USCIS Modifies H-1B Selection Process
USCIS has released an interim rule which sets some guidelines on accepting H-1B cases for the upcoming fiscal year.
US in High Demand of Skilled Labor
A new report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) indicates that major US companies experience severe shortages of skilled labor. According to the report, major U.S. technology companies today average more than 470 U.S.-based skilled job openings. NFAP surveyed postings for U.S.-based jobs that require at least an undergraduate degree for 500 companies [...]
Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 PERM Statistics
Earlier in February, the Office of Foreign Labor Certification at the Department of Labor released its official FY 2007 data covering cases processed under the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM). The PERM data provides an insight into the level of demand for U.S. jobs in different industry sectors and geographic areas.
Unpaid Volunteer Work on H-1B, H-4 or F-1 Visas
A very common question by the holders of visas which have employment restrictions is, “Can I engage in unpaid volunteer work under my visa?” The answer is that it depends on the type of unpaid volunteer work you are seeking to perform.
Form I-864 Affidavit of Support – Insufficient Income
Many foreign nationals who are on H-1B visa and have their spouses on H-4 visa often face the issue of insufficient income for Form I-864, Affidavit of Support purposes when filing for adjustment of status.
Helpful H-1B Filing Tips
We have written before about the H-1B quote of 65,000 which opens on April 1, 2008 for starting employment date of October 1, 2008. We anticipate that the entire quota will be used on the first day of the filing, therefore it becomes important to make sure the filing is done correctly.
New Centralized Filing Location for H-1B Cap Exempt Petitions
The USCIS just announced that in an effort to streamline the processing and adjudication of H-1B petitions, they will employ a new special unit dedicated to processing H-1B cap exempt petitions at the California Service Center.
Starting Own Company on H-1B Visa
Many H-1B visa holders are asking the question, “Can I start my own company while I am on H-1B visa?” The short answer is “No, because the terms of the H-1B visa allow a foreign national to work only for the sponsoring employer. However, a foreign national may have other options.
Immigration Applications at All-Time High, May Take Years to Clear
The USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez appeared yesterday (01/17/2008) in front of the House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law and in written testimony he talked about the unprecedented volume of immigration applications filed with his agency.