Dear Reader:

In March 2023, USCIS undertook an initial random selection of electronic registrations for the FY 2024 H-1B cap, defining who could file cap-subject petitions from April 1 to June 30, 2023. Due to the need for more selections to fulfill the FY 2024 quota, USCIS conducted another random selection from previously submitted registrations over this past weekend. Successful registrants were notified and their myUSCIS accounts were updated with a selection notice detailing filing procedures. 

USCIS is introducing a revised Form I-9 on August 1, 2023, providing an option for E-Verify-enrolled employers to remotely verify identification and employment documents through a DHS-approved procedure. This modification follows the cessation of COVID-19 flexibilities, and stipulates live video interaction, document preservation, and E-Verify enrollment. The new mobile-friendly form merges Sections 1 and 2, reallocates others to distinct supplements, and includes a checkbox for remote examination. While the existing Form I-9 remains valid until October 31, 2023, the use of the updated form will become obligatory from November 1, 2023. 

USCIS has updated Form 9089 for I-140 petitions, requiring Appendix A (Foreign Worker Information), Appendix C (Additional Information), and Page 2 of the Final Determination Document (with Sections B and C completed). For National Interest Waiver petitions, no job offer or employer signature is needed, while for Schedule A petitions, an employer's signature on Section D is required. 

Please feel free to contact the immigration lawyers us at NPZ Law Group by e-mailing us at [email protected] 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.

ADDITIONAL FY 2024 H-1B CAP REGISTRATIONS: USCIS ANNOUNCES SECOND ROUND OF RANDOM SELECTION.

In March 2023, USCIS conducted an initial random selection of registrations for the FY 2024 H-1B cap. Those chosen were eligible to file cap-subject petitions from April 1 to June 30, 2023.

However, USCIS recently determined that additional registrations are needed to reach the FY 2024 numerical allocations. As such, they will conduct another round of random selections from previously submitted electronic registrations.

To read more, please click here . . .

FY 2024 H-1B CAP: SECOND RANDOM SELECTION PROCESS COMPLETED.

USCIS has finalized a second round of random selection for the FY 2024 H-1B cap. This was deemed necessary to meet the numerical allocation for the upcoming year. Notifications have been sent to prospective petitioners with registrations selected in this round, making them eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the named beneficiaries.

To read more, please click here . . .

A CRUCIAL STAND: LAWSUIT OPPOSES FLORIDA'S ANTI-IMMIGRATION TRANSPORTATION LAW.

The state of Florida has recently come under fire for the enactment of a law that makes it a felony to transport certain immigrants into the state. This law, passed at the behest of Governor Ron DeSantis, has been targeted by a freshly filed lawsuit challenging its constitutionality. The lawsuit argues that Section 10 of Florida Senate Bill 1718 significantly disrupts the everyday life of immigrants, their families, and communities while infringing upon U.S. Constitutional rights.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS'S REVISED FORM I-9: UNDERSTANDING THE KEY CHANGES AND NEW REMOTE VERIFICATION PROCEDURES.

On August 1, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to publish a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. This updated form comes with some significant changes that employers, particularly those enrolled in the E-Verify program, need to understand. One noteworthy improvement is the inclusion of a checkbox that employers can use to indicate they have remotely inspected the identity and employment authorization documents under an alternative procedure authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

To read more, please click here . . .

BRIDGING BORDERS: A SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE TO SPONSORING GREEN CARDS.

Introduction

Finding qualified employees is often a challenge for many small businesses, especially in highly specialized fields. One potential solution is to hire foreign workers looking for green card sponsorship. However, many small business owners are under the impression that they can't sponsor employees for a green card. In this blog post, we aim to debunk this misconception by explaining the process of sponsoring an employee for a green card.

To read more, please click here . . .

INVITATIONS TO BE ISSUED FOR FAMILY REUNIFICATION PAROLE PROCESS.

The Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) will begin issuing invitations under the family reunification parole (FRP) processes for Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras on July 31, 2023.

To read more, please click here . . .

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

In the EB-1 category, China maintains a February 1, 2022 cutoff date, while India retrogresses to January 1, 2012. All other countries retrogress to August 1, 2023. However, this is expected to be temporary, with most countries returning to current status by October 2023. 

In the EB-2 category, India's cutoff remains at January 1, 2011, China moves to July 8, 2019, and all other countries advance to April 1, 2022. 

EB-3 cutoff dates vary, with India at January 1, 2009, China at June 1, 2019, and all other countries retrogressing to May 1, 2020. 

EB-4 and EB-5 categories show no movement, with EB-4 maintaining a September 1, 2018 cutoff for all countries, and EB-5 cutoffs remaining at April 1, 2017 for India, September 8, 2015 for China, and current for all other countries. 

In the FB-2A category, Mexico's cutoff is September 1, 2016, and all other countries have an October 8, 2017 cutoff.

To view the current cutoff dates for each visa preference category and country of chargeability, please click here to access two charts provided by the U.S. Department of State's monthly visa bulletin.

CANADA LAUNCHES TECH TALENT STRATEGY: NEW OPEN WORK PERMIT FOR U.S. H-1B VISA HOLDERS & INNOVATION STREAMS.

OTTAWA, June 28, 2023 - Canada's Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced Canada’s first-ever Tech Talent Strategy aimed at attracting more global tech talent to Canada.

To read more, please click here . . .

June 27, 2023, Ottawa - Temporary foreign workers in Canada, every year, contribute to the nation's prosperity with their unique skills. Not only do they aid in economic growth, but they also help in bridging the labor market gaps. Unfortunately, despite their significant role, these foreign workers often encounter obstacles when trying to enrol in programs to enhance their skills and open new opportunities.

To read more, please click here . . .

EB1-3: PRE CERTIFIED CLASSIFICATIONS - FOR CERTAIN MULTINATIONAL MANAGER OR EXECUTIVE.

Explore the EB1-3 visa for multinational managers or executives aiming for U.S immigration in this simplified guide. We delve into qualifications, benefits, application process, and potential challenges. Get set to unravel the mysteries of the EB1-3 pre-certified classification. 

ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS VS CONSULAR PROCESSING: WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU? (AUDIO)

In this episode, immigration attorney David Nachman discusses the differences between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing for obtaining a green card in the US. He explains benefits and drawbacks of each process and provides valuable insights to help listeners decide which approach is best for their situation. Whether you are already in the US or planning to immigrate from abroad, this episode will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your green card application. Listen now to learn more!