Important H-1B Update: Lottery applicants only have until March 17th to register for FY2024. Litwin & Smith offers competitive pricing for group registrations in addition to free 10 minute H-1B consults. Learn more.

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Important H-1B Update: Lottery applicants only have until March 17th to register for FY2024. Litwin & Smith offers competitive pricing for group registrations in addition to free 10 minute H-1B consults. Learn more.

Category: Employment Visas

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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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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USCIS Proposes Adjustments to Visa Application Fee Structure

In January, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a proposed rule that would significantly alter fee structures for many visa applications. The USCIS proposal is intended to cover the costs associated with these applications, as the agency is primarily funded through filing fees.  According to the announcement, USCIS thoroughly reviewed the costs associated with immigration and naturalization applications of

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USCIS Resolves Lawsuit Impacting H-1B and L-1 Visa Holders

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has settled a lawsuit that could ease burdens on H-1B and L-1 visa recipients and their families. The recent settlement of Edakunni v. Mayorkas could significantly reduce work authorization processing times for spouses of these visa beneficiaries. The case focused on the 2019 decision to “unbundle” the

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Hiring Laid-Off H1B Visa Holders

Significant layoffs in the technology industry have put pressure on many current H-1B visa holders who have just been let go. Employers who choose to fire a worker in the country on an H-1B visa release their sponsorship. As such, the employee’s visa no longer allows them to remain in the country until its original expiration date. Once they have

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Does the EB5 Visa Program Need A Tune-Up?

Congress created the EB5 visa program in 1990 as a tool to encourage foreign investments while giving immigrant investors the ability to attain lawful permanent residency and boosting the U.S. economy. However, critics say the program’s backlog discourages foreign investment. While the program’s aim to spur economic activity remains, the backlog – caused by increasing petition processing periods and the lack of

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Considerations when seeking an employment-based adjustment of status

EB backlogs have long wait times for applicants around the world. Applicants from India and China, in particular, may have been caught in a decades-long wait. While you’re waiting for your priority date to become current, it is important that you maintain nonimmigrant status. You may be considering an employment-based adjustment of status. Options The American Competitiveness in the 21st

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