12 Oct 2012

New Filing Option for Canadian TNs

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new filing option for Canadian TN applicants. As of October 1, 2012, it became possible for employers to file the petition seeking TN classification for eligible Canadians who are outside of the United States (Form I-129)....

08 Oct 2012

Same-Sex Partners Recognized as Family Relationship

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued correspondence stating that the relationship between long-term, same-sex partners will be recognized as a family relationship in a specific, limited context. The letter from Janet Napolitano, DHS Secretary, addressed the term family relationship as a factor...

05 Oct 2012

DOL Issues Foreign Labor Certification Statistics

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), released selected statistics for fiscal year 2012 (FY12). The statistics provide insights into trends for employment-based, permanent-resident sponsorship. The DOL revealed data regarding the number of PERM labor certifications received, denied, withdrawn, and...

02 Oct 2012

Key Immigration Programs Extended

The President has signed legislation extending the expiration or "sunset" dates of four important immigration programs. These programs are: the EB5 (investor) Regional Center Program; the E-Verify employment verification program; the EB-4 Religious Worker (non-minister) Program; and the Conrad State 30 physician J-1 waiver program....

01 Oct 2012

2014 Diversity Lottery Program from Oct 2, 2012

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) Diversity Visa (DV) "Green Card" Lottery registration period for fiscal year 2014 (FY14) will begin on October 2, 2012. There are 50,000 immigrant visa numbers available under the FY14 lottery program. This program is available for individuals from specified...

21 Sep 2012

Murthy Takes Action: Comments to DOL on Proposed LCA

The Murthy Law Firm submitted extensive comments to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in early September 2012, setting forth our concerns regarding several proposed DOL changes to the labor condition application (LCA), Form 9035. The LCA is required for all H1B petitions as well...