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.
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.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to file an application for the Diversity Visa Lottery! Applications for the 2022 Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program will be accepted online starting Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Applications must be submitted by noon EDT on Tuesday, November 10, 2022. There is no filing tee to apply.
On October 1, 2020, a California federal judge issued a ruling overturning the June 24, 2020 Executive Order blocking the issuance of new nonimmigrant employment visas. The judge ruled that President Donald Trump likely overstepped his authority when he issued the Executive Order under coronavirus-related restrictions. This is great news for foreign workers who work for U.S. employers in H-1B, L-1 and J-1 status. It relieves one obstacle to their ability to leave the U.S. and travel overseas.
On January 30, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of a Final Rule making changes to the H-1B program. As E&M Mayock predicted, this year’s H-1B cap season will be the same as in seasons past.
USCIS has published a policy memorandum clarifying the requirements for an L-1 Visa (“one-year foreign employment requirement”).
USCIS and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are extending the joint agency pilot program for Canadian citizens seeking L-1 nonimmigrant status under NAFTA.
