Category: Uncategorized
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Suspension of Premium Processing for H-1B Visas
On March 3, 2017, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that beginning on April 3, 2017, it will suspend premium processing on all H-1B Petitions for up to six months. What is Premium Processing Service? USCIS currently offers a Premium Processing Service that allows payment of a fee to get a guaranteed faster processing […]Read More -
H-4 EAD Holders May Wish to Apply for H-1B Status
Since May 26, 2015, certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B visa holders have been eligible for employment authorization. H-4 dependent spouses have been eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) if the primary H-1B visa holder is the beneficiary of an approved Form I-140 or has been granted an extension beyond the […]Read More -
USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Premium Processing for all H-1B Petitions
Beginning April, 3, 2017, USCIS will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions. This suspension may last up to six months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. USCIS will notify the public […]Read More -
President Trumps Signs New Immigration Executive Order
President Trump rolled out the second version of the initial immigration executive order earlier today. The order temporarily suspends immigration into the United States for 90-days from now only six countries, including Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Libya. Iraq was previously listed among these nations but was removed from the list after assurances were […]Read More -
Trump Proposes Merit-based Immigration System During Address to Congress
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, President Donald Trump spoke during a joint session of Congress in Washington, D.C. During the speech, Trump used a portion to address immigration issues. He repeated his calls for a border wall, warnings about criminals crossing the border, and shared emotional stories of Americans killed by illegal immigrants. But he […]Read More -
USCIS Report on the Characteristics of H-1B Workers for Fiscal Year 2015
On March 17, 2016, USCIS presented a report titled, “Characteristics of H-1B Specialty Occupation Workers” for fiscal year 2015. Fiscal year 2015 ran from Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015. The report was originally provided to four members of Congress, including The Honorable Charles Grassley, The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy, The Honorable Robert W. […]Read More -
The New Executive Order on Immigration is Expected From President Trump at Any Time Now
The Trump administration is expected to roll out a revised executive order on immigration at any time now. President Trump says the new order will protect our people while at the same time surpassing the courts that halted an earlier version. The new order is expected to clarify one major point that was unclear with […]Read More -
USCIS to Welcome More Than 25,000 New U.S. Citizens During Presidents’ Day Naturalization Ceremonies
This year, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate Presidents’ Day by welcoming more than 25,000 new U.S. citizens during 162 naturalization ceremonies across the country from Feb. 14 through Feb. 22. USCIS Acting Director Lori Scialabba said, “It fills me with pride to know that 25,000 immigrants will take the Oath of […]Read More -
Federal Judge temporarily blocked enforcement of Trump’s travel ban, and DOS reverses visa revocations, allowing previously banned travelers to enter the U.S.
A federal judge in Seattle temporarily blocked enforcement of President Trump’s Executive Order limiting travel of certain foreign nationals to the U.S. The ruling was issued late Friday night, one week after Trump’s Executive Order was put into place. Remind me again — what did the Executive Order state? Trump’s Executive Order suspends admission of […]Read More -
Draft Executive Order Discusses Potential Changes to the H-1B Program and Other Employment-Based Visa Categories
Following President Trump’s controversial Executive Order banning refugees and travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries, another unsigned, draft Executive Order has been circulating through the public, further unsettling U.S. employers who rely on foreign national employees. The draft proposal titled “Executive Order on Protecting American Jobs and Workers by Strengthening the Integrity of Foreign Worker […]Read More