H-1B Cap: What Happens Now?
On Friday, April 6, USCIS announced that the annual cap on new H-1B visas had been met. For the sixth year in a row, USCIS received more than 85,000 H-1B petitions within the
Read More »Heavy Processing Delays in Prep for Ramadan
Significant processing delays can be expected at embassies, consulates, passport agencies, visa offices, and other government facilities in countries officially celebrating
Read More »UAE No Longer Requiring Police Clearance for Work Permits
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFA) announced a temporary suspension of the requirement of Good Conduct Certificates (police
Read More »Netherlands Reduces Work Permit Fees
Effective May 3, 2018, Dutch immigration authorities will reduce the fees for residence permit applications, standard work permit extensions, and sponsorship applications.
Read More »USCIS Changes Policy Regarding Undeliverable Documents
USCIS has issued a new directive that any cards issued but unable to be delivered within 60 business days will be destroyed. This applies to Permanent Resident Cards,
Read More »Trump Sends Troops to US-Mexico Border
On Wednesday, April 4, President Trump signed a memorandum ordering the National Guard to the US-Mexico border, stating “the security of the United States is imperiled
Read More »USCIS Reached FY 2019 H-1B Cap
On Friday, April 6, USCIS announced it had reached the mandated 65,000 H-1B visa cap and the 20,000 cap for those with US Master’s degrees. Generally, applicants will
Read More »Alternative Global Destinations for H-1B Cap Applicants
With H-1B Cap FY2019 applications being filed this week, only 85,000 petitions will be selected for adjudication. If this is an employee’s “last shot” at the H-1B Cap,
Read More »Ireland Requires Signed Contracts for Employment Permit Applications
Effective March 16, 2018, the Irish Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation now requires the submission of a signed job contract with an application for an
Read More »UK Visa Fees to Increase April 6, 2018
The UK Home Office has raised annual visa and application fees starting April 6, 2018. For the most common types of work visa, Tier 2 General and Tier 2 ICT, this year’s
Read More »Changes Proposed to Schengen Visitor Visa
The European Commission has proposed changes to the widely used Schengen “C” visitor visa. These proposals, which require additional approval in the European Council and
Read More »US Consulate in St. Petersburg, Russia Closes
Effective March 31, 2018, the US Consulate General in St. Petersburg, Russia has closed and is no longer able to provide services to US citizens. The Russian government
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