Important H-1B Update: FY 2024 H-1B Cap Petitions May Be Filed Starting April 1, 2023. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days, through June 30, 2023. Learn more.

Important H-1B Update: FY 2024 H-1B Cap Petitions May Be Filed Starting April 1, 2023. The period for filing the H-1B cap-subject petition will be at least 90 days, through June 30, 2023. Learn more.

San Francisco Immigration Law Blog

The Importance of the I-797 Form in H-1B Applications

If you are sponsoring a candidate for an H-1B visa, you need to understand the I-797 form. This form is sent to visa applicants by USCIS to notify the recipient about important updates to their applications. However, multiple types of I-797 forms can be sent depending on the circumstances. ‘ No matter where you are in the sponsorship process, these

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New H-1B and L-1 Bill Introduced in Senate

A new bill introduced to the Senate has the potential to completely overturn much of the H-1B and L-1 visa application processes. The bill, called the “H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act,” was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators to make it more difficult to acquire these visas and require employers to focus more heavily on recruiting U.S. employees. 

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Court Ruling Declares H-1B Spouses Permitted to Work in the U.S.

As of April 2nd, 2023, a federal ruling has confirmed that spouses of H-1B visa holders are authorized to work in the U.S. This ruling confirms the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation that first offered this authorization.  The ruling was issued in Save Jobs USA v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Advocacy group Save Jobs USA argued that the

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USCIS States H-1B Visa Cap for FY2024 Reached and Lottery Performed

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the agency has received sufficient electronic registrations to meet the cap on H-1B visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024. As such, it has performed a lottery to randomly select registrants who will be chosen to apply for these visas. Registrants may check the USCIS portal to determine if they have been

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Does USCIS Have a Policy Against Broad-Brush Requests for Evidence in H-1B Applications?

The registration period for the H-1B has ended, and the application period for chosen registrants is fast approaching. Now is the time to start considering one of the biggest hurdles many applicants face: Requests for Evidence, or RFEs. While many well-prepared applicants never receive an RFE, those who submit their applications without expert assistance may receive these requests and put

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What Is Cross-Chargeability for Green Cards?

Applying for a U.S. green card is a complex process, particularly for people from countries like China or India. Federal limits on the number of green cards issued each year and caps on per-country issuances can make it particularly difficult for people from countries with large populations to receive consideration.  However, the rules of chargeability and cross-chargeability may provide some

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How the H-1B Lottery Works for FY 2024

Registration for H-1B visas is open from March 1st through the 17th of this year. However, registering is just the first step in a much longer process. Before a registrant can begin the application process, they must be chosen in the annual H-1B lottery.  This lottery system is the most equitable way USCIS has found to manage the influx of

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USCIS Opens Registration for FY 2024 H-1B Visas

As of noon eastern time on March 1st, USCIS has officially opened the registration period for H-1B visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The registration period lasts through noon EST on March 17th, and late registrations will not be accepted unless the registration cap is not reached.  During the registration period, prospective applicants and their representatives can submit their information

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Suggestions for Employers Regarding New H-1B Regulations

The H-1B portability provision has now been in place for several years. USCIS has refined the portability process over this time, as have the expert immigration attorneys at Litwin & Smith. With the knowledge and experience we’ve gained regarding H-1B portability, we are returning to update this article to provide employers with our current suggestions for hiring H-1B employees already

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Leaked Memo Indicates Biden Administration Could Authorize Employment for Certain Visas

Last year, the White House released an announcement stating, “The Biden-Harris Administration believes that one of America’s greatest strengths is our ability to attract global talent to strengthen our economy and technological competitiveness.” This statement was made in connection with several systems intended to clarify the visa processes for STEM workers, and confirmed that the administration intends to continue making

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