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.
USCIS is now rolling out its H-1B Pre-Registration program for the 2021 lottery. USCIS will open registration during a 16-day period from Tuesday, March 9th until Thursday, March 25.
It’s official: Luck rules! The 2021 H-1B Visa Selection process will be random. USCIS Citizenship & Immigration Services will use the same innovative Pre-Registration procedure that was launched last year. E&M Mayock’s Pre-Registration Program includes a full consultation, wage analysis, LCA Labor Condition Application filing with the Dept of Labor and Pre-Registration filing with USCIS Citizenship & Immigration Services.
Get ready for H-1B Cap Season 2021 now. All 2021 H-1B Cap cases must complete a Pre-Registration process for inclusion. E&M Mayock’s Pre-Registration Program includes a full consultation, wage analysis, LCA Labor Condition Application filing with the Dept of Labor and Pre-Registration filing with USCIS Citizenship & Immigration Services.
When I think back on the immigration aspects of the year 2020, I am struck by the amount of time our firm had to regroup, revise and rethink normal ordinary immigration practices and procedures. In the year 2020, immigration lawyers scrambled to ascertain what forms were required, what supporting documents were required, where to file applications and what the fees were.
We are hopeful for substantive change for the better in immigration policies and procedures. Like you, I am wondering… now what happens?
