Immigration news & commentary
Updates and analysis from the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC.
USCIS Announces Countries Eligible for H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State (DOS), have announced the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in 2020. The notice listing the eli...
By Rajiv S. KhannaDHS and USDA Move to Protect American Farmers and Ensure Continued Flow of America’s Food Supply
Department to Temporarily Amend Certain H-2A Requirements During COVID-19 National Emergency Release Date: April 15, 2020
By Rajiv S. KhannaDHS Offers Flexibilities to Increase Food Security, Stabilize U.S. Supply Chain During COVID-19
WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a temporary final rule to change certain H-2B requirements to help support the U.S. food supply chain, maintain essential infrastructure operations and reduce the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2017 Beginning April 1, 2016
On April 1, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year (FY) 2017 cap. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in occupations that require highly specialized knowledge in fields such as science, enginee...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Completes the H-1B Cap Random Selection Process for FY 2017
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on April 7, 2016, that it has received enough H-1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 visas for fiscal year (FY) 2017. USCIS has also received more than the limit of 20,000 H-1B petitions filed under the advanced degree exemptio...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Reaches FY 2017 H-1B Cap
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for fiscal year (FY) 2017. USCIS has also received more than the limit of 20,000 H-1B petitions filed under the U.S. advanced degree exemption. USCIS will use a computer-generated process, also known...
By Rajiv S. KhannaFiscal Year 2017 H-1B Cap Premium Processing to Begin May 12
On May 12, 2016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions requesting premium processing, including petitions seeking an exemption for individuals with a U.S. master’s degree or higher.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2018 Beginning April 3
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3, 2017. All cap-subject H-1B petitions filed before April 3, 2017, for the FY 2018 cap will be rejected.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS to Resume H-1B Premium Processing for Certain Cap-Exempt Petitions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will resume premium processing for certain cap-exempt H-1B petitions effective immediately. The H-1B visa has an annual cap of 65,000 visas each fiscal year. Additionally, there is an annual “master’s cap” of 20,000 petitions filed for beneficiaries...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Policy Alert - Nonimmigrant Trainees (H-3)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance on the trainees (H-3) nonimmigrant visa category. Read more »
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Announces Countries Eligible for the H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of State, have published the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to receive H-2A and H‑2B visas in 2018. The notice listing the eligible countries was published on Jan. 18, 2018, in the Federal Regist...
By Rajiv S. KhannaDOS Issues Cable With Guidance On B-1 In Lieu Of H1-B And H3 Visas
The guidance for issuing B-1 visas in lieu of H is currently under review bur remains in effect until further notice. In order to avoid delays at the port of entry, consular officers are to annotate the B-1 visa with “B in lieu of H, 9 FAM 41.31 N11.”
By Rajiv S. Khanna