The White House is in the final stages of reviewing sweeping changes to the H-1B visa program, impacting tech companies and foreign workers alike. Key updates include a revised lottery system, stricter employer penalties for H-2A/H-2B visa programs, and clarified eligibility criteria. Learn about the potential impact of these significant changes.
A Department of Homeland Security official, Wilson Osorio, has been accused of promoting illegal immigration on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok, according to a new report by a conservative organization. Osorio, an associate counsel at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), allegedly posted videos encouraging illegal immigrants to enter the U.S., highlighting potential financial benefits and downplaying the risks involved. The report sparked outrage among Republicans, with Senator Mike Lee calling it a ‘severe breach of public trust’ and a reflection of the Biden administration’s immigration policies. DHS has declined to comment on the allegations.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H-2B visa cap for the first half of fiscal year 2025 has been reached. This means that new petitions for temporary non-agricultural workers starting employment before April 1, 2025, will be rejected. However, certain categories of H-2B petitions are exempt from the cap.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the automatic renewal period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) to 540 days, aiming to prevent work authorization gaps for noncitizens. This change, effective from April 8, 2024, impacts eligible noncitizens who submitted a renewal application on or after October 27, 2023.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its policy guidelines for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions, significantly impacting international students in the United States. These changes, including updated rules on online learning, grace periods, and eligibility criteria, offer both challenges and opportunities for F-1 visa holders seeking practical work experience after graduation. This article explores the key changes and their implications for international students.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a second lottery for the FY 2025 H-1B regular cap category. This lottery aims to fill the remaining spots in the FY 2025 allocation by selecting more unique beneficiaries from previously submitted registrations. The second lottery excludes beneficiaries under the master’s cap, as enough registrations were already selected for that category.
Amidst widespread layoffs, the US government has announced new guidelines to assist H-1B visa holders who have lost their jobs. These guidelines provide various pathways for individuals to extend their stay beyond the typical 60-day grace period.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued guidance for holders of certain nonimmigrant visas who have been laid off or fired, reminding them of their options to stay in the country. These options include filing for a change of nonimmigrant status, adjustment of status, or a “compelling circumstances” employment authorization document. The guidance also notes that individuals can extend their stay if they are the beneficiary of a nonfrivolous petition to change employers. This guidance comes amid a flurry of layoffs by some of the country’s largest employers, including Walmart, Google, Tesla, and Microsoft.
