Immigration Blog
Our blog is a source of latest immigration news, policy updates and trends for thousands of readers every month.
Recent Challenges to the H-1B Specialty Occupation Definition
H-1B nonimmigrant visas have impacted the US economy and the professions and lives of hundreds of thousands of foreign workers over the years. These visas are designed for those with skills that classify as a “specialty occupation,” but that definition has evolved and continues to change depending on the political and social climate of the country. Recent challenges to the H-1B specialty occupation are in process, and if you’re applying for a new or renewed work visa, you should know what these changes mean for you.
Changes to the H-1B and Other Filing Fee Increases
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services filed a petition recently requesting permission to raise its rates. If this proposed rule is approved, certain applications and petitions will see filing fee hikes. As with any fee request, there are advantages and disadvantages to this change, but USCIS and the government aren’t making this decision unilaterally. Those affected by this rule and anyone with an opinion on the proposed rule may be heard, but the public comment period ended on March 13, 2023. What does this mean for you? Read on to learn the details.
How to Hire a Foreign Worker When You're a US Employer
Certain fields are known to have job openings that are notoriously difficult to fill. These industries, such as those in the STEM categories, have high-skill requirements and fewer people who meet the criteria to choose from. For that reason, many of these US employers must reach beyond the pool of native applicants and attempt to find foreign workers who can help them. But this action, although it's a last resort, does not get performed lightly. You must follow government guidelines as a US employer looking to hire a nonimmigrant. We've summarized them here to help you get started.
What’s Going on in the Tech World?
As tech layoffs continue rising, many H-1B visa holders remain in limbo. Some are concerned that they’ll be the next to face the dreaded pink slip, while others are actively trying to look for a new employer to sponsor their visa. This problem extends to those seeking green cards, as labor certification approvals were recently paused. These delays in processing mean your H-1B visa deadline could expire before your green card application is entered into the system. What can you do while you wait? This article gives you some ideas to make this time in limbo more productive.
How Employers Hiring H-1B Employees Can Adjust to Processing Delays
If you’re an employer who routinely hires foreign workers, you know it’s a time-consuming process. The opportunity to fill essential vacancies with skilled employees is valuable. Yet, the delays in processing mean you aren’t always meeting your deadlines. This is especially true now due to current events that are delaying approvals more than usual. You can help your business and team adjust to the delays while USCIS attempts to clear its backlog.
New Research Shows Foreign Workers are Essential to the US Economy
The H-1B visa program has long been a controversial topic in American politics, with many arguing that it takes away jobs from American workers. New research has shed light on the true impact of H-1B visas on the US workforce and economy. From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, H-1B visa holders are making significant contributions to the success of American businesses. This article will explore the power of H-1B visas and why they are crucial to the US economy.
Tips to Increase Your H-1B Approval
If you’re looking at obtaining an H-1B visa, you know that it’s a highly competitive goal. With more people applying than there are visas allocated, and a random lottery process on top of that, you need to ensure you follow all the steps to boost your odds of approval. Here are some of the top tips that will give you the best chance at one of these coveted H-1B visas.
Latest Updates on the Green Card Backlog
In mid-2022, foreign workers in the tech industry were hit with an unpleasant surprise. Many who had planned for their employers to sponsor a green card transfer were put on hold as mega-corporations like Google halted the process. The massive layoffs across the IT sector meant thousands of skilled American workers were actively searching for jobs, a fact that negated that part of a sponsor’s required attestation. But this green card hold created a backlog of processing with a ripple effect: the US could no longer compete with other countries for some of the top global talents. Something had to be done, and the government and IT industries were working behind the scene to fix this issue. What are the results? Here, we have the latest “Google” green card backlog updates.
Upcoming H-1B Cap Registration Dates and Essential Info
Early in every year, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announce the registration period for the upcoming fiscal year H-1B cap. The fiscal year 2024’s was officially shared with the public on January 27, 2023. This means employers and H-1B foreign workers are scrambling to prepare their documents to be ready for noon, March 1, Eastern Standard Time (EST). Here’s what you should know about these deadlines.
How to Make Extra Money While You're on an H-1B Visa
When you sign your H-1B visa, you accept the terms provided by USCIS. Those terms stipulate that you’re only allowed to work for the employer listed on the I-129 form — the business that sponsored your visa. But when the salary they pay you isn’t enough for you to reach your financial goals, can you supplement that income in other ways? This guide explains how to stay within the terms of your contract and still make some side cash.
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H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa provides the opportunity for foreign professionals to work in the United States. It allows employers to hire qualified foreign workers in the U.S.
O-1 Visa
An O-1 visa is designed to allow foreigners at the very top of the arts, sciences, sports, education, business, motion picture or television industries entry into the United States.
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