The U.S. government has adjusted export control regulations in an effort to protect U.S. national security interests. The revisions primarily affect export of electronic computing items and semiconductors to prevent foreign powers from obtaining critical technologies that may threaten national security. As manufacturers are facing increased demand for their products and critical labor shortages, they
US Immigration
USCIS Clarifies Policy Guidance for International Students in F, M Status
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed its policy manual to make it easier to find and understand all the regulations regarding nonimmigrant students in F and M status. The new guidance consolidates the existing policies and clarifies issues of eligibility, school transfers, practical training and on-and off-campus employment. It provides more transparency…
Visiting Brazil? Visa Requirement for Business or to Work Remotely
The Brazilian government allows U.S. citizens to enter Brazil as visitors for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a visa. This has been good for tourism, but the lack of reciprocity rankles, as Brazilians must still apply for a visa in order to visit the United States.
Over the past several years…
Department of State Announces Pilot Program for Stateside Processing of Nonimmigrant Visas
The Department of State (DOS) will begin a pilot program for issuing nonimmigrant visas inside the United States on Jan. 29, 2024. The pilot program will be available to a narrowly defined class of nonimmigrants for a limited period. Once the proof of concept is demonstrated, the DOS plans to continue and expand the stateside…
DOL Proposes Additions to Schedule A Occupations List in Response to Executive Order on AI
In response to the Executive Order (EO) on Artificial Intelligence, on December 21, 2023, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a request for information in the Federal Register asking for public comment on possible additions to the Schedule A list, including more STEM or non-STEM fields.
On October 30, 2023, as part of the EO…
TSA Offers Tips for Smoother Air Travel During Holiday Season
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is gearing up for what it expects will be its busiest holiday travel season ever while a potential government shutdown may be days away. Although TSA employees and federal air traffic controllers will be required to work without pay during a shutdown, there could be more “out sick” calls than…
What Executive Order on AI Means for Immigration
On October 30, 2023, President Joe Biden issued an Executive Order regarding the “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.” The Executive Order (EO) directs departments and agencies throughout the government, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS), to develop plans and policies to establish…
USCIS Clarifies L-1 Intracompany Transfer Petitions and Sole Proprietorships, Blanket L Petitions
USCIS has issued new policy guidance on L-1 intracompany transfer petitions addressing sole proprietorships and Blanket L petitions.
There are two highlights:
- USCIS has clarified that sole proprietorships cannot file L petitions on behalf of the owner, i.e., the sole proprietor. USCIS distinguishes sole proprietorships from self-incorporated entities such as a corporations or limited liability
Department of State Takes Steps to Implement Stateside Visa Processing
On October 17, 2023, the Department of State (DOS) took the first steps to implement stateside processing of nonimmigrant visas. The DOS notified the federal Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs that it will introduce a pilot stateside processing program on a limited basis in the first quarter of 2024. Those able to utilize stateside…
Israeli Citizens, Nationals Can Apply for Visa Waiver Program Beginning Oct. 19
Beginning on October 19, 2023, eligible Israeli citizens and nationals can apply for visa-free travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Israel’s entrance into the VWP was originally scheduled to begin on November 30, 2023, but that has been moved up based…