August 2015 Visa Bulletin Update
The August 2015 Visa Bulletin is now live. For updated family- and employment-based green card processing times, view the charts below.
10 Things You Need to Know About the New Naturalization Test
United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) recently updated the naturalization test, which legal permanent residents must pass in order to obtain U.S. citizenship. To help you prepare, we’ve identified the top 10 things you need to know about the new naturalization test.
USCIS Stats Reveal L-1B Denial Rates Remain High
United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) designates a special visa classification, the L-1, for “intracompany transferees,” i.e. individuals who work for a company outside the U.S. that is related to a U.S. company, so that those individuals can work for the related company in the United States.
DACA News: Select 3-Year EAD Holders Must Return Work Authorization Cards
USCIS is requiring a small number of DACA holders to return their 3-year employment authorization document (EAD) cards. The reason? About 2,100 3-year work authorization cards were issued after the February 16 deferred action injunction date. If you think this may apply to you, keep reading because we’ve broken down what you need to know about this important DACA update.
Immigration Reform Policy Update: DHS Continues to Narrow Deportation Focus
When President Obama introduced Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pledged to refocus its deportation efforts on the biggest threats, such as those posing a risk to public safety and national security.
LMO to LMIA: The 4 Biggest Changes to Canada’s Labour Market Assessment
If you’re a Canadian employer who regularly hires foreign talent, you’ve probably had to complete the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) in the past to ensure your recruitment of foreign workers doesn’t displace a Canadian citizen from the local workforce. However, the government has made changes to the market test to add more regulations and rigorous compliance aspects to the system and, as a result, renamed the process the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
What HRs Need to Know About the F-1 OPT, H-1B Cap-Gap
While the H-1B lottery season is over, if you sponsored an H-1B petition for a student with an F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) status, there are a few things you should know about the “Cap-Gap.”
July 2015 Visa Bulletin Update
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives thousands of family- and employment-based green card applications every year, which creates a backlog. As a result, the U.S. Department of State issues the monthly Visa Bulletin, allowing applicants to learn when their petition will be processed.
Smart Ways to Build Credit With Your New DACA Status
With Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) you can apply for a social security number and start building credit. A good credit score informs financial lenders of your trustworthiness so you can apply for student loans, a car note, and a home mortgage! However, with your new social security number comes a great deal of responsibility because while having no credit isn’t ideal, having bad credit is even worse. As a result, you must build credit smartly so you can manage it and have financial stability for the future.
VISANOW Celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month
June is Immigrant Heritage Month and VISANOW is joining the nationwide celebration. The holiday was founded last year by nonprofits Welcome.us and FWD.us, which are dedicated to promoting immigration and tech communities in the U.S., respectively.
