Immigration

On Monday, August 9, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that applicants filing for permanent resident status may also apply for a Social Security number or replacement card as part of their adjustment of status application process.

This alert covers a USCIS settlement regarding lengthy delays in processing of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications for individuals in F-1 student status.

On Thursday, July 29, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the results of a second H-1B cap lottery. The agency selected an additional number of H-1B registrations from the original submissions, which occurred during the registration period from March 9 to March 25, 2021.

This alert discusses the US State Department’s July 6, 2021 announcement that National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the COVID-related travel ban are now valid for 12 months — up from 30 days — and that multiple entries are permitted.

This alert provides information about USCIS’s new, official policy updates to be included in its Policy Manual, which examiners use to adjudicate eligibility for immigration benefits.

This alert covers updated guidance issued by the US Department of State on June 1, 2021 that expands the eligibility for National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) to the travel bans from the Schengen Area of the EU, the U.K., Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced they would again extend flexibility relating to in-person Form I-9 compliance.

On May 18, 2021, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated its interpretation of the requirements for acquisition of U.S. citizenship at birth as provided by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

This alert reviews the Department of State’s updated guidance, issued March 2, 2021, on the National Interest Exception (NIE) waiver to the COVID-related travel ban affecting individuals traveling to the US from the Schengen Area, the U.K. and Ireland.

This alert advises caution regarding international travel and covers the CDC’s January 26, 2021 order on COVID-19 testing, current travel bans and their exemptions and waivers, visa processing, and additional notes on entry into the US.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be suspending biometric screening requirements for H-4, L-2, E-1, E-2, and E-3 dependent visa holders for two years beginning May 17, 2021.

Although no official announcement was made, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now recommending that Canadian TN and L applicants schedule an appointment to present their applications when entering the United States at a Buffalo area border crossing.

The immigration alert outlines a new process announced by USCIS that will allow some F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online.

On October 5, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced a 10 federal government working day period in which employers will need to take action within E-Verify on Tentative Non-confirmations (“TNCs”) by either referring the case to the Social Security Administration and/or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or closing the case.

Read about the expiration of a nonimmigrant visa ban that restricted the entry of H-1B, H-2B, L-1, and certain J-1 travelers into the United States.

This alert covers March 30, 2021 updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the H-1B cap registration process, including details about the H-1B cap lottery and the status of registrations.

On March 9, 2021 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will no longer enforce the Public Charge rule that took effect on February 24, 2020. This alert provides background on the rule and reviews who is impacted by the change.

Read about USCIS’s E-Verify, a web-based system that allows enrolled employers to confirm their newly hired employees’ eligibility to work in the US.