On January 20, 2025, a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy was signaled through a series of executive orders signed by President Trump, following the rescission of nearly 70 orders enacted by the Biden administration. These changes highlight a return to stricter immigration controls and enforcement measures. Below, we explore the potential...
DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador Through September 9, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador, effective from March 10, 2025, to September 9, 2026. The extension is in response to environmental conditions, including storms and geological events, that make it...
H-1B and H-2 Final Rules, and New Form I-129 Effective January 17, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will implement the H-1B and H-2 final rules along with a revised Form I-129 (edition date 01/17/25) starting January 17, 2025. The updated rules modernize the H-1B visa program by streamlining processes, increasing flexibility for employers, and enhancing oversight.
The H-2...
USCIS Updates Guidance on EB-2 National Interest Waiver Petitions
USCIS has updated its policy guidance for EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions, offering clearer standards for eligibility evaluations. The update explains criteria for advanced degree professionals and individuals with exceptional ability, detailing the relationship of their expertise to proposed endeavors. It also addresses the assessment of national importance for endeavors, and...
ABCs OF H-1Bs (THIS IS PART III OF AN VIII PART SERIES): WHAT H-1B EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LCA TO AVOID POTENTIAL DOL COMPLIANCE PITFALLS.
The H-1B visa program permits a United States employer (“employer”) to temporarily employ nonimmigrants to fill specialized jobs in the United States. The Immigration and Nationality Act (the “INA” or the “Act”) requires that an employer pay an H-1B worker the higher of the actual wage or the local prevailing wage, in...
Navigating the February 2025 Visa Bulletin: Insights and Predictions
The release of the February 2025 Visa Bulletin by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) reveals significant shifts across various visa categories, offering critical insights for applicants navigating the U.S. immigration process. Below, we break down the key updates and trends for this month's bulletin.
Canadian Immigration in 2025: Key Changes and Emerging Trends
As we enter 2025, Canada’s immigration policies are poised for transformation to address evolving domestic and global needs. From adjustments in immigration targets to new pilot programs and technological advancements, the landscape is rapidly shifting. Here's an overview of the key priorities and changes to watch for this year.
What Employers Need to Know About CBP Searches of Employee Devices at the Border
While cell phone and laptop searches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are uncommon, they are not impossible. Understanding the process and protocols in place can help businesses and employees prepare for these situations and respond appropriately.
How Likely Is a Search?The...
Game-Changing Updates to H-1B and EAD Rules Set to Reshape Immigration Policies
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued two critical final rules that promise to transform key aspects of the H-1B visa program and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). These updates, effective mid-January 2025, aim to modernize immigration pathways, enhance program integrity, and provide much-needed flexibility for employers and foreign workers alike.
H-1Bビザ申請シーズンが本格化 ～雇用とH-1Bビザ申請が可能な従業員向け～
H-1Bビザ申請シーズンが本格化し、米国市民権移民局（USCIS）は電子登録期間の開始準備を進めています。
H-1BビザCAP対象の申請を行う雇用者は、電子登録を行い、215ドルのH-1B登録料を支払う必要があります。
この登録期間は毎年少なくとも14日間開かれます。以下は知っておくべきポイントです。
登録プロセスの主要ステップ:
・申請者またはその代理人は、各受益者ごとに個別の登録を電子的に提出する必要があります。
・USCISはランダム選出を行い、数値制限に達するまで受益者を選びます。選ばれた者は2025年3月31日までに通知を受け取ります。
・有効な登録を持つ受益者のみがキャップ対象申請を進めることができます。
同じ受益者に対する重複登録は公平性を保つために却下されます。また、USCISの新しい受益者中心の選出プロセスにより、同一個人に対する複数登録が排除され、登録プロセスの整合性が強化されます。
年間の枠は65,000ですが、H-1B1ビザプログラムに基づき、チリとシンガポールに割り当てられるため、実際には毎年58,200ビザのみが利用可能です。さらに、米国の修士号保持者向けに20,000ビザが別途割り当てられます。
雇用者はH-1Bビザ候補者を事前に特定する必要があります。適切な準備には、労働条件申請（LCA）の提出と、2025年10月1日に開始されるUSCIS会計年度に向けた戦略の立案が含まれます。
オンライン登録期間は通常3月上旬に始まります。登録が終了すると、USCISは候補者を選出します。同一年度内に同じ従業員に対して複数登録を提出することは、正当な事業上の必要性がない限り避けてください。こうした必要性を証明できない場合、申請の却下や取り消しの可能性があります。
H-1Bビザの専門職種として適格であるには、提案された職務が以下の条件を満たす必要があります：
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