Insight, News, and Strategy on Immigration Matters Around the World
With the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency in the United States, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has reinstated its preexisting policy regarding online classes.
Accordingly, for the 2023-24 academic year (starting fall 2023), students will have to comply with the SEVP’s pre-COVID-19 restrictions. Students will be able to complete the 2022-23 academic…
As of July 1, 2023, all private employers in Florida with 25 or more employees will be required to use E-Verify, the federal government’s database for verifying work authorization. Enforcement of this new E-Verify requirement will begin one year after enactment on July 1, 2024.
These employers also must:
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 has expanded premium processing for F-1 students to pending Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) applications based on Optional Practice Training (OPT) and STEM OPT. On April 3, 2023, the same will be extended to new EAD applications for OPT and STEM OPT. The cost for this premium processing will be $1,500 and the timeframe will…
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published instructions on how to apply for the extended and redesignated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia.
In February 2023, DHS extended and redesignated TPS for Somalia until September 17, 2024.
Applications for re-registration and employment authorization document (EAD) extensions should be made during the reregistration period: March…
Hong Kong activists living in the United States in Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status worried about whether their DED extended beyond the February 5, 2023, deadline. On January 26, 2023, by way of a memorandum, President Joe Biden extended and expanded eligibility for DED for certain Hong Kong residents for 24 months, until 2025.
In…
The H-1B cap season for Fiscal Year 2024 is fast approaching. USCIS announced on January 27th that cap registration begins on March 1st. Employers should assess their hiring needs and determine if they will sponsor foreign workers for H-1B classification this year. Now is the time to begin preparing.
The H-1B visa…
The Biden-Harris Administration has taken steps to enhance the ability of U.S. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) businesses to hire qualified foreign students and graduates as exchange visitors. Interested STEM businesses could become Host Organizations for J-1 Visa Exchange Visitors.
In a statement released by the White House, STEM talent is identified as “critical…
The Department of Homeland Security announced the redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and its extension from March 4, 2023, through Sept. 3, 2024.
Individuals who have not previously held Yemeni TPS will have to show that they have continuously resided in the United States since Dec. 29, 2022, to be eligible to…
Ethiopia has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months beginning on December 12, 2022 and extending until June 12, 2024. Only Ethiopians already residing in the United States as of October 20, 2022, who can also demonstrate continuous physical presence since December 12, 2022, will be eligible to register. Eligible applicants will…
