Dear Readers,

May 11th marks a significant milestone in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden Administration announced the conclusion of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This milestone is marked by the termination of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for Federal employees, contractors, and international air travelers, indicating considerable progress made in our battle against this pandemic.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have revised Form I-9 flexibility, affecting employers. Post-COVID-19, employers have until August 30th 2023, to complete physical inspections of identity and employment eligibility documents. This accommodation, initially introduced in March 2020, is designed to ensure compliance following numerous deferrals caused by the pandemic. Employers are urged to plan accordingly to avoid penalties and maintain compliant I-9 Forms.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Foreign Labor Certification is updating the Permanent Labor Certification process. The aim is to streamline and expedite applications for the benefit of all parties. As part of this revision, a new Form ETA-9089 will be integrated with the Foreign Labor Application Gateway. This integration will enhance efficiency and transparency, marking a significant step towards modernizing the certification process. 

For any queries or if you require assistance, please feel free to contact our immigration lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by e-mail at [email protected] or call us at 201-670-0006 (extensions 104 or 204). At VISASERVE - NPZ Law Group, our team of US and Canadian immigration and nationality lawyers are ready to assist you, your friends, colleagues, and family members with any complex immigration and nationality law matters. We pride ourselves on offering prompt and personalized service to our clients.

EASING THE SKIES: NO MORE COVID-19 VACCINE PROOF FOR AIR PASSENGERS INTO THE U.S.

In a significant move, the CBP's Carrier Liaison Program has rescinded the requirement for air passengers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon entering the United States from any foreign country. Effective 12:01 (ET) on May 12, 2023, this decision marks a new phase in global air travel, reflecting the evolving status of the global pandemic. Check the updated regulations and experience a more relaxed travel experience!

STREAMLINING THE PROCESS: HOW F-1 STUDENTS CAN AVOID DELAYS IN FORM I-765 FOR OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING.

Master the nuances of the OPT application process to avoid delays with your Form I-765. Explore key tips including regular USCIS website checks, accurate completion of Form I-20, the benefits of online applications, precise submission timing, simultaneous form submission, timely address updates with USCIS and USPS, and the utility of USPS's Informed Delivery. 

To read more, please click here . . .

ICE UPDATES FORM I-9 REQUIREMENT FLEXIBILITY: KEY CHANGES AND THEIR IMPACT ON EMPLOYERS.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have announced significant changes to Form I-9 requirement flexibility. Employers now have 30 days to reach compliance with Form I-9 requirements after the COVID-19 flexibilities sunset on July 31, 2023. Introduced in March 2020, these flexibilities have been extended multiple times due to the ongoing pandemic. DHS encourages employers to plan ahead and complete all required physical inspections of identity and employment eligibility documents by August 30, 2023.

To read more, please click here . . .

U.S. IMPLEMENTS COVID-19 VACCINATION MANDATE FOR NONIMMIGRANT TRAVEL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

The Administration will end the COVID-19 vaccine requirements for international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day that the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. This means starting May 12, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers will no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. CDC’s Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic will no longer be in effect when the Presidential Proclamation Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic is revoked.

To read more, please click here . . .

USCIS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF BIOMETRICS SUBMISSION SUSPENSION FOR CERTAIN FORM I-539 APPLICANTS.

USCIS extends biometrics suspension for specific I-539 applicants (H-4, L-2, E) till Sept. 30, 2023. Adjudications proceed using biographic info & background checks; $85 biometric fee not required. Permanent exemption in progress. Case-by-case discretion for biometrics remains.

To read more, please click here . . .

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

EB-1 Category: There's been no movement in the EB-1 category, with both China and India holding a cutoff date of February 1, 2022. All other countries under the EB-1 category continue to be current.

EB-2 Category: The EB-2 category remains static from the previous Visa Bulletin. The cutoff for EB-2 India is steady at January 1, 2011, and for China, it's fixed at June 8, 2019. The cutoff for all other chargeable countries in this category is February 15, 2022.

EB-3 Category: With no movement in the EB-3 category, India holds steady at a cutoff date of June 15, 2012. The DOS warns of a likely further retrogression for EB-3 India in the near future. China's EB-3 cutoff stays at April 1, 2019, while all other chargeable countries maintain a June 1, 2022, cutoff.

EB-3 Other Workers: China is the only country with movement in this category, advancing to a cutoff of September 1, 2015. India's cutoff remains at June 15, 2012, while other chargeable countries maintain a January 1, 2020, cutoff.

EB-4 Category: The EB-4 category remains stagnant, with a uniform cutoff date of September 1, 2018 for all countries.

EB-5 Category: The only shift in the EB-5 category sees India's EB-5 unreserved cutoff date retrogressing to April 1, 2017. China's cutoff remains set at September 8, 2015. The EB-5 category is current for all other chargeable countries and EB-5 classifications.

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.

H-1B HEADACHES: WHY US COMPANIES ARE MOVING TO CANADA FOR TOP GLOBAL TALENT.

Is your company grappling with the H-1B visa program? You're not alone. A growing number of US companies, particularly in the tech sector, are finding the process increasingly complex and unpredictable. That's why many are considering Canada as a solution. By expanding your business north of the border, you can avoid H-1B challenges while still tapping into the global talent market – and enjoy many other location benefits.

To read more, please click here . . .

On May 10, 2023, the Canadian government introduced a redesigned passport, bolstering its reputation as one of the world's most secure travel documents. The new design includes state-of-the-art security features like a laser-engraved polycarbonate data page and a Kinegram over the main photo, making it more resistant to tampering and counterfeiting.

To read more, please click here . . .

UPDATED PROOF OF FUNDS FOR SKILLED IMMIGRANTS (EXPRESS ENTRY) - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Updated Proof of Funds Requirements for Skilled Immigrants (Express Entry).

The Canadian government has updated the proof of funds requirements for skilled immigrants applying through the Express Entry system. This update, effective April 25, 2023, is based on 50% of the low-income cut-off totals and impacts the amount of money you need to settle in Canada.

To read more, please click here . . .

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T GET MARRIED ON A K-1 FIANCÉ VISA?

In this podcast, US immigration attorney, Snehal Batra, Esq., of the NPZ Law Group discusses the consequences of not getting married after entering the US on a K-1 fiancé visa. Learn more about the 90-day window, potential immigration issues, and options for those who find themselves in this situation. Snehal also touches on marriage, divorce, and green card processes for K-1 visa holders. If you're facing a similar dilemma, please reach out to the NPZ Law Group for professional advice and assistance.

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

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!