A Freedom of Information ACT (FOIA) request has led to the release of an internal, confidential memorandum from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). The memo, dated June 3, 2013, revises USCIS policies related to detecting and...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on December 23, 2013 that some H1B extension petitions filed with the Vermont Service Center (VSC) are being transferred to the California Service Center (CSC) for adjudication. This case transfer is due to the need to create...
The category of J-1 intern or trainee is sometimes overlooked as a useful option for individuals and employers. Many foreign nationals aspire to gain professional experience in the United States to enhance their long-term career opportunities in their home countries. These individuals may believe their...
As we approach the H1B cap-filing season for fiscal year 2015 (FY15), we wish to clarify some of the common misunderstandings regarding the annual limit or cap. Given the stress and timing considerations that accompany H1B cap-subject filings, it is important not to improperly assume...
Mergers and acquisitions frequently result in critical immigration compliance issues that must be addressed, as explained in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, Mysteries of Mergers & Acquisitions: Basics of Immigration Due Diligence (26.March.2012). It is typically the responsibility of a human resources manager or other company representative,...
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) iCert system has, of late, been exhibiting some intermittent technical problems. The iCert system is used for a number of immigration-related processes, including labor condition applications (LCA), which are necessary for the H1B process, and PERM labor certification cases....
As explained in Part 1 of this article, the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently released a report with its findings and recommendations regarding the L-1 intracompany transferee program. Part 1 discussed the OIG's findings of inconsistencies in adjudications. This second...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a brief announcement regarding the acceptance of H1B petitions (as well as H2A and H2B petitions) that were filed late because of the recent government shutdown. The following discusses the application of these instructions when seeking relief...
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report analyzing the current state of the L-1, intracompany transferee program. The report, entitled Implementation of L-1 Visa Regulations, addresses perceived problems with the processing of L-1 cases, and provides suggestions to make...
Now that the U.S. federal government shutdown has thankfully ended, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has resumed the processing of labor condition applications (LCAs). However, the bill to reauthorize funding for the federal government is only a stopgap, and is set to expire in...
