What Happens To Immigration Filings When The Government Shuts Down?
In the event that the Federal Government shuts down at midnight tonight should the federal spending bill not be passed, we anticipate that most age
The End of National Interest Exception Waivers?
The Biden Administration announced yesterday that the United States would ease entry bans on foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, it is not clear from the announcement…
USCIS Conducts Second Round Of Random Selections for FY 2022 H-1B Cap
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that they have “determined that we needed to select additional registrations to reach the FY 2022 numerical allocations. On July 28, we selected…
State Department Extends Validity of National Interest Exceptions Subject to COVID-19 Travel Ban
On June 29, 2021, the State Department announced that it would extend the validity of previously approved National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) for travelers from certain countries, subject to restrictions. Under…
Biden administration restricts travel from India to the US amid COVID crisis
On April 30th, 2021 the Whitehouse issued A Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting Coronavirus Disease 2019 which,…
Remaining in the U.S. After Residency or Fellowship Training: Exploring the Basics for Physicians with J-1 or H-1B Visa Status.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa typically includes a requirement that the IMG return to their home country upon conclusion of their U.S. medical training. There are, however circumstances where a waiver of this requirement may be obtained, including through their work in a so-called qualified position or “J-1 Waiver job”. IMGs working in the U.S. on J-1 visas vs. other non-immigrant visas, has increased from roughly 50% to 80% over the past several years, thus, the competition for J-1 waiver jobs has intensified. IMGs on J-1 visas who wish to pursue careers in the U.S. after their residency or fellowship ends must either find employment which qualifies them for a waiver of the 2 year home residency requirement or qualify for a waiver due to hardship or persecution.
Foreign Employees and Summer Vacation Plans
With the upcoming end of the school year, and the beginning of the summer vacation season, many foreign national employees are seeking to travel to their home countries, perhaps for…
Travelling Outside the U.S. During Your J-1 Program
A frequent question we receive (and a frequent issue that arises when travel occurs without notifying us and/or your program sponsor) is: “Can a J-1 Exchange Student (and J-2 dependents,…
DHS extends deferral of Form I-9 physical presence requirement through May 31, 2021
On March 19, 2020, DHS announced a new policy which deferred the requirement for employers to review original documents presented by employees to prove their identity and authorization to work in the…