By: Shaune D. Fraser, Esq.

The U.S. Department of State recently updated Forms DS-160 and DS-260 to require the disclosure of social media accounts used by visa applicants within the last five years. These new questions, which appear on forms completed by all nonimmigrant and immigrant applicants, present new obstacles to visa issuance and could have adverse implications for U.S.-bound foreign nationals. 

Visa applicants are now required to provide each and every username, or handle from a list of more than 20 social networking services, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. According to the U.S. Department of State, social media profiles will be used for “identity resolution and vetting purposes based on statutory visa eligibility standards”. In effect, such information will be used to verify the identity of the applicant and determine whether the foreign national is admissible to the U.S.

When considering the vast amount of information shared on these platforms, applicants are advised to complete these forms carefully, as social media could disclose inconsistencies related to employment history or individual residence. Applicants should be mindful of these new questions and exercise caution, as their social media history and activity may be shared with other U.S. immigration agencies, including the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services and U.S. Customs & Border Protection.

---

For more information on these developments, please contact me at shaune@fraserpllc.com 

The information provided herein is for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice for any particular situation nor presumed as indefinitely up to date.

Copyright © 2019, FRASER IMMIGRATION LAW, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.

By: Shaune D. Fraser, Esq.

Priority-dates for most employment-based (EB) categories will advance incrementally next month, according to the Final Action Dates chart published in the May 2019 Visa Bulletin. 

May 2019 Visa Bulletin Summary: Key Movements

EB-1

• EB-1 worldwide will advance 1 month to March 1, 2018.

• The cutoff dates for India and China in the EB-1 category remain unaffected, having been held at February 22, 2017. 

The May 2019 Visa Bulletin also provided this prediction for EB-1 China and India:

“Despite the final action date for these two countries having been held in recent months, there continues to be an extremely high rate of demand for E1 numbers, primarily for USCIS adjustment of status applicants.  This situation may require the retrogression of this final action date in an effort to limit future number use.  

Such action would only be temporary, with the date for these two countries returning to the latest reached during fiscal year 2019 for October, the first month of fiscal year 2020.”

However, during the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) monthly check-in with Mr. Charlie Oppenheim (Chief of Visa Control and Reporting Division for the U.S. Department of State), he reported that such action would only be temporary, with an expected full recovery of the Final Action Dates for India and China by October 2019, the first month of 2020.  

EB-2

• EB-2 worldwide remains current and is predicted by Mr. Oppenheim to remain current throughout the remainder of 2019.

• EB-2 China will advance 6 weeks to May 15, 2016, and India will advance 4 days to April 16, 2019.  

USCIS has also confirmed that it will only accept employment-based, adjustment-of-status applications based on the Final Action Dates chart in May. The Dates for Filing chart will not apply to employment-based cases; however, family-sponsored filings are permitted to use this chart for adjustment-of-status applications.

---

For more information, please contact me at shaune@fraserpllc.com 

The information provided herein is for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice for any particular situation nor presumed as indefinitely up to date.

Copyright © 2019, FRASER IMMIGRATION LAW, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.

By: Shaune D. Fraser, Esq.

On Friday, April 5, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it had already received sufficient filings for regular H-1B cap-subject cases for fiscal year (FY) 2020. The filing period for cap-subject H-1B petitions opened on Monday, April 1, and for the seventh consecutive year, the general cap was reached within the first week of filing. USCIS will now conduct a lottery to select those petitions that will be adjudicated. Beginning this year, USCIS will officially reverse the order of the general and advanced degree lotteries, prioritizing advanced degree holders in the selection pool.  

Over the past decade, the H-1B visa has been the most practical bridge to employment for graduating students at U.S. academic institutions (F-1 visa holders). However, recent USCIS statistics indicate that 60% of H-1B cases received RFEs (Request of Evidence) in FY 2019 and 40% of those were subsequently denied. These historically high denial rates and the changes to the selection order under the H-1B visa lottery stem from the Buy American and Hire American Executive Order which has resulted in heightened scrutiny during adjudication, specifically as it relates to the interpretation of a specialty occupation, the qualifying employer-employee relationship, and whether the foreign national beneficiary has maintained status.  

In light of these developments and the very high demand for the H-1B classification, F-1 students and other qualified individuals are encouraged to explore the following alternative visa categories which may utilized to facilitate the same employment-related objectives in a swift and efficient manner:  

• O-1 Visa
  Foreign nationals, in any field of endeavor, who have been recognized for their achievements or outstanding work, in the U.S. or internationally, should consider the O-1 visa in lieu of the H-1B. An O petition may be approved for up to three years, and extensions may be granted indefinitely for long-term projects or assignments. Currently, there is no annual limit on O visa numbers. For more information, check out this Blog post.  
  

• EB-2 NIW | Green Card
  In a precedent decision issued in December 2016 (Matter of Dhanasar), the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) announced a new analytical framework that has made this green card classification more broadly available to students and professionals pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors in the U.S. national interest.  
  

• TN Visa
  Canadian and Mexican citizens who will perform professional assignments in the U.S. are eligible for the TN visa. A TN petition may be valid for up to three years and can be filed with USCIS, or directly at select ports of entry. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) specifies the list of occupations, as well as the corresponding educational and/or licensure requirements, many of which are aligned with the careers of graduating undergraduate or graduate international students.  
  

• L-1 Visa
  This category permits a U.S. company to temporarily transfer certain employees from a foreign affiliate abroad. The employee must be offered employment in either an executive/managerial position (L-1A) or in a specialized knowledge position (L-1B) to qualify for this classification. The foreign national must have been employed by the qualifying foreign corporation for at least one continuous year within the previous three years.  

In addition to the above-referenced visas, there remain a variety of other visa and green card classifications available to those applicants encountering issues with their H-1B petitions. Some of these categories include the EB-1 green card for individuals of extraordinary ability, P-1 visa for athletes and entertainers, E-1/E-2 visas for treaty traders/investors, and B-1 visa for business visitors.

The U.S. remains the global leader in attracting the most talented students and professionals, however, increased scrutiny and restrictionist policies have imposed significant hurdles to those intending to advance their professional careers with U.S.-based corporations. Foreign nationals are advised to begin planning their professional careers well in advance of their anticipated graduation date and, when possible, explore other U.S. immigration categories in order to accelerate their post-academic, professional careers. 

---

For more information, please contact me at shaune@fraserpllc.com 

The information provided herein is for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice for any particular situation nor presumed as indefinitely up to date.

Copyright © 2019, FRASER IMMIGRATION LAW, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.

By: Shaune D. Fraser, Esq.

In the April 2019 Visa Bulletin, published by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), Final Action dates will advance slightly in the month of April for most employment-based categories. 

Final Action Date Movements: April Visa Bulletin

Employment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category

• EB-1 Worldwide will advance one month to Feb. 1, 2018.

• EB-1 China and EB-1 India will experience no movement, final action dates for both categories remain at Feb. 22, 2017

Employment-Based, Second Preference (EB2) Category

• EB-2 Worldwide will remain current.

• EB-2 China will advance three months to a cutoff date set at Apr. 1, 2016.

• EB-2 India moves forward a few days to Apr. 12, 2009.

Employment-Based, Third Preference (EB3) Category 

• EB-3 Worldwide will remain current.

• EB-3 China moves forward just over three weeks to Aug. 1, 2015.

• EB-3 India will advance to Jun. 22, 2009.

April 2019 Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Preference Cases:  

 Additional Notes: DOS Updated Prediction

The April 2019 Visa Bulletin also includes the following statement on Final Action Date Movement:

“Final Action Date movement in many Family-sponsored and Employment-based preference categories continues to be greater than might ordinarily be expected, and this is anticipated to continue for at least the next few months. This is a direct result of fewer applicants proceeding to final action on their cases at consular posts abroad and USCIS Offices. Once large numbers of applicants begin to have their cases brought to final action, final action date movements will necessarily slow or stop. Moreover, in some categories, final action date retrogression is a possibility if demand levels are excessive. Therefore, readers should be aware that the recent rates of final action date advances will not continue indefinitely, but it is not possible to say at present when they will end.”

Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the April Visa Bulletin

The April Visa Bulletin also updated the Dates for Filing Chart for adjustment of status applications. Please be aware that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that all employment-based (EB), adjustment of status applicants must use the Final Action Dates chart in the April 2019 Visa Bulletin. Family-based adjustment of status filings, in the month of April, will be permitted to use the Dates for Filing chart applicable to the appropriate family-sponsored category.   

---

For more information on the April 2019 Visa Bulletin, please contact shaune@fraserpllc.com.

 The information provided herein is for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice for any particular situation nor presumed as indefinitely up to date.

Copyright © 2019, FRASER IMMIGRATION LAW, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.

By: Shaune D. Fraser, Esq.

1. March 2019 Visa Bulletin: USCIS extends use of Final Action Dates chart for Employment-Based Preference Filings

The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will continue to use the Final Action Dates chart in the Department of State (DOS) March 2019 Visa Bulletin for all employment-based (EB) Adjustment of Status filings in the month of March, as opposed to the Dates for Filing Chart used in previous months. According to this Visa Bulletin, the final action dates for EB1 India and China will advance slightly to Feb. 22, 2017, while EB1 Worldwide will move to Jan. 1, 2018. In the EB2 categories, China will advance 3 months to Jan. 1, 2016, India will advance 3 days to Apr. 9, 2009, and EB2 Worldwide will remain current. The EB5 category remains current for India and EB5 worldwide, while China and Vietnam advance to Sept. 8, 2014 and Jul. 15, 2016. The Dates for Filing Chart in each Visa Bulletin are a projection of where the Final Action Date is expected to be 8-12 months in the future. 

Just a few days ago, the DOS Liaison Committee provided a report of its monthly check-in with Mr. Charlie Oppenheim, DOS Chief of Visa Control and Reporting Division. Mr. Oppenheim emphasized that due to the continuing high level of demand for the EB1 category, minimal if any movement is expected in the month of March for EB1 categories, especially EB1 China and India. During the first 3 weeks of February, the level of demand for EB1 exceeded that received for all of February 2018. In January, following the publication of the February 2019 Visa Bulletin, demand increased by over 50%. Due to the oversubscription of these EB1 categories, current/future applicants with expiring nonimmigrant status or immediate work assignments should seek legal advice.   

2. USCIS releases new Form I-539 Application to Change/Extend Status

Effective March 11, 2019, USCIS will require all applicants requesting an extension or change of status to submit the revised Form I-539 and Form I-539A. USCIS will only accept the revised edition of the form and will reject all prior versions. Historically, USCIS has implemented reasonable transition period during which time it has accepted prior form editions. However, applicants now run the risk of having their applications rejected for failure to submit the updated forms or new fee, which could jeopardize eligibility for future immigration benefits.

Form I-539 is used by a wide variety of nonimmigrant foreign nationals to change or extend their underlying nonimmigrant status, including those changing to F, J or M status, B.1/B.2 visitors, and dependents in O, E, L, and H classifications. The revised Form I-539 has two significant changes: (1) a new signature requirement for all applicants, including minor children; and (2) a mandatory biometrics requirement (fingerprints and photo) for all applicants.

A Form I-539 application to extend or change status is only valid if nonfrivolous and timely filed while the applicant still holds valid nonimmigrant status. During the pendency of application, the individual remains in a period of authorized stay until USCIS adjudicates the pending form. Once approved, the decision applies retroactively and any lapse in status is cured. If the application was untimely and subsequently denied, unlawful presence begins accruing on the date the I-94 expired, regardless of the reason for the denial. Similarly, if denied because the application was frivolous or due to unauthorized employment, any and all time after the Form I-94 expiration date will count towards the unlawful presence calculation.

3. Proposed Rescission of H-4 Employment Authorization (EAD) under Federal Review

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently sent the long-anticipated proposal to rescind the H-4 spousal employment authorization (EAD) regulation to the White House of Management and Budget (OMB) for review – the next step in the termination of the program. Once cleared, details of the proposal will be published in the Federal Register for public comments during which time stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit comments to DHS.

The proposed regulation would not have an immediate impact on H-4 spouses. Eligible H-4 spouses can still apply for new or renewed EADs under the current rules until further notice. DHS has not yet indicated whether the rule will allow for a transition period for current H-4 EAD holders to continue working. H-4 holders should be aware that the termination of the program could come within months of the release. 

4. Form G-1530 - USCIS Tip Form

USCIS recently submitted Form G-1530 USCIS Tip Form for comment in the Federal Register, a form that would enhance agency information collection activities. Form G-1530 would affect both employers and individuals and would facilitate the collection of information from the public regarding credible and relevant claims of immigration benefit fraud impacting both pending adjudications as well as previously approved benefits where the benefit remains valid.   

---

For additional information on these developments, please contact me at shaune@fraserpllc.com

The information provided herein is for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice for any particular situation nor presumed as indefinitely up to date.

Copyright © 2019, FRASER IMMIGRATION LAW, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.

By: Shaune D. Fraser, Esq.

In recent months, processing delays by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and changes in U.S. Immigration policies have had profound effects on foreign national students and professionals.

Key points:

1. The Impact of the USCIS Unlawful Presence Policy on Students (F, M visas) and Exchange Visitors (J visas). In August 2018, USCIS drastically altered its policy on the calculation of unlawful presence for F (student) and M (vocational student) visa holders, and J exchange visitors. Those in F, M and J status are typically admitted for a period of authorized stay known as duration of status (D/S), rather than up to a specific date. Under previous longstanding policy, a violation of status (early termination of studies, unauthorized activities, etc.) did not render such individuals unlawfully present. The unlawful presence calculation only began after a formal determination by the government that the individual was out of status (if admitted in D/S). However, under this new USCIS policy, calculation of unlawful presence automatically begins the day after any violation or the day after completion of the course of study or program, including any authorized practical training and grace period. Those in F, J and M status should exercise caution to avoid all unlawful presence triggers and track all time where they failed to maintain lawful status. Failure to do so could subject these foreign nationals to the 3-year, 10-year, or permanent bars to re-entry.

2. The transformation of USCIS into an extension of the Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Traditionally, USCIS has been the federal agency charged with the adjudication and granting of immigration benefits (citizenship, green cards, visas), while ICE is the agency that enforces immigration laws, including orders related to deportation. The functions of these two agencies have generally been kept separate based upon the premise that a foreign national should be able to apply for an immigration benefit without fear of being deported. However, through the release of a recent policy memo, the functions of USCIS now overlap with those of ICE such that the processing of a visa or citizenship application could result in the issuance of a Notice to Appear (NTA) for those foreign nationals who have failed to maintain legal status. An NTA is a charging document that compels a foreign national to appear in Court for removal proceedings.

3. USCIS Processing Delays. According to the January 2019 report by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the average case processing time increased by 46% over the past two fiscal years (FY), and by 91% since FY 2014. Additionally, case processing times continued to increase in FY 2018, despite sizeable decreases in case receipt volume.

4. USCIS now accepting both Negative O & P Consultations. In September 2018, USCIS began accepting copies of unfavorable/negative consultation letters directly from labor unions for O.1 visas (individuals of extraordinary ability). On February 8, 2019, USCIS announced an extension of this practice to include P visas (artists, athletes, and entertainers). Consultation letters are listed among the initial evidentiary requirements for P and O visas, failure to include such documentation could prolong processing or result in a case denial.

5. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces Final Rule for H.1B Cap & Lottery Cases. On January 30, 2019, DHS published the final rule (effective April 1, 2019) to amend the process for selection of H-1B visa petitions subject to the annual numerical “cap”. Pursuant to this rule and in furtherance of the “Buy American and Hire American” Executive Order (April 2017), USCIS will first conduct the general lottery sufficient to meet the regular 65,000 annual cap, which will include individuals eligible for the advanced degree exemption. USCIS will then conduct a second lottery for the remaining eligible petitions, which will be limited only to those U.S. advanced degree holders seeking one of the 20,000 cap exemptions.

---

For more Information, please contact me at shaune@fraserpllc.com

The information provided herein is for information purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice for any particular situation nor presumed as indefinitely up to date.

Copyright © 2019, FRASER IMMIGRATION LAW, PLLC. All Rights Reserved.