Loss of Accreditation Determination by the U.S. Department of Education Based on the recent determination by the U.S. Department of Education that it no longer recognizes the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (“ACICS”) as an accrediting agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is having to revisit the effect of same on the
COVID-19 Flexibilities Extended through October 23, 2022 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced another extension of coronavirus (“COVID-19”)-related flexibilities due to the ongoing pandemic. The flexibilities, which were set to expire on July 25, 2022, have been extended through October 23, 2022 for certain receipts and notices issued between March 1, 2020 and
H-1B Cap Petitions Transferred to the California Service Center On June 16, 2022, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced that certain H-1B cap petitions for Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2023 that were filed at the Vermont Service Center have been transferred to the California Service Center due to an influx of case submissions
COVID Testing Mandate for International Air Travel into the U.S. Lifted On June 12, 2022, the Biden Administration lifted coronavirus (“COVID-19”) testing mandates for air travel into the U.S. after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) officials determined the requirement was no longer needed because of widely available COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Since January
Relief for Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”) Applicants Effective May 4, 2022 On May 3, 2022, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced a Temporary Final Rule (“TFR”) to increase the automatic extension period for certain EAD categories. The temporary extension period (initially 180 days from the expiration date listed on the EAD) has been
Form I-9 COVID Flexibilities Extended Through October 21, 2022 The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has extended I-9 flexibilities enacted in response to stay-at-home orders and document renewal difficulties faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The flexibilities, which were set to expire on April 30, 2022, have been extended through October 31, 2022. In addition to
H-1B Registration Period for FY 2023 CAP-Subject H-1B Petitions Opens on March 1, 2022 FY 2023 H-1B cap season is quickly approaching, with the registration period opening at noon on March 1, 2022 and ending at noon on March 18, 2022. All H-1B registrations must be submitted online during this period to be counted in
Receipt Notice Delays Due to COVID-19 restrictions and filing increases, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently experiencing a four to six week delay in issuing receipt notices for applications and petitions filed at a USCIS lockbox facility. The delay period varies according to the lockbox facility and application/petition filed, with more
Receipt Notice Delays Due to COVID-19 restrictions and filing increases, USCIS is currently experiencing a four to six week delay in issuing receipt notices for applications and petitions filed at a USCIS lockbox facility. The delay period varies according to the lockbox facility and application/petition filed, with more significant delays for individuals filing Form I-485,
Department of State Update: In light of the severe backlogs in visa interview scheduling and in an effort to expedite visa issuance to qualified applicants, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has extended the Interview Waiver Program for certain nonimmigrants (H-1, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q) and their dependents through December 31, 2022.