On May 3, 2021, USCIS announced its intention to suspend the collection of biometrics for applications submitted by the dependents of nonimmigrant workers in the H-4, L-2, and E-1, E-2, and E-3 categories effective 5/17/21.
F-1 foreign students can now file applications for optional practical training (OPT) employment authorization online.
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that Presidential Proclamation 10052, which suspended the entry of certain nonimmigrants, expired on March 31, 2021. Visa issuance may resume for applicants in H-1B, H-2B, J, and L visa categories. The expiration of this Presidential Proclamation marks the end of the bans on visa issuance for both immigrant (green cards) visas and nonimmigrant (temporary) visas.
Good news for travelers from Europe's Schengen area, the United Kingdom and Ireland. On Tuesday, March 2, 2021, President Biden carved out an exception to COVID-19 travel restrictions for those whose work supports “critical infrastructure.”
Speedy E-3 adjudications now available through premium processing. Starting Feb. 24, 2021, employers filing to requesting E-3 Professional status for a new employee or an extension of E-3 status for an existing employee will have the option to request premium processing service for their petition.
On April 22, 2020, President Trump signed a proclamation refusing entry to foreign nationals seeking to enter the U.S. as immigrants after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 23, 2020. The ban lasts for an initial period of 60 days. Given the fact that all U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not currently open to the public for visa interviews, it is difficult to imagine that this proclamation has any real immediate effect. Anyone who could get an immigrant visa has already gotten an immigrant visa. Therefore, this proclamation essentially extends the status quo for at least 60 days.
There is much uncertainty surrounding the announcement by President Donald Trump that he will sign an executive order temporarily suspending all U.S. immigration in light of the coronavirus pandemic. As the president has not signed the executive order, all information available is speculation.
It’s hard to believe, but it has almost been 30 days since the country first began sheltering in place. Unfortunately, there are a few H-1B / E-3 posting requirements that are triggered when employees are moved to locations not listed as work sites on their H-1B / E-3 applications.
This blog post is intended to provide a source of COVID-19 information provided by agencies and organizations. International travel issues and impediments are arising rapidly. These resources are updated internally by the hosts and reflect the most recent and reliable information available to the public.
On April 1, 2020, USCIS announced the opening of the 90 day window for filing H-1B cap petitions. Registrants selected in the Pre-Registration lottery may now file full petitions. This announcement was met with discouragement by many immigration attorneys whose registrations were erroneously denied as “duplicate” registrations.
