National Interest Waiver

Exceptional Minds, Exceptional Visas: Navigating the National Interest Waiver for Exceptionally Talented Professionals

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) provision, applicable to the second preference (EB-2) visa category, holds immense significance for professionals with advanced degrees and exceptional abilities. In this post, we explore…

Fairness in FY2025 H-1B Cap Registration
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USCIS Implements Fraud-Protection Measures to Ensure Fairness in FY2025 H-1B Cap Registration

In preparation for the FY2025 H-1B cap registration, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has introduced a final rule incorporating certain fraud-protection measures designed to ensure fairness in FY2025…

Department of State Announces Domestic H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program
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Department of State Announces Domestic H-1B Visa Renewal Pilot Program

The Department of State (DOS) has announced a pilot program for the renewal of eligible H-1B nonimmigrant visas issued by Mission Canada or Mission India from within the U.S.   In 2004, domestic renewal of non-diplomatic nonimmigrant visas was…

Form I-9
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H-1B Cap visa allocations met for fiscal year (FY) 2024

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that they have received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the congressionally mandated quotas for H-1B visas. Specifically, they have reached the regular cap of 65,000 H-1B visas and the master’s cap of 20,000 H-1B visas for individuals with advanced U.S. degrees for fiscal year 2024.

Major Employers Navigating Immigration-Related Legal Waters with the DOJ in 2023
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Major Employers Navigating Immigration-Related Legal Waters with the DOJ in 2023

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) took legal action against and reached settlements with several employers accused of creating unlawful barriers that hindered work-authorized foreign nationals from pursuing employment opportunities in the United States. Some of these employers were well-known companies, highlighting that even organizations with significant resources are not immune to unintentional or intentional involvement in immigration-related discrimination. One of these employers, SpaceX, has also presented a legal challenge that has the potential to reshape the landscape of the DOJ’s enforcement of immigration-related discrimination.