Immigration Blog
Our blog is a source of latest immigration news, policy updates and trends for thousands of readers every month.
Changes to the NIW in 2023: Who is Eligible?
The EB-2 visa is part of a category of work-based documents offered to eligible foreign nationals with a valid job offer from a US employer. Underneath the EB-2 heading is the National Interest Waiver. Unlike the basic EB-2, the NIW doesn’t require a job offer for the individual to receive the visa. They must have an advanced degree or exceptional ability in their field and be involved in work or research that is of national interest to the US. What does that mean in 2023? Read on to find out.
How the POWER Act Affects H-1B Holders
The United States government is constantly striving to protect its national workers while also bringing in skilled workers to help bolster the economy. One form of legislation designed to assist in this goal is the POWER Act, short for Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation (POWER) Act. This legislation expands relief coverage for workers who suffer serious labor violations, provided they cooperate with the worker protection agencies involved in their case. Since H-1B visas are the predominant work category, anyone with this document should know about the POWER Act.
How Changes in Immigration Policies Are Likely to Affect the H-1B Lottery in 2024
If you’ve been paying attention to the H-1B visa petitions this year, you’ve seen the headlines about the record-setting FY 2024 lottery numbers. However, US Citizenship and Immigration Services attributes this high number to fraudulent attempts of registering multiple registrations of the same individuals. This significant issue heavily impacted the lottery system this year, causing USCIS to review and reform registration processes. But since new data shows that more than 75% of H-1B registrations amongst the individually filed petitions would’ve been rejected anyway, a deeper problem runs through this system. How is USCIS addressing the visible issues from FY 2024’s lottery? Read on to find out.
New Requirements for H-1B Workers Changing Worksites
Foreign nationals highly covet the H-1B visa because of its many benefits. In addition to working in the United States, visa holders can bring their families, own and rent homes, and engage in most activities a US resident completes. But with these advantages comes a list of requirements the beneficiary must meet during their stay. Those terms, such as the employer and workplace listed on the H-1B visa documentation, can only change by USCIS approval. The latest requirements regarding H-1B workers changing worksites clarify how this is accomplished.
Physicians and the National Interest Waiver: What You Need to Know
Occasionally, a foreign national with exceptional ability is able to bypass the strict requirements of most work visas and enter the United States under a National Interest Waiver. This is done through an application under an EB-2 second-preference employment category, which applies to professionals in fields such as art, athletics, business, and healthcare. However, meeting the highest standards as a physician can be challenging. We have the details here to help you successfully navigate the process of obtaining an NIW in the medical field.
What to Include in Your Physician NIW Attestation Letter Request
National Interest Waivers are an ideal way for individuals to skip the job sponsor requirement of a foreign work visa. However, qualifying for these coveted documents can be challenging as you must meet rigorous criteria.
Second H-1B Lottery Reveals More Fraud From First Round
Everyone in the immigration world has closely followed the results of FY 2024’s lottery since the first round selection in March. Once US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported a substantial number of potentially fraudulent registrations, we wondered what the effects would be. USCIS announced a second lottery in July to fill the gaps between the accepted registrations and the allotted amount of visas, and the results show even more fraud than was visible during the first round. Read on for the details.
How You Can Earn Extra Income On an H-1B Visa
When you’re in the United States under an H-1B visa, there are specific terms you must abide by during your stay. Yes, the visa gives you permission to work and earn a living in the country, but only for the company that sponsored your petition and only under the job description specified on your Labor Condition Approval. But sometimes, your financial goals aren’t in line with your annual income, and you want to add more money to your bank account. How can you earn extra income while on an H-1B visa without violating the terms of your document? Keep reading to find out what you can do to increase your pay while in the US and what you mustn’t do if you want to avoid penalties.
June 2023 Visa Bulletin Summary
The Visa Bulletin is an important document released by the United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs monthly. If you’re waiting for a green card or another way to get into the US, this bulletin is your go-to resource to find out how much longer you can expect to sit in the “queue.” June 2023’s was released on May 12, 2023, and here, we have the overall summary to help you understand where your country’s momentum sits.
What Does Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2 Mean?
Foreign nationals wishing to work in the United States can reach their goal through multiple ways, depending on their experience, education, and work history. Those with advanced degrees or their equivalent, or individuals who have exceptional abilities in their field, may be able to qualify for an employment-based, second preference visa. What does this category mean, and how can you tell if you qualify? We’ll explain the differences in sub-categories here.
Our Services
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.
Contact Us
Email
Phone
Address
600 Stewart Street Suite 400, Seattle, Washington 98101, USA (Plaza 600 Building)