Tag: Immigration

Immigration

2024 Updates to Key Business Immigration Policies

Written by Deeba Fahami The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently implemented new final rules that have greatly impacted the business immigration landscape. Effective February 26, 2024, premium processing was adjusted to reflect inflationary increases from June 2021 through June 2023.[1] USCIS also introduced a new Fee Schedule, new fees, and other immigration changes which took effect on April 1, 2024.[2] Premium … Continue reading 2024 Updates to Key Business Immigration Policies

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Immigration

Major Changes Coming Soon To USCIS Fees

Written by Brian Fu and Frida P. Glucoft Major fee structure changes are coming into effect that will significantly affect individuals looking to live and work in the United States, as well as the companies looking to sponsor employees from other countries. We summarize the key changes to prepare new plans and budgets in anticipation of these changes. I. What are some key changes? On … Continue reading Major Changes Coming Soon To USCIS Fees

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Immigration

USCIS Releases More Information on Upcoming H-1B Cap Registration

Written by Frida P. Glucoft and Jason A. Farkas UPDATE: Following our client alert from January 30, 2024, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released more information and confirmed dates with respect to the upcoming H-1B Cap registration, along with several significant updates. At noon Eastern (9:00am Pacific) February 28, 2024, the USCIS will launch the new “organizational accounts” in its USCIS … Continue reading USCIS Releases More Information on Upcoming H-1B Cap Registration

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Immigration

USCIS to Begin Accepting Online Filings of Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Petitions

Written by Frida P. Glucoft and Jason A. Farkas On January 12, 2024, after years of anticipation, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced and unveiled long awaited enhancements to its existing online filing capabilities.  At long last, and for the first time, the USCIS will begin accepting online filings of employment-based nonimmigrant petitions. The catch (and there are several): rollout begins just … Continue reading USCIS to Begin Accepting Online Filings of Employment-Based Nonimmigrant Petitions

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Immigration, MSK Blog

Department of State Pilot Program – Limited Stateside H-1B Visa Renewal

Written by Brian Fu Between January 29, 2024 and April 1, 2024, the Department of State will relaunch a Stateside Visa Renewal Program for limited H-1B visa applicants to apply for a visa renewal within the United States instead of with a U.S. consular post abroad. Each week, 2,000 online application spots will be released, and the online portal will automatically lock once the limits … Continue reading Department of State Pilot Program – Limited Stateside H-1B Visa Renewal

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Immigration

US Adds Israel to Visa Waiver Program/ESTA

Written by David Rugendorf Through a September 27, 2023 joint announcement from the Departments of State and Homeland Security, the US government has added Israel to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), also commonly known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Citizens and nationals of Israel may soon travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a … Continue reading US Adds Israel to Visa Waiver Program/ESTA

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Immigration

REAL ID – Does one really need it?

Written by Brian Fu and Frida P. Glucoft What is the REAL ID Act, and when does it go into effect? The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for licenses and prevents federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet the set standards. Enforcement of the REAL ID Act begins May 7, 2025, at which point federal agencies, … Continue reading REAL ID – Does one really need it?

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Immigration

Update: DHS Announces New Alternative Procedure for E-Verify Employers and New Form I-9 Requirements

Written by Frida P. Glucoft and Lauren Hazday Today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule in the Federal Register that recognizes the end of temporary COVID-19 flexibilities for completion of Form I-9 for employment verification as of July 31, 2023. The rule also provides DHS with the authority to authorize optional alternatives for employers to examine Form I-9 support documentation. … Continue reading Update: DHS Announces New Alternative Procedure for E-Verify Employers and New Form I-9 Requirements

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Immigration

COVID-19 Temporary Flexibilities for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, Will End on July 31, 2023

Written by Frida P. Glucoft and Lauren Hazday Introduction: In March 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) introduced COVID-19 temporary flexibilities for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification that allowed employers operating remotely to verify employee identity and employment authorization documents virtually (e.g. fax, email or video). These measures have been extended several times, most recently in October 2022 through July 31, 2023. However, ICE … Continue reading COVID-19 Temporary Flexibilities for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, Will End on July 31, 2023

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Immigration, Labor & Employment

Florida to Require E-Verify for Employers With 25 or More Employees in the State

Written by Alina Charniauskaya-Mehta and Jason A. Farkas Beginning July 1, 2023, employers with 25 or more employees in Florida will be required to use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires, pursuant to Florida Senate Bill (SB) 1718, the new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 10. Independent contractors – as defined in federal laws or regulations – do not … Continue reading Florida to Require E-Verify for Employers With 25 or More Employees in the State

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