Dear Readers,

USCIS has published additional online resources on uscis.gov to provide noncitizen entrepreneurs with an overview of the available temporary and permanent pathways for working in the United States. The guide highlights important immigration-related considerations for entrepreneurs contemplating starting or managing a business in the United States.

USCIS has also issued policy guidance to provide mobile biometrics services and reduce barriers for benefit requestors who cannot attend appointments at Application Support Centers. USCIS continues to accept paper versions of all forms by mail.

Additionally, premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions is now available to those with a pending Form I-765 who wish to request an upgrade. USCIS is accepting Form I-907 requests for these categories online or via paper form. The expansion of premium processing is part of USCIS' efforts to increase efficiency and reduce burdens to the immigration system.

Don't forget, employers! The registration period for the FY 2024 H-1B cap lottery closes on March 17th, 2023, before noon. A $10 fee per registration is required, and selection notifications will be sent by March 31st. Act fast and register now to avoid missing the deadline.

Please feel free to contact the immigration lawyers us at NPZ Law Group by e-mailing us at info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 (extensions 104 or 204). At VISASERVE - NPZ Law Group, our US and Canadian immigration and nationality lawyers are eager to assist you, your friends, colleagues, and family members with any complex immigration and nationality law matters. We pride ourselves on providing rapid and personalized service to our clients.

EXPLORING WORK VISA OPTIONS BEYOND THE H-1B CAP: WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CASE WASN'T CHOSEN IN THE LOTTERY (PART 7).

Last year USCIS received approximately 483,927 H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2023. With uncertainty looming large as to who may or may not obtain an H-1B in the 2024 H-1B Fiscal Year Lottery, it is time that prospective H-1B visa beneficiary start exploring other work visa options that may allow them to work and live in the United States on a temporary basis.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS ISSUES CLARIFYING GUIDANCE ON O-1B VISA ELIGIBILITY FOR EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY IN ARTS AND MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has released new policy guidance on the O-1B visa, which is designed for individuals with exceptional talent in the arts, motion picture or television industries. The guidance includes a list of evidence that can be used to satisfy the visa requirements and provides clarity to adjudicators. The aim is to ensure consistent decisions and improve the efficiency of the application process. The guidance is effective immediately and replaces any previous guidance on the topic.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS EXPANDS PREMIUM PROCESSING FOR F-1 STUDENTS SEEKING OPT AND STEM OPT EXTENSIONS.

USCIS now offers premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT extensions with a pending Form I-765. The online Form I-907 request will be accepted from March 6th for some categories and from April 3rd for all categories filed together with Form I-765. USCIS aims to increase efficiency and reduce burdens by expanding its online filing system for 16 forms.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS UPDATES POLICY ON ON-SITE INSPECTIONS FOR RELIGIOUS WORKER PETITIONS.

USCIS has updated its policy on on-site inspections for special immigrant and nonimmigrant religious worker petitions. Random on-site inspections will add value and program efficiencies to the overall process and help ensure program integrity. USCIS may conduct "for cause" inspections at any time in cases where there is suspected non-compliance or fraud. The Policy Manual has been updated to reflect this change.

To read more, please click here . . .

NEW GUIDELINES FOR F AND M STUDENT VISAS ALLOW EARLIER APPLICATION AND MORE FLEXIBILITY.

The U.S. Department of State has made changes to the guidelines for F and M student visas. Students can now apply up to a year in advance, instead of the previous limit of 120 days. The Form I-20 will also be issued 12 to 14 months in advance. Applicants must follow specific steps, including gaining acceptance into a qualifying school, enrolling in the SEVIS system, and completing the DS-160 form. In-person visa interviews may be required, and students must adhere to proper guidelines for a smooth process.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS ISSUES GUIDANCE ON INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR PAROLE PROGRAM.

The USCIS has issued new guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule, which aims to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in the US by allowing noncitizen entrepreneurs to stay in the country for a period of authorized stay. The USCIS Policy Manual outlines criteria, evidence and documentation requirements, and options for family members to join the entrepreneur as parolees with work authorization. Check out Part G of Volume 3 for more information.

To read more, please click here . . .

NEW USCIS RESOURCES PROVIDE GUIDANCE FOR NONCITIZEN ENTREPRENEURS TO WORK IN THE US.

Exciting news for noncitizen entrepreneurs! The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has just released new online resources on their website. These pages provide a comprehensive guide to the temporary and permanent pathways available for noncitizen entrepreneurs to work in the United States.

To read more, please click here . . .

NEW AND POTENTIAL CHANGES IMPACTING I-9 COMPLIANCE: WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW.

Stay up to date with the latest I-9 compliance changes to avoid costly fines and government inspections. USCIS's approach is rapidly evolving, with a new, revised version of Form I-9 expected this year, proposed alternatives for remote employee verification, and increased fines and penalties for errors. Self-audits and expert guidance can help navigate this complex area successfully.

To read more, please click here . . .

DOS VISA BULLETIN UPDATE: VISA BULLETIN FOR MARCH 2023 - IF YOUR "PRIORITY DATE" IS CURRENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW?

The latest visa bulletin shows little movement in most employment-based categories.

The EB-1 category remains current for all countries of chargeability, while the EB-2 category has seen no movement, and high demand may lead to corrective action. The EB-3 category is also unchanged, though the DOS warns of potential cutoff dates due to increased demand. EB-4 cutoff dates have retrogressed for many countries, while EB-5 cutoff dates have seen some movement, with India experiencing further retrogression.

For the two charts listing the dates for each visa preference category and country of chargeability, please click here . . .

The foreign nationals who are in Canada as visitors and who receive a valid job offer will continue to be able to apply for and receive a work permit without having to leave the country. Visitors applying under this public policy who held a work permit within the last 12 months will also continue to be able to request interim work authorization to begin working for their new employer more quickly.

To read more, please click here . . .

INSIGHT WITH ASHOK VYAS: EXPLORING H-1B VISA LOTTERY SYSTEM.

Join attorneys David Nachman and Ludka Zimovcak on "Insight with Ashok Vyas" as they dive into the complexities of the H-1B visa lottery system. Gain valuable insights on navigating the legal landscape of H-1B visas and how it affects individuals and businesses. Don't miss this informative episode!

US IMMIGRATION: IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING CONTACT WITH NATIONAL VISA CENTER. (AUDIO).

In this informative podcast, Samantha Oberstein, Esq., of NPZ Law Group explains the crucial steps to maintain contact with the National Visa Center after an immigrant petition is approved. Don't miss out on her expert tips for avoiding the termination of your petition and losing your fees. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone navigating the US and Canadian immigration process.