Congress has passed another short-term spending bill that will fund some federal agencies – including immigration operations – through March 8, 2024, while other federal agencies will be funded through March 1. President Biden is expected to sign the bill,…
The U.S. Department of State’s guidance primarily confirms details already released to the public about the H-1B domestic visa renewal pilot program, with some additional explanations. The agency’s online self-assessment tool is available for potential applicants to determine whether they…
A final DHS regulation that would revise some aspects of the H-1B program has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. Contents of the rule now under OMB review will not be known until publication…
In February, USCIS will accept employment-based adjustment of status applications from foreign nationals with a priority date that is earlier than the Dates for Filing listed in the State Department’s February 2024 Visa Bulletin. The Dates for Filing remain unchanged…
In February, USCIS plans to launch online organizational accounts for H-1B filings – including for FY 2025 H-1B cap registrations – and make Form I-129 H-1B petitions and any associated Form I-907 premium processing requests available for online filing. Employers…
A final DHS fee regulation that would increase the filing fees for many immigration benefit filings has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The new fee regulation is expected to increase and create separate…
The premium processing fee for I-140 immigrant worker petitions and most Form I-129 nonimmigrant worker petitions will increase to $2805, from $2500. Fees for premium processing of certain other petitions and applications will also increase. The new fees will take…
The U.S. State Department’s visa interview waiver program has been extended effective January 1, 2024. The program will remain in effect indefinitely and will be reviewed annually. The classes of applicants eligible for the program have been expanded and now…
The U.S. Department of Labor has set a February 20, 2024 deadline for submission of public comments on expanding the list of “Schedule A” occupations exempt from the PERM labor certification process. The DOL notice presents a rare opportunity for…
The pilot program will be limited to eligible foreign nationals who received an H-1B visa from (1) a U.S. consulate in India between February 1, 2021 and September 30, 2021, or (2) a U.S. consulate in Canada between January 1,…