Department of Homeland Security USCIS Launches an Online PDF Filing Option for Certain EAD Applicants Earlier this month, USCIS introduced a new PDF filing option for certain applicants seeking an Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”). Applicants and their representatives are now able to upload their Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and their supporting documents in
Department of Homeland Security Second H-1B Cap Lottery Completed by USCIS for FY 2025 On August 5, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced the completion of its second random selection from previously submitted H-1B cap lottery registrations for fiscal year (“FY”) 2025. Newly selected registrants have been notified via their myUSCIS accounts, which
Department of Homeland Security Automatic Extension Period for Employment Authorization Documents Once Again Increased U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has once again increased the automatic extension period for certain timely-filed Employment Authorization Documents (“EADs”) from 180 days to 540 days after reducing the extension period from 540 days to 180 days in late October
Department of Homeland Security Fine and Punishment: I-9 Compliance Penalties Again on the Rise The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has once again increased fines for Form I-9 violations, marking the second time in as little as two years that the penalties have been raised. This recent trend in fine increases as well as
Department of Homeland Security H-1B Cap Lottery Timelines Released by USCIS U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has recently announced important dates for the upcoming H-1B visa lottery. The lottery registration period for fiscal year (“FY”) 2025 will run from 11:00 am CST on March 6, 2024, through 11:00 am CST on March 22, 2024,
Department of Homeland Security ATTENTION: H-1B Cap Season Start for FY 2025 With the new H-1B Cap season quickly approaching, it is time to start evaluating your H-1B needs and preparing for the annual H-1B lottery. Each year, the demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the available supply and since 2020, the government has been
Munsch Hardt’s Immigration Team wishes you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! A few reminders and safety tips for your upcoming holiday travel: Be Prepared: Check your passport and visa validity before a trip. Hint: if you are traveling abroad, make sure that you have proper documentation to enter the country of
Department of Homeland Security New Form I-9 Mandatory as of November 1, 2023 As of November 1, 2023, the newly revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (08/01/2023 edition date), must be used to verify the identity and employment authorization of all individuals hired in the United States. The new Form I-9 now includes alternative procedures
Department of Homeland Security USCIS Provides Updated Guidance on Status-Authorized Employment and Extended EAD Validity U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its policy manual to reflect the government agency’s decision to increase the validity period of Employment Authorization Documents (“EADs”) up to five (5) years for certain nonimmigrant categories. This change comes as
Department of Homeland Security USCIS’s Automatic Extension Policy Set to Expire after October 26, 2023 During the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) rolled out a series of flexibilities to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors due to delays in government processing times and in response to remote work mandates. In particular, USCIS’s