The Department of Homeland Security set out the specifics about the upcoming new premium processing benefits in the Federal Register on March 30, 2022. The details, however, did not include any specific implementation dates, which it said depends on when the revenues exist to cover potential costs.
J-1 Trainees
DHS on New Premium Processing
Policy Changes Aim to Expand Opportunities for Foreign STEM Graduates, Others
Recognizing the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) graduates to the U.S. economy, the Biden Administration has made three policy changes that expand eligibility.
The changes are as follows:
- Adding 22 new degree fields to the STEM list so that more F-1 graduates can qualify for three years, instead of one year,
…
Five U.S. Immigration Law Trends to Watch in 2022
By Otieno B. Ombok on
Posted in Biden Administration, Compliance and Enforcement, Congress, COVID-19, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), E-1 / E-2, EADs, EB-2, I-9 and E-Verify, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), J-1 Trainees, L-1A / L-1B, L-2, Legislation, O-1, Students / CPT / OPT / STEM, US Immigration, USCIS
A series of significant developments in U.S. immigration law has already marked the beginning of 2022 and more can be expected. Please see our Legal Update for what to anticipate as the year progresses.
What Happens to the Immigration Agencies When the Government Shuts Down?
The country dodged a government shutdown at the end of September, but we may be faced with the same problem on December 3, 2021, when Congress will again have to fund the government. Because we often come close to a shutdown (and sometimes shutdowns happen), it is important to remember how a shutdown affects the…
J-1 Visas and Summer Workers
By Sarah P. Caze on
As several cities are allowing businesses to resume their operations to pre-pandemic levels, many employees are being called back to on-site work. Thankfully, schools have been welcoming children for in-person learning for several months now, and parents are hoping to send them to summer camps. Approximately 26 million American children attend summer camps in a…
Temporary Suspension of Entry Ends for Certain H, L, J Visa Categories
By John E. Exner, IV on
The restrictions on the issuance of H-1B, L-1, and J-1 nonimmigrant “guest-worker” visas, which have been in place since June 24, 2020, expired without fanfare on March 31, 2021. As a result, U.S. consulates around the world will resume issuing H-1B, L-1, and J-1 visas without the need for an additional national interest exception…
New COVID-19 Travel Restrictions for United Kingdom, Ireland, Schengen Area
When President Joe Biden revoked the immigrant visa ban, but not the nonimmigrant visa ban or 14-day travel restrictions, it seemed there might be problems ahead. New restrictions on National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the 14-day travel restrictions for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Schengen Area have been issued, and many individuals currently in…
Biden Revokes Immigrant Visa Ban
President Joe Biden has revoked the immigrant visa ban because he believes it did not advance the interests of the United States, but instead harmed United States industries, families, and diversity immigrant visa lottery winners.
The ban was put in place by former President Donald Trump in April 2020 on the stated ground that…
Update: Snapshot of Nonimmigrant Visa Bans and Travel Restrictions
On December 31, 2020, just as it was about to expire, President Donald Trump extended the ban on immigrant and nonimmigrant visas until March 31, 2021. Initiated in April and June 2020, the bans were intended to block immigrants and nonimmigrants (with H, L and J visas) from coming to the United States due…
Judge Strikes Down Administration Rules Restricting Employers’ Use of Visas
On December 1, Judge Jeffrey S. White granted the plaintiffs’ request to set aside two separate rules issued by the Trump Administration that would have drastically undermined the ability of employers to utilize both the H-1B and PERM visa programs. In Chamber of Commerce of the United States v. United States Department of Homeland Security,…