HIGHLIGHTS
- Delays Reported in Production of Green Cards and EAD Card
- Australian Taxation Office Requesting Immigration Records
- Increased Delays Expected Along U.S. and Canada Border during Labor Day Weekend
- USCIS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Nationals
Delays Reported in Production of Green Card and EAD Card
Recent delays have been noted in applicants’ receipt of employment authorization card(s) and lawful permanent resident card(s). USCIS has confirmed on August 27, 2015, that the card production facility in Corbin, Kentucky is undergoing maintenance. As a consequence, all USCIS card production work was transferred to the facility in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Applicants should expect a delay in the processing of cards between two to three weeks after the approval of an application. USCIS expects the backlog will be resolved next month.
EIG will continue to monitor the progress of the delays and provide updates as they become available.
Australian Taxation Office Requesting Immigration Records
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) announced on August 4, 2015 that it will begin to request immigration data in September from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). The request for immigration data is part of the data-matching program aimed to ensure tax compliance for workers entering Australia on temporary visas and their employers sponsoring the visas. Employers should alert the foreign nationals about the ATO review and discuss the current visa and tax processes. Taxpayers will be given an opportunity to verify the information obtained by the ATO. At this time, employers should confirm the important details of temporary visa holders and notify the DIBP of:
- any 457 visa that has been cancelled;
- changes to a position requiring new nomination;
- any decrease in guaranteed wages;
- exemptions from superannuation payments; and
- mergers and acquisitions.
Increased Delays Expected Along U.S. and Canada Border During Labor Day Weekend
Travelers planning to travel to either the U.S. or Canada should expect long delays at the ports of entry along the U.S. and Canada border during the Labor Day Weekend. The holiday weekend is from September 4 to September 7 and is observed in both countries. Travelers are likely to face significant delays due to the high traffic volume. CBP has provided guidance to assist cross-border travelers who intend to travel during this time.
USCIS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Haitian Nationals
USCIS has extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti for 18 months, from January 23, 2016 through July 22, 2017. TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of designated countries that have experienced temporary negative conditions. Negative conditions include armed conflict or environmental disasters that prevent nationals of that country from returning safely or prevent the country from handling their return adequately. USCIS first designated Haiti for TPS status on January 21, 2010 following a catastrophic earthquake.