Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) has published an article filled with H-1b data in the context of heavy demand for IT talent. It notes the massive increase in H-1b registrations to almost 500,000 for this year’s H-1b lottery. At some point, hopefully Congress grasps that the lack of IT talent tin the US is a problem… Continue reading H-1b Data from SIA
Category: Visas – H-1b, L-1, E, O, TN
Mexican TN Visas
TN visas being issued to Mexican nationals will now be issued for 4 years instead of the previous 1 year. Refer to the DOS reciprocity table here. At the port of entry, the admission will remain limited to 3 years and will be noted on the I-94 card record.
No 2nd H-1b Lottery
The USCIS announced that a 2nd lottery will not be held this year as they have received enough cases to meet the statutory limit of 85,000 H-1b cap cases for FY 2023.
New L-1 Guidance
The USCIS has announced that they have completed the L-1 section of the USCIS Policy Manual. The USCIS is in the midst of a multi-year process of transforming the Adjudicators Field Manual into the USCIS Policy Manual. The new L-1 section has no major substantive changes.
USCIS Extends 60 Day COVID Rule Again
The USCIS has recently announced that it has extended the 60 day grace period for responding to RFE’s, NOIR’s, NOID’s and other filings if the request/action is issued prior to Oct. 23, 2022.
Qualify for an O visa ?
The USCIS recently updated its Policy Manual (think internal guide for adjudicating petitions) to expand opportunities for STEM workers to obtain O visas. If you have an employee that was not selected in the H-1b lottery and is running out of STEM OPT time, you may want to consider an O petition as opposed to… Continue reading Qualify for an O visa ?
H-1b End Client Letters leading to an Indictment !
Remember when every H-1b working for a staffing company required an end client letter ? Recall how difficult it was to obtain them and remember hearing anecdotes about certain companies being “creative” in obtaining them ? In at least one instance, a Federal Indictment has been issued and charges have been brought alleging the preparation… Continue reading H-1b End Client Letters leading to an Indictment !
Great News for EAD Renewals !
The USCIS has issued a Temporary Final Rule that extends the automatic renewal time period for EAD renewals from 180 days to 540 days. This new rule, which takes effect on May 4, 2022 applies to all classes of EAD cards that are currently entitled to an automatic extension. The current list can be found… Continue reading Great News for EAD Renewals !
H-1b Lottery is Conducted
The USCIS announced that it has completed the selection process for the H-1b lottery for Fiscal Year 2023. Registrations that have been chosen will be notified electronically and filings can begin on April 1, 2022.
CBP Update for L-2 and E-2 holders
As of Jan 31, 2022, CBP has begun to annotate the passports/I-94 records of L-2 and E-2 holders with an annotation which indicates they are eligible to be employed. This change is a result of Federal litigation which caused the USCIS to admit that dependents of E and L holders are work authorized incident to… Continue reading CBP Update for L-2 and E-2 holders
H-1b Cap Lottery Strategy Call
Hammond Neal Moore will be hosting a free strategy conference call for clients on Thursday Feb 10th at 2:00 pm eastern discussing H-1b cap lottery filings for this cap season. Partner Sherry Neal will lead the discussion and will be joined by partners Cadence Moore, Lisa Galvan, and Matt Minor and will also be joined… Continue reading H-1b Cap Lottery Strategy Call