H1B, J1, F1, Visa News – 2024-03-20
Welcome to the weekly news summary related to green card self-petition. This news page tries to capture immigration news that is relevant to self-petition applicants. It tries to gather broad immigration topics that may be of interest to self-petition EB1A, and EB2-NIW applicants. Hope you enjoy the news. All news sources are acknowledged. If you need additional details follow the source link.
News Articles
- April 2024 Visa Bulletin Released by U.S. Department of State: Updates on Green Card Application Process
- Upcoming Changes to H-1B Visa Registration and Fee Structure Announced by USCIS
- What is the difference between EB1A and other employment-based green cards?
- Do I need a job offer to apply for an NIW?
- Changes to the H-1B Cap Season Application Process for Fiscal Year 2025 in the US
- Resumption of U.S. Visa Services and the Role of Boundless Legal in Immigration Law
- US Lawmakers Call for Changes to Green Card Policy at Tech Immigration Summit
- April 2024 Visa Bulletin Released by U.S. Department of State: Updates and Information for Green Card Applicants
- Errors Reported in US Immigration’s Advance Parole Documents: USCIS Issues Advisory
April 2024 Visa Bulletin Released by U.S. Department of State: Updates on Green Card Application Process
The U.S. Department of State has released its Visa Bulletin for April 2024, providing updates for those waiting for their green card applications to move forward. The bulletin contains both the “dates of filing”, which indicate when the next step in the process can begin, and the “final action dates”, which determine when the application can be adjudicated. The time difference between these two dates is approximately how long USCIS expects to take to process the applications. Boundless, a non-traditional law firm specializing in immigration law, provides a monthly update on the latest Visa Bulletin. It is not a traditional legal provider and is owned/managed by non-lawyers.
Date: 2024/03/13
Upcoming Changes to H-1B Visa Registration and Fee Structure Announced by USCIS
The registration period for H-1B visas, sought by foreign workers for specialty occupations in the US, will close on March 22, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). During this period, applicants and legal representatives must register and pay the fee electronically for each beneficiary through the USCIS online account. From April 1, visa fees will increase to $110 from $10, the first increase since 2016, and registration fees will rise from $10 to $215. The FY 2025 H-1B cap introduces a lottery system to ensure equal opportunities and reduce fraud. The USCIS will also require registrants to provide valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary from the FY 2025 initial registration period.
Date: 2024/03/20
What is the difference between EB1A and other employment-based green cards?
EB1A is an employment-based, first-preference Green Card category for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics. As someone with an advanced degree, this could be relevant to you if you have a significant achievement or recognition in your field. Unlike other employment-based green cards, EB1A does not require a job offer from a U.S. employer or a labor certification from the Department of Labor. This allows individuals to self-petition for their green card without an employer sponsor. The EB1A category also generally has a shorter waiting time compared to other employment-based categories, as it is not subject to annual per-country limits. However, the eligibility criteria for EB1A are more stringent, requiring evidence of sustained national or international acclaim and recognition in your field of expertise.
Date: 2024/03/20
Do I need a job offer to apply for an NIW?
No, you do not need a job offer to apply for an EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver). This is one of the key advantages of this category. The NIW bypasses the labor certification process, which usually requires a job offer from a U.S. employer. Instead, you can self-petition for an NIW if you can demonstrate that your work has substantial intrinsic merit, is national in scope, and serves the national interest to a substantially greater degree than would an available U.S. worker with the same minimum qualifications. For someone with an advanced degree, this is particularly beneficial as it allows you to leverage your specialized knowledge and skills in your field without being tied to a specific job offer or employer.
Date: 2024/03/20
Changes to the H-1B Cap Season Application Process for Fiscal Year 2025 in the US
The H-1B cap season has begun in the US, with registrations for fiscal year 2025 opening on March 6 and closing on March 22. The application process has undergone significant changes, including a shift to a more beneficiary-centric process in lieu of random selection, and a requirement for registrants to provide valid passport and travel document information. The H1B program allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as engineering, medicine, law, and others. There is an annual cap of 65,000 new visas each fiscal year. The registration fee remains $10, but a $215 increase is expected in March 2025.
Date: 2024/03/19
Resumption of U.S. Visa Services and the Role of Boundless Legal in Immigration Law
The coronavirus pandemic caused a suspension of U.S. visa services worldwide. However, as restrictions have eased, most U.S. embassies and consulates have resumed certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. Boundless, affiliated with Boundless Legal, is a non-traditional law firm authorized to offer certain legal services in the area of immigration law. They employ licensed attorneys, but their services and protections may differ from traditional law firms. Boundless is not affiliated with or endorsed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. They offer free immigration forms with written instructions on their website. They also offer a discount on applications referred by a friend.
Date: 2024/03/19
US Lawmakers Call for Changes to Green Card Policy at Tech Immigration Summit
At the recent ‘Tech Immigration Summit’ in the US, lawmakers from both major parties highlighted the need to address the backlog of Green Card applications, which is heavily affecting Indian professionals and H-1B visa issues. The summit, hosted by the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora (FIIDS), saw lawmakers advocating for the removal of the 7% country cap for issuing Green Cards to foreign guest workers in specialised categories. Without this change, the waiting period for Indian immigrants could exceed 20 years. Lawmakers argued that immigrants have significantly contributed to the growth of sectors like Silicon Valley and advocated for a rational immigration policy. They also stressed the importance of retaining skilled workers educated in the US, as sending them back post-education could lead to job offshoring.
Date: 2024/03/13
April 2024 Visa Bulletin Released by U.S. Department of State: Updates and Information for Green Card Applicants
The U.S. Department of State has released its Visa Bulletin for April 2024, providing crucial information for those waiting for their priority date to become current, enabling their green card applications to progress. The bulletin details the current backlog in various categories, allowing immigrants with a priority date on or before the projected date to begin the next step in their process. The bulletin also includes “final action dates” which determine when applications can be adjudicated. Boundless provides a monthly update on the Visa Bulletin, offering guides and resources, but it is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
Date: 2024/03/13
Errors Reported in US Immigration’s Advance Parole Documents: USCIS Issues Advisory
The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reportedly issued some Advance Parole documents with errors. The Advance Parole is a travel authorization document for certain applicants for adjustment of status (green card) or refugee/asylee status. Some of these documents have been issued indicating Temporary Protected Status (TPS), instead of the correct adjustment of status or refugee/asylee process designation. USCIS advises that the Advance Parole document received should be carefully reviewed and checked to ensure it is issued pursuant to the correct classification. Adjustment of status or refugee/asylee Advance Parole documents should not include a TPS parole designation.
Date: 2024/03/16
Disclaimer: The summarized content on this webpage is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and may not be applicable to specific situations or circumstances. Always consult the original source links for comprehensive information. This website assumes no liability for any errors.