa ban will be lifted in November. All persons entering the US will be subject to vaccination requirements. The exact date this will go… Continue reading Visa Ban to be Lifted for travelers who are Vaccinated
Chats with Charlie-Visa Bulletin
If you are impacted by the Visa Bulletin issued each month and are curious about the movement of dates forward and backward (retrogression) and are not listening to the monthly youtube live streaming event hosted by the Department of State, I encourage you to start listening. Here is a link to the event held last… Continue reading Chats with Charlie-Visa Bulletin
October Visa Bulletin
The much anticipated October Visa Bulletin has been released by the Department of State (DOS) and to say that it was a disappointment would be a major understatement. The Final Action Dates chart stayed the same as September. The Dates for Filing chart moved forward slightly for China EB2 and EB3. India EB2 moved forward… Continue reading October Visa Bulletin
U.S. Consulates Update
The CATO Institute recently released a sobering update on the status of operations for US Consulates in Aug. showing that over 60% were either fully or partially closed during the month. More details can be found here.