U.S. Department of Labor Proposes 18 Month Delay to Rule Increasing Prevailing Wage Levels
The Employment and Training Administration at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released a notice that will be published in the Federal Register on Monday, March 22, 2021. DOL proposes to delay—by 18 months—the changes to...
Burma Designated for Temporary Protected Status in the U.S.
On March 12, 2021, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas designated the country of Burma (also known as Myanmar) for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. The TPS program provides temporary protections in the U.S. to...
Expanded Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waiver
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has announced that consular officers may waive the in-person interview requirement for applicants seeking nonimmigrant visas in the same category as a previously held visa that expired within the preceding 48...
Public Charge Rule Permanently Vacated
On March 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that it would no longer defend the previous administration’s controversial Public Charge Rule. This reversal was the result of an internal review by the U.S. Department...
United States Offers Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans
On March 8, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The TPS program provides temporary protections in the...
Update on the Status of Immigrant Visa Processing at U.S. Embassies and Consulates
On March 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price hosted a special briefing with Consular Affairs Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie M. Stufft. Appearing via teleconference, Ms. Stufft...
U.S. State Department Changes National Interest Exceptions
On March 2, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of State rescinded a previous national interest determination regarding certain travelers from the Schengen Area (European Union), United Kingdom, and Ireland—specifically, certain technical experts...
USCIS Makes Accommodations for F-1 OPT Applicants Facing Processing Delays
International students who graduate from a U.S. college or university can stay in the U.S. in F-1 status to participate in up to 12 months of optional practical training (OPT). Post-completion OPT must conclude within 14 months from the end of the...
USCIS Offers Premium Processing Service for E-3 Petitions
Beginning February 24, 2021, USCIS’s premium processing service is available to employers filing Form I-129 petitions for E-3 nonimmigrant workers. The E-3 nonimmigrant classification is available...
President Biden Removes Immigrant Visa Ban
Since April 2020, many intending immigrants have been prevented from coming to the U.S. due to pandemic-related travel restrictions classifying these individuals as risks to the U.S. labor market. On February 24, 2021,...