Employers who seek to hire an H-1B nonimmigrant in a specialty occupation must first make a filing with the Department of Labor (DOL) and obtain a Labor Condition Application (LCA). The LCA, among other things, must specify the number of workers sought, the occupational classification in which...
Category: H-1B Visa
Trump Calls H-1B Visa Program ‘Great’ Amid MAGA Debate on Skilled Immigration
President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong support for the H-1B visa program, describing it as "great" and acknowledging its importance for U.S. businesses. This comes amidst a heated MAGA debate over the program, which allows employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers.
Allies like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy...
The Biggest Changes Under the New H-1B Modernization Rules
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently finalized updates to the H-1B visa program, marking some of the most significant changes in years. These changes, effective January 17, 2025, aim to address longstanding issues such as fraud prevention, process inefficiencies, and regulatory clarity for employers and foreign workers. Below, we break...
ABC’s OF H-1Bs (THIS IS PART 1 OF AN 7 PART SERIES) H-1B FILING SEASON GETS INTO FULL-SWING FOR H-1B EMPLOYERS AND PROSPECTIVE H-1B EMPLOYEES.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, to first electronically register and pay the associated $215.00 H-1B registration fee before filing a petition. USCIS will open an initial registration period for a minimum of 14 calendar days...
DHS Final Rule Modernizes H-1B Program: Flexibility, Efficiency, and Integrity Enhanced
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a final rule that modernizes the H-1B visa program, effective January 17, 2025. The changes aim to streamline the approval process, enhance flexibility for employers and workers, and bolster the integrity of the program through improved oversight.
What is...
Immigration Lessons from Hollywood: What “The Proposal” Teaches Employers
Romantic comedies often take creative liberties, but beneath the humor and drama, movies like The Proposal highlight real-life challenges of immigration compliance. In the film, Margaret Tate, a Canadian executive played by Sandra Bullock, faces deportation and orchestrates a fake engagement with her assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), to maintain her U.S. residency. While the...
Navigating Immigration Challenges in Higher Education: Preparing for the Future
Immigration remains a critical issue in the United States, particularly within the realm of higher education. As colleges and universities strive to attract and retain top talent from around the world, the landscape of immigration laws and policies plays an essential role in shaping their ability to do so. With the upcoming...
Business Immigration Considerations for a Potential Second Trump Administration
With the possibility of former President Donald Trump's return to office, employers and international investors may need to prepare for shifts in U.S. immigration policies. Drawing from his prior term, campaign rhetoric, and recent policy trends, we can anticipate several impactful changes in the business immigration landscape. Below is an overview of...
Navigating Potential Changes in U.S. Immigration Policy Under Trump 2.0
As the possibility of a Trump 2.0 administration looms, speculation surrounds the significant shifts in immigration policies that may reshape the U.S. immigration landscape. Building upon the policies of his first term, a renewed Trump administration could emphasize stricter enforcement, heightened scrutiny, and reduced immigration levels. Below, we explore potential key changes...
USCIS Announces H-1B Cap Reached for FY 2025: Key Updates for Petitioners
USCIS has received enough petitions to reach the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B visa regular cap and the 20,000 H-1B visa U.S. advanced degree exemption, known as the master’s cap, for fiscal year (FY) 2025.
USCIS will send non-selection notices to registrants through their online accounts over the next few...