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News & EventsLatest Information Regarding Work Authorization for H-4 Visa Holders
Dependents of H-1B visa holders (individuals working in a specialty occupation) are currently eligible for H-4 status, but unable to obtain work authorization from USCIS. However, USCIS is currently completing work to finalize a new regulation that would allow H-4...
Interview with Consular Chief, Ian Hopper, U.S. Embassy Amman Jordan
MEETING WITH CONSULAR SECTION By Heidi Son, Esq. US Embassy, Amman Jordan November 2014 Having just recently moved to Amman Jordan less than three months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing the Consular Chief of the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, Ian...
Update on USCIS Processing Times
We would like to update our clients on current processing times for the various USCIS processing centers. California Service Center Processing Time Report (1/20/15) H-1B: 2 months L: 1 month TN: 2 months Nebraska Service Center Processing Time Report (1/20/15) I-140...
DOL Agrees to Review PERM Regulations
The Department of Labor (DOL) will be reviewing PERM program regulations since it’s launch 10 years ago. Currently, PERM applications must be perfect prior to submission pursuant to recent case law. For example, a case where the employer’s attorney listed the wage as...
Potential changes in definition of specialized knowledge in the L-1b category
An L-1B visa (a type of nonimmigrant visa) may be issued to an alien employee of a multinational company, to allow the employee to transfer from the company abroad to an affiliate company in the United States, if the employee works "in a capacity that . . . involves...
What Entrepreneurs Need to Consider When Hiring a Foreign Worker who needs U.S. Permanent Residence (“greencard”) Sponsorship
As an entrepreneur, one of the key factors to consider is how to get the right people on board to help you grow your business. Say you just received your second round of financing for your start up that is going to make the world a better place, but in order to...
Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision is a Major Setback to Principles of Family Reunification
June 17, 2014 In Scialabba v. Cuellar de Osorio, a divided Supreme Court ruled last week that young immigrants who were included in their parents’ visa petition, but “aged out” – that is, turned 21 – before their visas became current, would not be able to retain the...
The Latest News on E-Verify
What is E-Verify? E-Verify is a free service provided by the U.S government for designated agents and employers to access U.S. employment-eligibility records via the Internet. E-Verify evolved in 2006 from the Basic Pilot Program established by the Social Security...
Recent U.S. Supreme Court decision is a major setback to principles of family reunification
In Scialabba v. Cuellar de Osorio, a divided Supreme Court ruled last week that young immigrants who were included in their parents’ visa petition, but “aged out” – that is, turned 21 – before their visas became current, would not be able to retain the original...
Visa Bulletin Retrogression for June 2014
The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for June 2014, and unfortunately, for some categories the priority dates have retrogressed. The Priority Date cut-off for Employment-Based Third Preference workers (except India and Philippines) is currently...