The Trump Administration may be moving towards revamping the J-1 exchange visitor program in ways that could be detrimental to universities, research organizations, businesses, hospitals, healthcare, families, and students. J-1 nonimmigrant (temporary) visas are issued to: foreign students, scholars, researchers, postdocs, college work/study participants, medical students/residents/doctors, interns, trainees, au pairs, and more. As part of
Ian P. Band
FY2018 H-1B Lottery Held for 199,000 Petitions
The USCIS received 199,000 petitions for the FY-2018 H-1B visas that will become available on October 1, 2017. The lottery was held on April 11, 2017, for both the master’s cap cases (20,000 H-1B visas) and the regular cap cases (65,000 H-1B visas). The USCIS is in the process of sending receipt notices by regular…
FY2018 H-1B Cap Reached
Not surprisingly, the USCIS announced today that the FY2018 H-1B cap has been met. The USCIS will hold a lottery for the H-1B visas as early as next week. Those selected will receive receipt notices in the mail; those rejected will have their filings returned, along with the filing fee checks. We expect that the…
Trump Signs New Travel Ban Executive Order
President Trump signed today the long-awaited revised travel ban Executive Order entitled, “Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States”, effective 12:01 a.m, Eastern Standard Time on March 16, 2017. The list of affected countries includes Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen; Iraq was removed from the list. Key provisions are as follows:…
Continue Reading Trump Signs New Travel Ban Executive Order
Travel Ban Limbo
It’s been a week since the Ninth Circuit unanimously upheld the temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s Executive Order known as the “Travel Ban”. …
Continue Reading Travel Ban Limbo
USCIS Releases updated Handbook for Employers
The USCIS released its updated Handbook for Employers, which is available as a free download below. The Handbook is a great resource for human resources personnel involved in the I-9 identity/work eligibility/reverification process. Part Seven (FAQs) and Part Eight (acceptable documents) are especially helpful sections of the Handbook.
Continue Reading USCIS Releases updated Handbook for Employers
Travel Ban FAQs
The President’s Executive Order, commonly called the “travel ban”, has raised many questions. We answer the most frequently asked questions below, and will update them as additional information becomes available.
Continue Reading Travel Ban FAQs
Executive Order to Ban Muslims/Refugees is Imminent
A draft of President Trump’s Executive Order banning Muslims and Refugees has surfaced. While the final Order may be different, we expect most of what is in the draft to remain.
Continue Reading Executive Order to Ban Muslims/Refugees is Imminent
DHS Extends TPS for Somalia
DHS announced that it is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia who already hold TPS.
Continue Reading DHS Extends TPS for Somalia
DHS Extends TPS for Yemen
DHS announced that it is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Yemen who already hold TPS.
Continue Reading DHS Extends TPS for Yemen