Certain foreign entrepreneurs have a new pathway available to enter the United States to develop a business concept through a start-up company. Entrepreneurs who will have a central and active role in a start-up company that has attracted private investment or government funding may benefit from the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) program. While complex and
Manufacturing Workforce Shortage: Strategies to Overcome the Skills Gap, H-1B Visa Shortage
By Jessica Feinstein on
Posted in E-1 / E-2, E-3, EADs, H-1B, Industry Specific, L-1A / L-1B, O-1, Students / CPT / OPT / STEM, TN / NAFTA, Uncategorized, US Immigration, USCIS
Years ago, people employed in manufacturing were seen as bit players in an industrial machine, but no longer. Many manufacturing jobs today require high-level STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills.
Despite encouraging U.S. students, veterans, and those in underrepresented communities to pursue careers in manufacturing, not enough prospective employees are available.
Manufacturers have their…
Visa Options for Foreign National Workers in the Life Sciences Industry
As demand for talent surges in the fast-growing life sciences industry, U.S. employers continue to face challenges in their search for immigration options to retain their high-skilled foreign workers. Please see our full publication here.
Increase in Nonimmigrant Visas Fees at Consulates Delayed to June 17, 2023
The Department of State has delayed the effective date of the increase in consular fees from May 30, 2023, to June 17, 2023 (to provide a 60-day delay after the final rule was received by Congress).
The most relevant fee increases remain:
| Visa Type | Current Fee | Revised Fee |
| Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas: B/1-B/2, F, M |
Florida to Require Employers to Use E-Verify
- Certify E-Verify participation on the
Nonimmigrant Visas Fees at Consulates to Increase May 30, 2023
On May 30, 2023, fees for nonimmigrant visas at all consulates abroad will increase. The increase can be avoided if the visa fee is paid on or after October 1, 2022, and before May 30, 2023, and an interview is scheduled within 365 days of payment. The interview need not take place during the 365…
USCIS: Substantial Increase in H-1B Registrations for FY 2024 May Indicate Potential Fraud
By John E. Exner, IV & Timothy Calica on
USCIS has announced that the total number of eligible registrations submitted for FY 2024 was 758,994 (up from 474,421 eligible registrations submitted for FY 2023). Of the 758,994 eligible registrations submitted, USCIS said it made 110,791 selections to fill the 85,000 available H-1B visa slots.
The significant increase in submitted registrations yielded a relatively low…
Elimination of Paper Documentation in Streamlined Entry Process Raises Issues for Foreign Nationals
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been implementing “Simplified Arrival” at all airports, seaports, and most ports of entry since early 2022. The purpose is to secure and streamline the entry process. But the elimination of paper documentation is raising issues for foreign nationals.
One outcome of Simplified Arrival implementation is that CBP no longer…
Alternatives to H-1B Visa: What to Think About
By Jessica K. Lang on
USCIS announced it has completed the annual H-1B selection process (“lottery”) for Fiscal Year 2024, with early reports indicating a record number of registrations submitted. Each year, it becomes increasingly difficult to obtain one of the 85,000 H-1B visas allotted under the congressionally mandated quota or “cap.” In light of the news, employers and foreign-national…
USCIS Issues Additional Guidance in Evaluation of O-1B (Extraordinary Ability) Nonimmigrant Visa Petitions
By Rajula Sati & Zachary Monjo on
USCIS shared updated guidance on how it will evaluate evidence for petitions seeking O-1B classification as individuals of Extraordinary Ability in the Arts or in the Motion Picture and Television Industry (MPTV).
The updated guidance, released on March 3, 2023, is found in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 4 O-1 Beneficiaries.…