Dear Readers,

In this edition of our e-newsletter, we bring you the latest developments surrounding the shocking collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, a crucial institution in supporting startups and emerging businesses. This major event impacts not only the U.S. tech industry but also has significant implications for immigrant entrepreneurs who relied on the bank's services. The fallout may impede business operations and lead to negative economic consequences. 

On a brighter note, we report on New Jersey's response to this crisis, as Governor Phil Murphy announces a series of short-term programs designed to provide emergency assistance to affected companies. Initiatives such as the EDA's Entrepreneur Support Program, the Angel Match Program, and an emergency liquidity facility aim to offer immediate relief to businesses in need. It is important to note, however, that this assistance package is not intended as a long-term bailout. 

The April 2023 Visa Bulletin was released on March 22, 2023, by the Department of State, accompanied by a Federal Register Notice outlining changes to the Employment-Based Fourth Preference Immigrant Visa Category. These updates may impact those seeking an employment-based immigrant visa and warrant careful consideration. 

Lastly, USCIS has announced the termination of COVID-related flexibilities initially introduced in March 2020. Starting March 23, 2023, applicants and petitioners must adhere to the deadlines specified in notices and requests. Nonetheless, USCIS retains the discretion to grant case-by-case flexibilities in certain situations. 

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.

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 . . .

FY 2024 H-1B CAP SEASON UPDATES: KEY INFORMATION AND WHAT TO EXPECT.

The FY 2024 H-1B Cap Season has begun, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the initial electronic registration selection process. Here's what you need to know about the H-1B cap, electronic registration, and petition filing.

To read more, please click here . . .

DEBUNKING THE MYTH: THE TAX CONTRIBUTIONS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN THE US.

Introduction:

As Tax Day looms, it's essential to recognize the tax contributions made by all members of our society, including undocumented immigrants. Contrary to popular belief, many undocumented immigrants pay taxes and contribute to the U.S. tax base, thereby supporting public services and programs that benefit all Americans.

To read more, please click here . . .

NEW PROCESS FOR LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE TEMPORARY EVIDENCE OF STATUS BY MAIL.

USCIS has introduced a new process for US permanent residents to receive temporary evidence of their status by mail. This will reduce the burden on applicants and increase availability of field office resources. However, some applicants may still need to appear in person at a USCIS field office.

To read more, please click here . . .

TEMPORARY EVIDENCE OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT (LPR) STATUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

USCIS field offices recently started delivering Forms I-94 with ADIT (temporary I-551) stamps as temporary evidence of LPR status without requiring an in-person appearance at the field office. With this new operational process, USCIS has added more ways for applicants to obtain proof of status. This alternate Form I-94 with an ADIT stamp is an acceptable List A receipt for Form I-9 and E-Verify.

To read more, please click here . . .

UPDATED POLICY GUIDANCE ON NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVERS: A BOON FOR STEM GRADUATES.

The USCIS has updated its policy guidance on National Interest Waivers (NIWs) to attract and retain foreign STEM graduates. Eligible applicants with advanced STEM degrees seeking permanent residence in the US may benefit from the expedited "premium processing" for NIW petitions. The updated guidance suggests a greater inclination towards approving NIWs for STEM advanced degree graduates, particularly those with doctoral degrees and engaged in critical and emerging technologies.

To read more, please click here . . .

NEW USCIS POLICY GUIDANCE ON EMPLOYER'S ABILITY TO PAY PROFFERED WAGES FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANT VISAS.

USCIS releases new policy guidance on assessing employer's ability to pay proffered wages for certain employment-based visa categories. Employers can submit various financial documents as proof. Updated guidance includes appendix detailing business structures. Effective immediately, applies to petitions filed on/after publication date.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS EXTENDS TEMPORARY FINAL RULE FOR INTERPRETER USE IN ASYLUM INTERVIEWS.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a fourth extension to the Temporary Final Rule (TFR) that requires certain affirmative asylum applicants to use USCIS-provided interpreters during their interviews. This extension is valid through September 12, 2023, and aims to ensure an orderly return to prior practices after the anticipated expiration of the federal public health emergency declaration for COVID-19 in May 2023.

To read more, please click here . . .

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

This month's visa bulletin brings updates for various employment and family-based categories.

While the EB1 category remains unchanged, EB2 cutoff dates all retrogress except for China. The only movement in the EB3 category is for China, while EB4 sees a cutoff date of September 1, 2018, for all countries of chargeability. There is no movement in the EB5 category, and the FB2A category, reserved for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents, retrogresses significantly for Mexico, with a November 1, 2018, cutoff date.

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 IMMIGRATION LAUNCHES NEW ECONOMIC PATHWAY TO ADDRESS LABOR SHORTAGES BY EMPOWERING SKILLED REFUGEES AND DISPLACED INDIVIDUALS.

Canada has always been a global leader in welcoming refugees and providing them with opportunities to build their lives in safety. Now, the country is taking a step forward by launching a new economic pathway, under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), to help employers hire skilled refugees and other displaced individuals. This initiative will not only support vulnerable people but also address labour shortages in key occupations and contribute to Canada's economic growth.

To read more, please click here . . .

Canada has extended support for Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion with the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). Until July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their families can apply overseas for a CUAET visa free of charge and receive settlement services and financial support upon arrival in Canada. This measure builds on Canada's commitment to support Ukraine's security and resilience and hold Russia accountable for its actions.

To read more, please click here . . .

CANADA OFFERS SUPPORT FOR TURKISH AND SYRIAN TEMPORARY RESIDENTS.

Canada has announced new measures to support Turkish and Syrian temporary residents affected by recent earthquakes in the region. From March 29, 2023, Turkish and Syrian nationals in Canada can apply for an extension of their status free of charge, and an open work permit pathway will be available. Canada is also waiving fees for travel documents, prioritizing processing applications, and providing temporary shelter for refugees.

To read more, please click here . . .

US IMMIGRATION: FOIA REQUESTS FOR IMMIGRATION CASES.

In this podcast episode, the Immigration attorney Ludka Zimovcak. Esq. discusses the importance of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests in immigration cases. She explains what FOIA requests are, why they are necessary, and the different agencies involved in the process. Listeners will learn how to determine which agency to file a FOIA request with and how to navigate the electronic filing system. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in an immigration case who needs to obtain prior immigration documents.

UNDERSTANDING PERMANENT RESIDENT TRAVEL DOCUMENT (PRTD) FOR RETURNING TO CANADA (AUDIO).

In this podcast, NPZ Law Group, P.C. Canadian Immigration lawyer Gagan Mundra discusses the Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) for those who have been outside of Canada for a prolonged period and cannot enter back due to expired PR card or not meeting residency obligations. She explains the process of applying for a travel document and the possibility of being stopped by the CBSA officer at the port of entry. Gagan also provides insights on appealing the inadmissibility report and restoring PR status. This podcast is a helpful resource for those seeking to return to Canada as permanent residents.