There continue to be delays in processing H1B petitions. This issue involves both the California Service Center (CSC) as well as the Vermont Service Center (VSC). The matter is urgent for cap-subject cases as the H1B start date of October 1, 2012, which is requested...
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently confirmed that officers have stopped stamping I-20s at airports and other U.S. ports of entry (POEs). This information was first circulated in mid-August 2012 by NAFSA: Association of International Educators (formerly known as the National Association of...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released E-Verify Self-Assessment Guides. These guides are intended to assist participating employers in their use of the E-Verify program and related compliance with requirements for the I-9. Form I-9 audits and compliance have become a hot topic...
Herguan University in Sunnyvale, CA is at risk for losing its ability to participate in the F-1 student visa program. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a notice of intent to withdraw Herguan University's Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification on August 2, 2012....
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is moving forward regarding the implementation of temporary relief, known as deferred action, for certain undocumented foreign nationals who were brought to the United States as children. The eligibility requirements are similar to the proposed, but never enacted,...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued a message of encouragement, with helpful information and advice for students who intend to study in the United States for the 2012-13 academic year. Summarized here for our readers are tips that were shared by the DOS. Majority of...
President Barack Obama and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a major policy change on June 15, 2012, that could have far-reaching implications for some individuals who are present in the United States unlawfully. In short, the U.S. government will no longer seek...
Our Indian affiliate, Murthy Immigration Services, Pvt. Ltd. (MISPL) recently provided an update regarding the procedures for nonimmigrant visa applications for young children applying within India. This article summarizes information provided to readers of the MurthyIndiaBulletin, as it is also important to many MurthyDotCom readers...
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently expanded the list of approved degree programs that are eligible for the 17-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions. The ICE announcement is available online. Background: Basics of STEM Extensions In April 2008, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has instituted new procedures designed to facilitate prompt resolution of certain specific, clear USCIS case processing errors. The procedures and case types that may be addressed through this expedited case review are explained here for the benefit of...
