On April 12, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that F-1 Students seeking optional practical training (OPT) can now file Form I-765 online. Form I-765 is an application for employment authorization. However, to file online, they must be filed under one of these categories: (c)(3)(A) - Pre-Completion OPT; (c)(3)(B) - Post-Completion OPT; and (c)(3)(C) - 24-Month Extension of OPT Read More
The Immigrant Visa Backlog
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all aspects of life. So why would immigration law be different? It is not. In fact, the pandemic has caused a significant immigrant visa backlog. This backlog has caused much confusion and frustration for many people here and around the world. To address the confusion and frustration, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has turned to social Read More
Good News for Green Card Applicants
The Biden administration stopped enforcing certain “public charge” green card restrictions. The Trump administration put these restrictions in place. What is Public Charge? Public charge made its introduction into American law in the 1880s. This is when the government started with immigration regulations. Today, the term is used as a ground of inadmissibility. Grounds of inadmissibility are reasons that a person Read More
FY 2022 H-1B Registration Period Opens on March 9
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2022 H-1B cap will open on March 9 and end on March 25. Please note that noon EST is the time on both the 9th and 25th. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives can fill out petitioner and beneficiary information and submit their registrations. The H-1B Program The H-1B Read More
How to Avoid Fines and Criminal Charges over the I-9 Form
What is the I-9 Form and Who Has to Complete it? The I-9 is a government form owned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. All employers must have all employees complete the I-9 once on the payroll. This form is mandatory for all employees, U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. One thing employers cannot do is pick and choose who completes the I-9. We have heard the following explanations for why Read More
3 Things Employers Need to Know about Hiring Foreign Students
Employers hiring foreign students, whether an undergraduate or graduate student, need to be aware of these three topic areas in order to comply with the law. 1. Optional Practical Training vs. Curricular Practical Training for Foreign College Students Foreign college students may obtain permission to work with either Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Only college Read More
Applying for a Green Card through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
Congratulations! A marriage is the start of an exciting journey for couples! Be sure to consider these aspects of the green card process if you plan to marry a U.S. citizen. Yes, you can get a green card through marriage. The Process The green card application process starts with the couple's physical residence. Does the couple already reside together in the United States? Or does one spouse reside in his or her Read More
Know Before You Go: The ABC’s of Travel
Travel can be confusing, whether an individual is coming in as a non-immigrant or as a green card holder. These three common questions and answers point non US citizen travelers in the right direction. A. What documents do visitors and immigrants to the United States need? Where and when do they obtain them? Temporary Visitors for Pleasure or Work: Passport issued by their home country. Visa, issued Read More
3 Alternatives to the H-1B Visa for US Employment
Looking to enter the US on a work visa without the lengthy process and the H-1B visa lottery? There are three visas that are significantly faster and easier to apply for, with no lottery that are excellent options for employers and employees alike. These programs are for citizens of Canada, Mexico, Australia, Chile and Singapore. E-3, Work Visa for Australians Australians may apply at the US Consulate in Read More
3 things to know now about H-1B visas and the recent changes
Concerned about the most recent changes to H-1B visas and announcements? Here are three things to know now. 1. Electronic Registration Requirement - Suspended Until 2020 USCIS announced that the "new electronic registration requirement requires petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap petitions, including those that may be eligible for the advanced degree exemption, to first electronically register with USCIS during Read More
