H1B, J1, F1, Visa News – 2024-03-27
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
- USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Expedite Requests: New Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria Introduced
- Do I need a lawyer to apply for an EB1A green card?
- Importance of Accurate Birth Documents in U.S. Immigration Applications: Advice from Murthy Law Firm
- USCIS Extends H1B Visa Registration Period for 2025 Due to Technical Glitch
- Can I change jobs after receiving NIW approval?
- Changes to H-1B Visa Lottery System Aim to Ensure Fairness and Prevent Misuse
- US Announces Major Changes to H-1B Visa Process for 2025 to Enhance Integrity and Efficiency
- Changes in H-1B Visa Application Procedure for Fiscal Year 2025 in the US
- USCIS Issues Advance Paroles with Errors: Recipients Advised to Review Documents
USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Expedite Requests: New Guidelines and Eligibility Criteria Introduced
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy manual on March 21, 2024, providing further guidance on expedite requests. These requests, which are considered on a discretionary basis, are typically only considered for applications ineligible for premium processing service, or from nonprofit organizations. The criteria for expedite requests include urgent humanitarian reasons, compelling U.S. government interests, clear USCIS error, severe financial loss, or for nonprofit organizations seeking to further U.S. cultural or social interests. The update also allows U.S. federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local governmental entities to make expedite requests for urgent interests, including public interest, safety, national interest, or security. Expedite requests can also be made for travel documents in emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations. The USCIS typically won’t provide a reason if the request is denied.
Date: 2024/03/25
Do I need a lawyer to apply for an EB1A green card?
It is not mandatory to have a lawyer when applying for an EB-1A green card, you can apply on your own if you wish to do so. You can save lot of money doing on your own. However, it is important to understand that this approach requires some research and education on your part. Our DIY packets are designed to provide you with the guidance you need to complete the EB-1A application process on your own. However, if you are not comfortable navigating the application process for the EB-1A category on your own, or if you do not have the time to devote to the process, you may want to consider hiring an immigration attorney.
Date: 2024/03/27
Importance of Accurate Birth Documents in U.S. Immigration Applications: Advice from Murthy Law Firm
The Murthy Law Firm advises foreign nationals applying for U.S. immigration benefits to ensure their birth documents are accurate and consistent with secondary evidence. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires birth documents for several application types, including status adjustment and visa applications. These documents are used to establish key facts about the applicant’s identity. If there are errors on birth documents, they should be corrected before filing the application. If correction is not possible, inaccuracies can be explained through accompanying documents such as affidavits. Providing incorrect information can lead to long-term problems. If incorrect documents have already been submitted, it’s advised to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the legal implications and minimize potential damage.
Date: 2024/03/21
USCIS Extends H1B Visa Registration Period for 2025 Due to Technical Glitch
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the initial registration period for H1B Visas for the fiscal year 2025 by three days due to a technical glitch that prevented users from completing their application process. Some users were unable to complete the H1B Visa registration process, with reports indicating that signatures went missing on form G28, which allows applicants to designate an attorney or representative for their immigration-related applications and appeals. The registration period, initially set to close on March 22, will now remain open until noon Eastern on 25th March.
Date: 2024/03/23
Can I change jobs after receiving NIW approval?
Yes, you can change jobs after receiving NIW approval, but there are certain conditions that must be met. The new job must be in the same or similar occupational classification as the job for which the national interest waiver was granted. This is to ensure that the original basis for the waiver, which was that your work is in the national interest of the United States, is still valid. Also, if you change jobs before receiving your green card, you must demonstrate that you will continue to serve the national interest in your new position. For someone with an advanced degree, this could mean continuing to work in a field that utilizes your specific skills and knowledge, and contributes significantly to the national interest. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney before making any job changes to ensure you’re in compliance with these requirements.
Date: 2024/03/27
Changes to H-1B Visa Lottery System Aim to Ensure Fairness and Prevent Misuse
US employers often use the H-1B visa lottery to secure work authorization for foreign employees in fields requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. These employees primarily work in STEM fields. Due to a cap imposed by Congress, the demand for H-1B visas often exceeds the available quota. To address this, employers must complete an online registration process for each foreign worker. If registrations exceed the quota, a lottery is conducted to determine who can file H-1B petitions. Previously, workers with multiple registrations had a higher chance of selection, but now each worker will be entered into the lottery once, giving everyone an equal chance. These changes aim to prevent misuse of the system and give workers more freedom in choosing job offers.
Date: 2024/03/22
US Announces Major Changes to H-1B Visa Process for 2025 to Enhance Integrity and Efficiency
The US has announced significant changes to its H-1B visa process for 2025, aiming to streamline the process and enhance integrity. The H-1B visa program allows US companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills. The registration process includes determining the account type, creating a USCIS online account, and following key considerations to avoid mistakes during registration. The registration fee is $10 per submission. Registration for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap is open until March 6, 2024. The changes aim to ensure accurate and timely submissions by applicants.
Date: 2024/03/21
Changes in H-1B Visa Application Procedure for Fiscal Year 2025 in the US
The H-1B cap season for fiscal year 2025 is ongoing in the US, with significant changes in the application procedure. The H-1B programme allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialized fields. The Biden administration has introduced a modernized H-1B lottery registration system, with a more beneficiary-centric approach. The new process requires valid passport and travel document information and limits each employee to being chosen only once in each lottery. To start the process, employers must create an online US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) account. Paper forms are still accepted but cannot be linked to an online account. The new process aims to streamline the application procedure while ensuring fairness and efficiency.
Date: 2024/03/20
USCIS Issues Advance Paroles with Errors: Recipients Advised to Review Documents
The U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently issued some Advance Paroles with errors. The Advance Parole is a travel authorization document that allows certain applicants for adjustment of status (green card) or refugee/asylee status to return to the U.S. Some of these documents have incorrectly indicated Temporary Protected Status (TPS), instead of the correct adjustment of status or refugee/asylee process designation. The TPS parole is only granted to an individual who is recognized in temporary protected status. Recipients are advised to carefully review their Advance Parole documents to ensure they are issued under the correct classification.
Date: 2024/03/20
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