April 2010 Newsletter
Kuck Immigration Partners LLC
1. ABIL Meets With USCIS, Proposes Immigration Reforms - ABIL said it believes that employment-based immigration reforms should encompass changes in both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa categories so that the U.S. becomes the most attractive global destination for highly skilled and essential workers.
2. USCIS To Accept FY 2011 H-1B Petitions Beginning April 1 - USCIS will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the FY 2011 cap on April 1, 2010.
3. USCIS Stops Allowing H-1B Filings With Uncertified LCAs - USCIS will not extend the period in which it temporarily accepted H-1B petitions filed with uncertified labor condition applications.
4. DHS Announces E-Verify Initiatives - The initiatives include a new agreement with the Department of Justice to streamline the adjudication process in cases of E-Verify misuse and discrimination.
5. Office of Foreign Labor Certification Releases Application for Temporary Employment Certification in Fillable PDF Format - The new format provides users with the option to save and reuse the information on the form for future applications.
6. DOS Proposes Increase in Passport Fees - A first-time U.S. passport book for adults (age 16 and over) will increase from $100 to $135.
7. DOS Provides Information on 'Frequently Misunderstood Points' - Topics include fluctuations in demand for visa numbers; per-country limits; and oversubscription.
8. DOL Updates Filing Locations for Certain Prevailing Wage and Labor Cert Programs - The Department of Labor announced a technical change to the filing location address for prevailing wage determination requests in the H-1B, H-1B1 (Chile/Singapore), H-1C, H-2B, E-3 (Australia), and permanent labor certification programs, as well as for prevailing wage determination requests for use in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
9. USCIS Changes Filing Location for Advance Parole Application - The change of filing location for the Application for Travel Document is part of an overall effort to transition the intake of some USCIS forms from local offices and Service Centers to USCIS Lockbox facilities.
10. DOS Eliminates Nonimmigrant Visa Reciprocity Fees for Mexicans, Updates Schedule - The Department of State has eliminated all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity fees for Mexican citizens and updated the reciprocity schedule; TN and TD visa validity is now limited to 12 months.
11. DOL Reopens H-2A Regulations E-Mailbox - The Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification has reopened its H-2A regulations e-mailbox for public inquiries.
12. DOL Implements Nursing Relief Act - This legislation allows certain health care facilities to file, and authorizes the Department to review, approve, and enforce, attestation applications to employ foreign workers as registered nurses in health professional shortage areas on a temporary basis under the H-1C visa.
13. USCIS Extends Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians - The sixth-month automatic extension of existing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will permit eligible Liberians to continue working while they file their applications for new EADs that will cover the full 12 months of the DED extension.
14. DHS Adds Greece to VWP – Greek nationals can travel under the VWP beginning April 5, 2010.
15. USCIS Releases TPS Application Tips – USCIS provided information and tips about common mistakes in temporary protected status applications.
16. USCIS Reminds Chilean Nationals of Available Benefits – In light of the recent natural catastrophes in Chile, USCIS reminded Chileans of U.S. immigration benefits available to eligible Chilean nationals upon request.
17. USCIS Releases Guidance on Adjudicating P-2 Petitions – In particular, the memo amends previous policy guidance stating that the Service Centers must contact USCIS Headquarters before adjudicating reciprocal exchange agreements that have not been approved previously.
18. USCIS Releases Q&A on Northern Marianas Employment Authorization, Verification – The Q&A addresses employment authorization and verification under federal immigration law, particularly with respect to "umbrella permits."
19. Congress Opens H-1B Program to 'All Smart Educated People' Worldwide – The legislation, titled the "April Fool's H-1B Act of 2010," is expected to be signed immediately by President Obama now that he is done with health care reform and other distractions.
20. ABIL Global: Temporary Foreign Workers - An Important Source of Labor Supply in Canada – Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program enables Canadian employers to hire eligible foreign nationals to work for them in Canada for a specified duration, provided they can demonstrate that the employers cannot find a suitable Canadian/permanent resident to do the job and that the entry of the foreign national will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market.
Also in this issue:
Publications and Items of Interest
Disclaimer/Reminder
This e-mail does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only. The information provided should never replace informed counsel when specific immigration-related guidance is needed.
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