H-1B Work Visa
FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Requests Now Online
On May 30th, USCIS announced the launch of an online processing system, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Immigration Records SysTem (FIRST). The online platform will allow users to submit, manage, accept FOIA requests online. Previously, such requests only were processed through mail, fax, and email; documents were then transferred via mailed compact disc. USCIS…
Read MoreDealing with a DUI/DWI: Revocation of Status
An arrest or conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) may mean big problem for those in the United States under a nonimmigrant visa. Once a U.S. consulate receives notice of the conviction of an alien for a DUI or DWI offense, consular officers will revoke the visa foil or…
Read MoreIT Companies Sue USCIS (H-1B 3rd Party Policy)
On May 1st, a group of Informational Technology (IT) companies filed a lawsuit against the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) over a policy memo released in February. The group argues that the new scrutiny towards 3rd party placement of H-1B employees effectively prohibits smaller firms from participating in the H-1B program. The Memo The…
Read MoreUSCIS & DOJ Partner to Protect U.S. Workers
Early this month, a Memorandum of Understanding between the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) was released to the public. The memo announces new measures between the two agencies to increase information exchange to achieve the mutual goal of protecting U.S. workers. Together, the agencies aim to adhere…
Read MoreEmployee Benefits: H-1B Wage Requirements
Companies offer benefits, or perks and compensations for services, as a means to attract highly skilled employees. As some of the most highly skilled professionals in the American workforce, H-1B employees are often recipients of attractive benefits packages, including paid vacation, health care, stock options, etc. For employers, whether the value of benefit services provided…
Read MoreSilicon Valley University Withdraws from SEVP
On April 30th, Silicon Valley University in San Jose, California withdrew its SEVP certification, or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The certification, which is accredited at the federal level, allows non-immigrant students to obtain eligible status while studying at a college or university in the United States. Effective June 30th, the school’s Student and…
Read MoreUSCIS Cracks Down on H-1B Fraud & Abuse (Site Visits)
USCIS recently announced new measures to protect American jobs and comply with initiatives coming from the Trump Administration. The announcement serves as the first step for a new direction focused on greater oversight of both H-1B employees and employers. Specifically, for employers, worksite visits will now become more strenuous for those companies identified by USICIS as being…
Read MoreH-1B Dependent Employer (LCA)
When there is not a sufficient supply of highly skilled workers in the United States, companies can fulfill demand through sponsoring foreign nationals through the H-1B program. For companies in high tech industries, which require years of advanced training and understanding of complex computers systems, the H-1B program is a vital tool in maintaining a…
Read MoreHope for H-4 EAD: Notice & Comment Period (USCIS)
As previously reported, the Trump Administration continues to consider a proposal to terminate the H-4 Employment Authorization Document (EAD) program following a lawsuit from an anti-immigration interest group, SAVE Jobs USA. Early this month, the director of the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS), Lee Cissna responded to protests from members of Congress urging the Trump…
Read MoreUSCIS Announces New Security Measures for Green Card Delivery
Beginning April 30th, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will begin implementing the Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery Service provided by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for all mailed Green Cards and other secure documents. To receive a secure document or Green Card, recipients must provide the mail courier with a photo ID to sign…
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