06
Jan
2016
New Year’s Reminders for Employers (Part 2 of 3)
Please find the updated version of this MurthyDotCom NewsBrief here. ...
08:10 /
NewsBrief
04
Jan
2016
SEVP Field Reps Monitor F-1 and M-1 Schools
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is nearing its goal of fully staffing the field representative program. These representatives are involved with the F-1 and M-1 school certification process. They also play a key role in assuring school compliance with F-1 and M-1 related...
30
Dec
2015
NewsFlash! Proposed Rule Would Provide Improved Job Flexibility, Grace Periods, and More!
This morning, a proposed rule was published in the Federal Register that would provide a number of immigration benefits, including grace periods for certain nonimmigrant workers, improved job flexibility, and greater clarity on a number of existing immigration rules. Some of these benefits include:Once an...
28
Dec
2015
DHS Requests Court to Delay End of STEM OPT
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has filed a motion requesting a delay in the termination of the existing STEM optional practical training (OPT) rule. The reason for this request is that the DHS needs more time to put a new STEM OPT regulation...
28
Dec
2015
Reminder: Jan 15 Deadline to File H1B Amendments for Work Location Changes
As previously reported, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a final guidance memorandum on July 21, 2015 that details the requirements for filing an amended H1B petition based on an H1B employee being moved to a different worksite location. This memo implements the decision...
24
Dec
2015
January 2016 Visa Bulletin Official Insights and Predictions
Each month, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) explains key aspects of the visa bulletin contents through Charles Oppenheim, Chief of the Visa Control and Reporting Division. The January 2016 Visa Bulletin information discusses the expectations for the employment-based, second preference (EB2) India category as...
23
Dec
2015
NewsFlash! Draft Revisions to I-765 Reveals Details of I-140 EAD Proposal
A draft version of a revised form I-765, application for employment authorization has been released, and the corresponding instructions appear to reveal the eligibility criteria for the proposed I-140 employment document authorization (EAD) rule. Unfortunately, it appears that the proposed rule will be more restrictive than hoped....
23
Dec
2015
NewsFlash! Proposed I-140 EAD Rule Clears OMB
On December 22, 2015, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) concluded its review of a rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that would "allow certain approved immigrant petition for alien worker (form I-140) beneficiaries to obtain work authorization…" The rule...
23
Dec
2015
USCIS Updated Guidance on Surviving Spouse of U.S. Citizen
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a policy memorandum updating guidance on the approval of immediate relative spousal petitions after the death of the U.S. citizen spouse in cases where the widow/er has remarried. The memo, and the related revisions to the USCIS Adjudicator's...
18
Dec
2015
Omnibus Bill Passed by Congress, Includes Several Immigration Provisions
Earlier today, both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed an omnibus spending bill that serves to prevent a government shutdown. President Obama has indicated that he will sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk. Included within the massive...