USCIS Postpones H-1B Export Control Certification

On December 22, 2010, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) postponed a requirement that H-1B, L-1A, and O-1A petitioners certify their compliance with export control regulations.  Petitioners will not be required to complete Part 6 of Form I-129 until February 20, 2011. We will post additional updates at www.bashyamspiro.com as they become...
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H-1B Cap Update – October 29, 2010

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) updated its H-1B cap count on October 29, 2010.   Here are the most recent cap numbers: Regular H-1B Cap:  45,600 U.S. Masters H-1B Cap: 16,700 The H-1B numbers continue to move very slowly but has recently picked up some pace.  The regular H-1B cap is set at 65,000 and the Advanced Degree cap is set at 20,000. We will provide...
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GAO Report Exposes Abuse in the H-2B Visa Program

The H-2B visa program assists U.S. employers anticipating a shortage of domestic nonagricultural workers by permitting them to hire nonimmigrant foreign workers temporarily. The program is overseen by several agencies, including the Department of Labor (Labor), the Department of Homeland Security’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of State....
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USCIS Extends TPS for Somalia

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced  that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Somalia from the current expiration of March 17, 2011 through the new expiration date of Sept. 17, 2012. Under the extension, individuals who have been granted TPS are eligible to re-register and maintain their status...
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DOS Releases November 2010 Visa Bulletin

U.S. Department of State Releases November 2010 Visa Bulletin.  To view the Visa Bulletin, please click here. November 2010 Visa Bulletin Contents Employment-Based Category Two (EB-2): China – advanced 1 month India – did not advance Employment-Based Category Three (EB-3) All Other Chargeability Areas – advanced 14 days China – advanced 14 days India – advanced 7...
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