By Joey Barnett The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”) created new EB-5 reserved visa set-aside categories which allow certain visa bearing nonimmigrants lawfully in the U.S. to concurrently file an adjustment of status application on Form I-485 with the Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) has also heeded Congress’ directive to prioritize the processing and adjudication of EB-5 petitions for investment projects located in rural area, and USCIS has approved several Forms I-526E in as quick as 3-4 months ..read more

In this edition, find the latest news on H-2B Cap, Visa Final Action Dates, H-1B Registration, and much more! USCIS Reaches H-2B Cap for Second Half of FY 2024, Announces Filing Dates for Supplemental Visas U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 8, 2024, that it has received enough petitions to meet the H-2B cap for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024, which ends September 30, 2024. USCIS also announced the filing dates for supplemental H-2B visas for the remainder of FY 2024 made available under the FY 2024 H-2B supplemental visa temporary final rule. March ..read more

By Joey Barnett The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) finally released its long-awaited Report of the Visa Office 2023 over the weekend.  In particular, we have been waiting for the release of Table V, which counts the full number of immigrant visa numbers issued in FY 2023 – both immigrant visas issued abroad by U.S. consulates and embassies and adjustment of status applications approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) for those in the U.S.  Here are 5 things to know: 1. Total Number of EB-5 Visas Issued 9,817 unreserved EB-5 visa numbers were used in FY 2023 ..read more

In this edition, find the latest news on E-Verify+ services, Premium Processing Fees, CIS Ombudsman tips, and much more! E-Verify to Pilot ‘Next Generation’ Service in Spring 2024 E-Verify announced on February 22, 2024, that it will launch its “next generation” service, E-Verify+, as a pilot in spring 2024. E-Verify said the “plus” in E-Verify+ represents benefits the new service will provide to employers and employees, including “added efficiency” for employers and “more control over their personal information” for employees. E-Verify+ will include streamlining of Form I-9 and the employment ..read more

CONDITIONAL EB-5 PERMANENT RESIDENTS WHO FILE FORM I-829 REMOVAL OF PETITIONS BEFORE APRIL 1, 2024, CAN SAVE $5,775 By Joey Barnett This final rule increasing the government filing fee is effective April 1, 2024. Any benefit request postmarked on or after this date must be accompanied by the new fees established by this final rule. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-01427.pdf Three things to know for EB-5 immigrant investors and Regional Centers: New I-829 Filing Fee is $9,525.     The increase for Form I-829 petitions will be from $3,750 to $9,525. Avoid ..read more

By Nathan Grow On February 2, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a final rule titled Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity. The final rule, which will become effective March 4, 2024 focuses on enhancing integrity, reducing fraud, and ensuring fairness in beneficiary selection in this year’s H-1B lottery registration process. Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process: USCIS is introducing a beneficiary-centric selection process for H-1B registrations. Instead of selecting from all registrations, USCIS will select registrations by unique ..read more

Highlighting WR Immigration’s continued commitment to Journey Forward while providing our clients the best legal experience, we are pleased to announce the opening of our new Denver office led by law partner Ceridwen Koski. Ceri joins the WR Immigration team bringing her expertise and dedication to further enhance the firm’s commitment to providing top-notch immigration services to the Rocky Mountain area! Read Entire Press Release The post Press Release: WR Immigration Announces New Denver Office Led by Partner Ceridwen Koski appeared first on WR Immigration ..read more

In this edition, find the latest news on DOS’ latest H-1B Guidance, DHS TPS and Student Relief, USCIS’ “Extraordinary Circumstances” and much more! DOS Provides Guidance, FAQs on Domestic Renewal of H-1B Visas for Certain Applicants The Department of State (DOS) has released guidance and frequently asked questions on its new pilot program to resume domestic visa renewals for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements. The pilot program will accept applications from January 29, 2024, through April 1, 2024, or when all 20,000 application slots are filled, whichever ..read more

By Joey Barnett The White House received the final rule containing new USCIS fees on Monday, January 8, 2024, and the Final Fee Rule should be published within the next few weeks. USCIS has stated that a significant increase in immigration filing fees is necessary to costs and better manage its workload. Once published in the Federal Register the increase is likely to take effect 60 days later. Here are five things to know for EB-5 immigrant investors and Regional Centers: Why is USCIS Increasing Fees? USCIS says current fees do not cover costs and they need an increase to avoid backlogs as ..read more

WR Immigration’s January global immigration updates include the latest developments in the Workforce Australia site, China business and tourist visas, Brazil’s e-visa platform, Ukrainian TPS, and much more! Australia The Australian government has announced that employers conducting labor market testing for relevant immigration applications will no longer have to advertise on the Workforce Australia site. This is a very positive change as dealing with the Workforce Australia site could be quite time consuming. Employers will now only have to place two advertisements, instead of three, for the r ..read more