USCIS received 190,098 H-1B petitions during the first week of April. The cap has been reached every year for the past six years but the total is down from last year’s total of 199,000. The Service conducted its computer-generated random selection process on April 11th. In line with its usual practice, USCIS conducted
USCIS Reaches FY 2019 H-1B Cap in First Week of April
By Amy L. Peck on
On April 6, 2018, USCIS announced that it reached the 65,000 H-1B visa cap for FY 2019, including the 20,000 U.S. advanced degree exemption known as the “master’s cap.” Every year since 2014, the cap has been reached during the first week of April.
Once again, a lottery will be conducted and cases that are…
New USCIS Guidance Clarifies Requirements for H-1B Petitions Involving Third-Party Worksites
By Otieno B. Ombok on
Further to President Donald Trump’s Buy American and Hire American executive order, which directs the DHS to protect the interests of U.S. workers and make sure that there is no fraud, abuse, or circumvention of the laws, USCIS has issued a new policy memorandum, “Contracts and Itineraries Requirements for H-1B Petitions Involving Third-Party Worksites.”
The…
USCIS Suspends Premium Processing Service for Cap-Subject H-1B Cases
By Forrest G. Read IV on
USCIS has once again announced the temporary suspension of the Premium Processing service for all cap-subject H-1B cases, including “Master’s Cap” cases.
The suspension is expected to last until September 10, 2018, but USCIS will notify the public before lifting the suspension. Unlike last year, at least for now, USCIS will continue to accept premium…
‘I-Squared’ Bill Would Change H-1B and Other Immigration Programs
By William J. Manning on
While the Administration and Congress work to reconcile the needs of DACA recipients with concerns over border security and illegal immigration, Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) have introduced a bill to reform immigration programs for high-skilled workers. If the bill passes, it would go a long way to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in…
Time to Prepare for the 2018 H-1B Lottery
By Jackson Lewis P.C. on
Posted in H-1B, Temporary (Non-immigrant) Work Visas
For immigration attorneys and employers of foreign nationals alike, the frenzy of the spring H-1B Cap season is right around the corner. Now is the time to start preparations for the April filing deadline.
Each year, 85,000 new H-1B work visas become available for high-skilled workers seeking employment in an “H-1B specialty occupation.” Many more…
Government Not Ending H-1B Extensions, USCIS Says
By Amy L. Peck on
Reports about the possible elimination of AC-21 extensions (for H-1B workers awaiting green cards) are now being denied by the government. The USCIS is attempting to quell fears caused by rumors that the Administration would eliminate H extensions beyond the six-year limit for certain individuals unable to file the last step in permanent residency, adjustment…
U.S. Expected To Add Restrictions on Visas in New Year
By Forrest G. Read IV on
Uncertainty regarding employment-related immigration regulations has not ebbed with the arrival of the New Year.
Employers may be losing employees to the possible elimination of H-4 EADs and STEM extensions. Major changes in the H-1B cap process, including pre-registration and new eligibility standards, also are said to be on the horizon. The Trump Administration …
Department of Homeland Security to Tighten H-1B and Other Regulations
By Forrest G. Read IV on
The Trump Administration’s Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions for the DHS contains close to 60 items.
Published in the spring and fall, the Unified Agenda gives information about regulations that are under development. The latest iteration represents President Donald Trump’s promise to amend and eliminate “regulations that are ineffective, duplicative, and…
House Bill to Add Obligations for Employers Dependent on H-1B Visas Moves Forward
By Forrest G. Read IV on
Posted in H-1B, Legislation
A bi-partisan House panel has approved the “Protect and Grow American Jobs Act,” a bill that would change eligibility requirements for exemption from the standard Labor Condition Application (LCA) requirement for H-1B-dependent employers. This is the first step in making it to the floor of Congress for a vote.
Employers who depend on the H-1B…