USCIS Completes Initial H-1B Cap Registration Selection Process for FY 2024
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that, as expected, it received sufficient electronic H-1B cap registration applications during the initial registration period to reach the FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations of 65,000 (for holders...
Immigration Updates
Effective April 12, 2023, immigration changes from the UK Home Office will impact minimum wage thresholds for Skilled Worker visas, the Global Business Mobility Expansion Worker visa for Australians, and the Youth Mobility Scheme for New Zealanders. Minimum Salary...
April 2023 Visa Bulletin Brings EB-2 Retrogression and Slight EB-3 China Advancement
The U.S. Department of State has released its April 2023 Visa Bulletin, imposing per-country cut-off dates that regulate immigrant visa availability and the flow of Adjustment of Status (AOS) application and consular Immigrant Visa application filings and approvals....
ePass Introduced for EP Renewals
Effective March 17, 2023, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has announced that a digital ePass will be issued for Employment Pass (EP) renewals and its related Passes. The ePass is an electronic pass that will replace the current physical (sticker)...
H-1B Cap Registration Period Extended Until 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday March 20
The USCIS announced on its website and on Twitter yesterday that the H-1B Cap registration period, which was due to end today at noon Eastern Time (ET), will be extended until 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, March 20, 2023. This extension was granted because some registrants...
Key Visa Updates
Today, the Chinese government released the following policy changes: Chinese multiple entry visas issued prior to March 28, 2020, that are still currently valid, can be used to enter China starting March 15, 2023. Chinese Embassies, Consulates, and visa centers...
Educational Qualifications Declared to MOM in Employment Pass (EP) Applications Will Require Verification Proof
Currently, only educational institutions which are not listed in MOM’s list of accredited institutions are required to provide verification proof for educational qualification issued by these institutions. What Are the Changes? From September 1, 2023, educational...
CDC Eliminates Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement for Persons Arriving from China
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today that it is rescinding with immediate effect its December 28, 2022 Order that required persons entering the United States from the People’s...
Premium Processing Available for I-765 EAD Applications of F-1 Students
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the Premium Processing service, which reduces the processing time for certain petitions and applications, will be available to F-1 students. Premium Processing is available immediately for F-1...
March 2023 Visa Bulletin Dates Remain Largely Unchanged Across EB Categories
The U.S. Department of State has released its March 2023 Visa Bulletin, imposing per-country cut-off dates that regulate immigrant visa availability and the flow of Adjustment of Status (AOS) application and consular Immigrant Visa application filings and approvals....