USCIS has conducted a second lottery for H1b CAP registrations filed earlier this year. These newly selected cases can begin to be filed in August. The standard 3 month filing window applies to these CAP cases. Registrations that were filed by our office will be shared as soon as the individual confirmations become available through… Continue reading H1b Registration Lottery – Second Round
Category: Visas – H-1b, L-1, E, O, TN
NIE Conference Call
Got questions about getting an NIE so you or your international employees can obtain a visa and enter the U.S. ? We are hosting a free conference call for clients and friends on July 7th. Please register here.
H-1b Lottery News
The USCIS recently disclosed that they received over 308,000 registrations for FY 2022 H-1b visas. This compares to only 275,000 in FY 2021. Almost half requested MS degree or higher consideration. In the 1st lottery, the USCIS selected 87,500 registrants. Last year, a 2nd lottery was conducted in August and an additional 18,000 were selected… Continue reading H-1b Lottery News
Technical Talent Scarcity Exacerbated by the COVID Pandemic
Recent research published by the New American Economy provides findings that support the notion that demand for high skilled labor has increased yet the supply has decreased. This scarcity of labor is expected to negatively impact the economic recovery. Check out the full report here.
DOL Delays Changes to Prevailing Wages
Last week, the DOL announced that it will delay the implementation of sweeping changes to the way prevailing wages are calculated, introduced in January as one of the last actions of the Trump Administration. The rule is now scheduled to go into effect in Nov. of 2022. This delay will allow the DOL more time… Continue reading DOL Delays Changes to Prevailing Wages
Biometric Appointments Suspended
This week, the USCIS announced that it has suspended all biometric appointments for H-4 and L-2 extensions. This suspension will remain in effect until May 17,2023. It applies to filings made after May 17th and previous filings that have not yet been issued a biometrics notice. If you have received a biometrics notice, you must… Continue reading Biometric Appointments Suspended
International Entrepreneur Program Lives !
Today, the USCIS published a rule withdrawing a Trump Admin. rule which served to block the implementation of an Obama Admin rule which created an avenue for entrepreneurs and investors to come to the US. Check out the USCIS announcement. HNM works with investors and entrepreneurs to obtain US visas including E, L-1a, and EB5’s… Continue reading International Entrepreneur Program Lives !
End of Biometrics for Dependent Cases?
On May 4 (Happy Star Wars Day!) USCIS released a declaration that the Service is finalizing a policy that will temporarily suspend biometrics submission requirements for individuals filing Form I-539 (H4, L2, etc.). This policy is expected to begin May 17, 2021 and last for 2 years. This would only affect newly filed cases. If… Continue reading End of Biometrics for Dependent Cases?
India Travel Ban
It was announced today that travel into the U.S. from India will be banned effective Tues May 4th due to the worsening COVID-19 conditions in India.
USCIS Restores Deference
The USCIS has restored the deference policy for petition extensions. The deference policy provides that USCIS examiners should defer to prior approvals when adjudicating extensions of visas unless there has been a change in circumstances that warrant a de novo review. The deference policy was first officially enacted in 2004 although had been in practice… Continue reading USCIS Restores Deference
Visa Ban Expires
As of April 1st, the Trump Non-immigrant Visa ban which applied to certain new visas including H and L categories was allowed to expire. If you were subject to the ban you may now seek a visa. If you were denied a visa due to the ban, you may now apply again, paying the fee… Continue reading Visa Ban Expires