USCIS Guidance Drives Increase in O-1A, National Interest Waiver Visas

The January 2022 guidance on O-1A and National Interest Waiver visas drove an increase in applications. However, attention to detail is required for a successful outcome.


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September 2024 Visa Bulletin: Most Categories Unchanged, Retrogression in EB-3

The September 2024 Visa Bulletin shows little to no advancement and a year of retrogression for the EB-3 employment-based visa, which is unsurprising at the end of the…


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Parole Processing Paused for Four Countries Due to Fraud Concerns

The Biden administration temporarily paused parole processing for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela due to concerns over fraud for financial support…


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H-1B Spousal Work Permits Supported, per DC Circuit

A D.C. circuit court upheld DHS' authority to provide H-1B spousal work permits. The subject of a series of lawsuits, the H-4 visa and employment authorization benefits stand.


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Second FY2025 H-1B Cap Selection Complete – New Fees Required

USCIS completed the second FY2025 H-1B cap selection. As these petitions will be filed after April 1, 2024, the new fee structure is in effect for both the Form I-129 and Premium…


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CIS Ombudsman Regional Representatives Expansion

CIS Ombudsman representatives are now placed in four U.S. regions. Their role is to identify regional issues, gather information as to stakeholders interaction with USCIS, and…


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DHS Site Visits Increase for STEM OPTs

ILBSG is seeing an increase in DHS site visits for STEM OPT programs. As always, employers should be prepared for a visit, ensuring files are properly maintained.


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New Bill Introduced to Keep STEM Graduates in U.S.

A bill has been introduced to ease the post-graduation transition of foreign U.S. university STEM graduates. Among the proposed changes are increasing the number of available…


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Search Warrant Now Required for Phone Search by Customs Agents in New York

Federal judge finds a phone search is not legal without a warrant at U.S. ports of entry. This applies to New York's eastern district at this time.


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Second FY2025 H-1B Regular Cap Petition Selection Announced

USCIS announced a second FY2025 H-1B regular cap selection is needed in order to reach the numerical allocation.


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