H-1B Work Visa
International Students on CPT & OPT Denied H-1B Visas
Under new guideline interpretations, many former international students have received denials for H-1B benefits from the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS). According to some reports, F-1 students who have completed work in their field for more than 12 months while earning a degree and in the one-year period following graduation, may be ineligible…
Read MoreCalifornia Representative Attempts to Save H-4 EAD Program (H-1B)
As previously reported, the work authorization (H-4 EAD) program that allows the spouses of H-1B visa beneficiaries to find work while in the United States with their family is set to end under the Trump Administration. However, two California Congresswomen are gearing up to fight for the continuation of the Obama-era H-4 EAD program. H-4…
Read MoreProposed H-1B Lottery Changes: Winners and Losers
As news continues to circulate about the proposed pre-registration process for the H-1B visa lottery, the Trump Administration has hinted on a new prioritization strategy for H-1B beneficiaries with master’s degrees and higher. Thus, the April 2019 lottery could see a pre-registration process that skews greatly towards those with advanced degrees, especially for individuals with…
Read MoreDigital Border Search by CBP under Federal Scrutiny
Last month, a federal suit brought forth new questions surrounding individual property rights at the U.S. border. Two months ago, an American woman filed a federal suit against the Department of Homeland Security after Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents seized her smartphone upon return to the United States and made copies of the data…
Read MoreA Failed H-1B Visa Fraud and Abuse Hunt: USCIS Referrals Low
Following the executive order “Buy American, Hire American: Put Americans First”, USCIS began a new initiative to crack down on H-1B fraud and abuse. According to Bloomberg Law, the hunt for individuals and companies that abuse the H-1B program has proven largely unsuccessful. Increased Site Visits Prior to President Trump’s executive order, H-1B petitioners were…
Read MoreFee for Premium Processing Rises (DHS & USCIS)
Premium processing will now cost nearly $1,500. A service that significantly shortens the wait period for immigration benefits, premium processing allows applicants an opportunity to receive a decision from the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) within 15 calendar days. Thus, premium processing permits petitioners to know whether their application is approved, denied, or…
Read MorePremium Processing Suspended: USCIS Delays
On August 28th, the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued a notice of further suspension to premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions while expanding the premium processing suspension for additional H-1B petitions. The new suspension took effect on September 11, 2018. Impacts The suspension of premium processing continues to impact H-1B petitions filed at…
Read MoreCBP Issues Travel Reminder: Departure Date
This year, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a new electronic reminder system for foreign national travelers. The new emailing system sends reminders to travelers about the period of time remaining for their particular travel visa. Not only does the email reminder system help travelers keep track of their period of stay,…
Read MoreOPT Extensions for STEM: New Worksite Changes
On August 17th, USCIS updated guidelines for OPT STEM extensions. The student visa program allows international students the opportunity to gain practical training. For F-1 student’s with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math, extensions are available to receive temporary employment privileges by an additional duration of 24 months. To qualify, applicants must have a…
Read MoreMajor USCIS Changes: Update on RFE & NOID
On September 11, 2018, the United States Customs and Immigration Service will adopt new guidelines for the issuance of Request for Evidence (RFE) and Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). Through no change to the laws of legal immigration, these new guidelines present one of the greatest threats to legal immigration in recent history. Overview of…
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