OPEN DOOR NEWSLETTERS

January - February - March 2008

  • USDOL RULE REQUIRING EMPLOYERS TO PAY FOR LABOR CERTIFICATION NOW IN EFFECT
  • APPROVED LABOR CERTIFICATION APPLICATIONS NOW HAVE A VALIDITY PERIOD
  • LABOR CERTIFICATION SUBSTITUTIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND REQUESTS FOR RECONSIDERATION NOW RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED
  • PLAN NOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF OBTAINING A COVETED H-1B
  • EMPLOYERS MUST BEGIN USING NEW I-9 BY DECEMBER 27, 2007
  • DEPARTMENT OF STATE ISSUES RECORD NUMBER OF STUDENT AND EV VISAS
  • NEW PIMS SYSTEM MAY LEAD TO DELAYS FOR SOME NONIMMIGRANT VISAS
  • VISA APPLICANTS WITH DUI “HITS” MAY FACE DELAYS
  • USCIS NO LONGER REQUIRES H AND L ADJUSTMENT APPLICANTS TO TRAVEL WITH I-485 RECEIPT NOTICE
  • DHS BEGINS TRANSITION TO 10-FINGERPRINT COLLECTION
  • U. S. CITIZENS NOW NEED PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO/FROM CANADA, MEXICO, CARIBBEAN, AND BERMUDA BY AIR
  • SECRETARY CHERTOFF INDICATES THAT FBI “NAME-CHECK” BACKLOG WILL BE CLEARED IN SIX MONTHS
  • ACLU FILES LAWSUIT OVER “NAME-CHECK” DELAYS IN NATURALIZATION CASES
  • DHS RULE IMPLEMENTS U CLASSIFICATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES WHO ASSIST IN INVESTIGATION
  • WINNERS OF THE 2008 DIVERSITY VISA LOTTERY ANNOUNCED
  • SOME CUBANS MAY BE ABLE TO ENTER THE U.S. TO WAIT FOR GREEN CARD
  • HIV-POSITIVE PERSONS MAY BE ALLOWED TO VISIT U.S. FOR BRIEF PERIODS
  • EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM FEES INCREASE
  • USCIS PROPOSES RULE TO REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF I-551 CARDS WITHOUT EXPIRATION DATE
  • DHS “NO-MATCH” PROGRAM DERAILED BUT NOT DEAD
  • USCIS REACHES H-2B CAP FOR LAST HALF OF FY2008
  • AUTOMATIC EXTENSION OF WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR LIBERIANS GRANTED DEFERRED ENFORCED DEPARTURE
  • LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
  • THE FIRM IS HONORED, SPEAKS AND ORGANIZES
    January - June 2007
  • ELAINE KIMBRELL AND STEVE SPRINGER JOIN FIRM AS ASSOCIATE ATTORNEYS
  • POSITIVE MOVEMENT IN EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRATION BACKLOGS
  • USCIS ANNOUNCES DIRECT FILING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FORMS I-129 & I-539
  • CHANGE IN PROCEDURE FOR REINSTATEMENT OF STUDENTS
  • J-1 PROFESSORS AND RESEARCHERS ELIGIBILITY PERIOD INCREASED TO FIVE YEARS
  • BASIC H-1B QUOTA EXHAUSTED FIRST DAY AND MASTERS QUOTA EXHAUSTED APRIL 30
  • H-2B CAP REACHED FOR SECOND HALF OF FISCAL YEAR 2007
  • PASSPORTS REQUIRED FOR AIR TRAVEL INTO UNITED STATES
  • TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS UPDATE
  • USCIS PROPOSES STEEP FEE INCREASES
  • USCIS IMPLEMENTS ONLINE CHANGE OF ADDRESS
  • FINAL DOL RULE ON LABOR CERTIFICATION VALIDITY
  • EARLIER FILING OF O AND P EXTENSIONS NOW POSSIBLE
  • ICE AND CBP CHANGE NAMES AGAIN
  • EXPECT LESS TIME TO RESPOND TO RFES AND NOIDS
  • DOS DISCONTINUES USE OF “APPLICATION RECEIVED”
  • A VEHICLE FOR ADDRESSING PROBLEMS FACED AT PORTS OF ENTRY
  • UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA FORCES USCIS TO ADJUDICATE H-1B PETITION
  • NO MORE “BIOMETRIC CHECK-OUTS"
  • LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS
    July - December 2006
  • H-2B CAP REACHED FOR SECOND HALF OF 2006; 2007 NUMBERS GOING FAST
  • SEX OFFENDERS BARRED FROM PETITIONING FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
  • NEW RESTRICTIONS ON PETITIONING FOR FIANCES
  • SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION LIMITS NUMBER OF REPLACEMENT CARDS
  • LOCAL USCIS OFFICES WILL NO LONGER ISSUE EMPLOYMENT CARDS
  • F & M VISA NEWS
  • WHAT IS “PERMANENT”? EB-1 ADVICE FROM USCIS
  • WHERE YA “AT”? THE H-1B CAP EXEMPTION IN HIGHER ED
  • “WHEN I’M 64”: CHANGES TO THE AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT
  • DHS INCREASES NUMBER OF CUBAN FAMILY PAROLEES
  • NICE, NOT NAUGHTY: NEW DOS RULE ON BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR HOST FAMILIES
  • DV LOTTERY 2007 WINNERS SELECTED; DV 2008 TO OPEN
  • H-1B CAPS MET FOR 2007
  • NEW ORLEANS DISTRICT OFFICE UPDATE
  • ORLEANS PARISH (NEW ORLEANS) DESIGNATED HPSA
  • IMMIGRATION REFORM?
  • USCIS EXPANDS PETITIONS ELIGIBLE FOR PREMIUM PROCESSING
  • TPS EXTENDED FOR SOMALIA, BURUNDI; TERMINATED FOR LIBERIA
  • COMING OF AGE: ELECTRONIC I-9s
  • MOVING TOWARDS NEW PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
  • PORTS FOR NSEERS REGISTRATION AND DEPARTURE CHANGE
  • AFGHAN AND IRAQI TRANSLATORS ELIGIBLE TO IMMIGRATE
  • USCIS CENTRALIZES EMPLOYMENT-BASED I-485 FILING
  • CUBAN PHYSICIANS ELIGIBLE FOR HUMANITARIAN PAROLE AND PERMANENT RESIDENCE
  • CHECK ON YOUR LABOR CERTIFICATION!
  • OCTOBER VISA BULLETIN SHOWS PROGRESS
  • AAO FINDS SOME PUBLIC SCHOOLS H-1B CAP EXEMPT
  • PREVAILING WAGE DETERMINATIONS
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS
    April/May/June 2006
  • USCIS REACHES 2006 CAP FOR H-1B ADVANCED DEGREE HOLDERS; NEW QUOTAS NOW OPEN
  • H-2B QUOTA EXHAUSTION IMMINENT
  • DOL PROPOSES PERM CHANGES
  • NEW FILING LOCATIONS FOR I-129 & I-140 PETITIONS
  • NEW ORLEANS DISTRICT OFFICE UPDATE
  • ELECTRONIC FILING OF LCAs
  • DHS EXTENDS TPS FOR EL SALVADOR, HONDURAS, AND NICARAGUA
  • WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INITIATIVE POSTPONED
  • ELECTRONIC DS 156 WARNING
  • LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
  • USCIS ISSUES NEW FORM N-400
  • STANDARD RFE RESPONSE TIMEFRAME
  • AU CONTRAIRE, TSC
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS, SERVES… AND AWARDS
    January/February/March 2006
  • WE’RE BACK!
  • KATRINA – RELATED AGENCY UPDATES & OTHER ISSUES
  • USCIS REACHES THE H-2B CAP FOR THE FIRST HALF OF FISCAL YEAR 2006
  • APPROVAL OF IMMIGRANT PETITION AND PORTABILITY
  • H-1B & EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANT VISA RELIEF STRIPPED FROM BUDGET BILL
  • REMINDER TO VWP ENTRANTS
  • CONSULAR UPDATE
  • ADDING BACK H-IB TIME OUTSIDE THE US
  • NEW ACADEMIC WAGE DATA
  • DELAYED NAME CHECKS
  • DOS OFFERS STRANGE ADVICE ON INTERRUPTION OF STUDIES
  • WAIVER OF VISA FINGERPRINT REQUIREMENT
  • STUDENTS AND IMMIGRANT INTENT
  • RESCHEDULING INTERVIEWS
  • DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY INCREASES FEE FOR WAIVERS
  • I-90 PRECAUTION
  • REQUIREMENTS FOR I-864 REDUCED
  • CURRENT STATUS OF NEW ORLEANS CIS OFFICE
  • IMMIGRATION COURT REOPENS
  • EU J’s MUST SPEND TWO YEARS IN HOME COUNTRY
  • USCIS REACHES 2006 CAP FOR H-1B ADVANCED DEGREE HOLDERS
  • VALIDITY OF MEDICAL EXAM
  • FLIGHT SCHOOL RESTRICTIONS
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS AND IS PUBLISHED
    October/November/December 2005
  • THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA
  • UPDATE ON H-1B VISA NUMBERS
  • RETROGRESSION IN EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES
  • USCIS ANNOUNCES FEE ADJUSTMENTS
  • 2007 DV LOTTERY NOW OPEN
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS AND GETS PRESS
    July/August/September 2005
  • H-1B UPDATE
  • SEVIS CONFERENCE CALL SUMMARIES POSTED
  • NEW I-90 PROCEDURE
  • PERM UPDATE
  • EB3 NUMBERS UNAVAILABLE
  • VWP PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS UPDATE
  • NEW VISA CATEGORY FOR AUSTRALIA
  • EXTENSION OF WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR HONDURAN
    AND NICARAGUAN TPS HOLDERS
  • DOS EXTENDS VISA VALIDITY FOR CHINESE
    STUDENTS AND EXCHANGE VISITORS
  • DOS ISSUES ADVISORY REGARDING SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
  • LATE AMNESTY EXTENDED
  • NEW VISAS FOR NURSES AND PHYSICAL THERAPISTS
  • REAL ID ACT TO LIMIT DRIVER’S LICENSES
  • H-2B VISAS MADE AVAILABLE
  • STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES ANNUAL CABLE FOR
    ACADEMIC VISA PROCESSING
  • DHS NOW PERMITS ONLINE VERIFICATION OF SEVIS FEE PAYMENT
  • NEW SECURITY CHECKS IN IMMIGRATION COURT
  • J-1 PROGRAM LIMITS EXTENDED TO 5 YEARS FOR
    PROFESSORS AND RESEARCH SCHOLARS
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS

    April/May/June 2005

  • H1B’s – GET ’EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT!
  • PREVAILING WAGE GUIDANCE PUBLISHED
  • MOVEMENT IN EB3; RETROGRESSION IN “OTHER WORKERS”
  • NO INDEFINITE DETENTION FOR ARRIVING ALIENS
  • BATTERED SPOUSES AND CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR EXPEDITED NATURALIZATION
  • RFE MEMO RESCINDED
  • PERM NOW IN EFFECT
  • VISAS MANTIS CLEARANCES EXTENDED
  • NEW DOS FEES
  • IMMIGRANT INTENT?
  • UPDATE ON J-1 WAIVER PROGRAMS
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS, PUBLISHES AND IS HONORED!

    January/February/March 2005

  • BACKLOG REDUCTION UPDATE
  • NEW RULE FOR F-1 SSN
  • TPS UPDATE
  • ICE PRIORITIZES “SEVIS VIOLATORS”
  • ELECTRONIC COMPLETION AND STORAGE OF I-9 NOW PERMITTED
  • DIRECT MAIL FILING BEGAN DECEMBER 1, 2004
  • NEW LEGISLATION EXTENDS CONRAD PROGRAM FOR J-1 PHYSICIANS
  • LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO H1B AND L-1 PROGRAMS ENACTED
  • PERM IS HERE!
  • TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR TSUNAMI VICTIMS
  • USCIS SERVICE CENTERS AGAIN OPEN TO INQUIRIES
  • SHIFTING POLICIES ON ADIT STAMPING
  • RETROGRESSION IN EMPLOYMENT THIRD PREFERENCE FOR CHINA, INDIA & PHILIPPINES
  • DOL REITERATES NO EXPEDITE POLICY
  • US-VISIT EXPANDED TO LAND PORTS OF ENTRY
  • H-2B VISAS EXHAUSTED ON JANUARY 4, 2005
  • ASYLEE ADJUSTMENT UPDATE
  • DWI NOT AUTOMATIC DEPORTATION
  • ALIENS ENTERING FROM CANADA BARRED FROM ASYLUM
  • USCIS UPDATES FORMS
  • CAUTION FOR F-1 OPT TRAVELERS
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS, PUBLISHES, AND IS HONORED!

    October/November/December 2004

  • CIA CHECK ELIMINATED AT DISTRICT OFFICES
  • INFOPASS IMPLEMENTED
  • EXPEDITED REMOVAL FOR EWI’S
  • BORDER CROSSERS ALLOWED MORE TIME
  • DHS ANNOUNCES H-1B “CAP GAP” REMEDY FOR J, F STUDENTS
  • DOS INSTRUCTS ON TIMING OF ISSUANCE OF F-1 VISAS
  • VWP VISITORS GET EXTENSION
  • DHS ADDS POE’S TO US VISIT; DELETES POE’S FROM EXIT PROGRAM
  • TPS NEWS
  • CONRAD PROGRAM UPDATE
  • H-1B VISAS FOR FY2005--- GONE!
  • DOS WEBSITE NOW INCLUDES PROCESSING TIMES
  • FBI HAS ACCESS TO SEVIS, US-VISIT
  • DOS PROJECTS CUTOFF IN EB3 BY JANUARY
  • CHANGE IN PHOTO FORMAT
  • CBP ISSUES GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS AND EXCHANGE VISITORS
  • CIS UPDATES FORMS
  • CIS ADDS DOCUMENT TO LIST A ON FORM I-9
  • I-94 CORRECTION SITES LISTED
  • DOL ISSUES RULE FOR BACKLOG REDUCTION
  • CIS EXTENDS CERTIFICATION DEADLINE FOR CANADIAN, MEXICAN TN’s
  • FLUKE OR POLICY?
  • COMMERCE SHUTTING DOWN J PROGRAM
  • 2006 DV LOTTERY COMING SOON
  • SSN RULES TIGHTEN FOR F-1 STUDENTS
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS!

    July/August/September 2004

  • O-1 OTHER EXTENSIONS MAY BE EASIER
  • SEEKING EMPLOYMENT WHILE ON OPT
  • FEE INCREASES IN EFFECT
  • JARINA NEW DISTRICT DIRECTOR IN NEW ORLEANS
  • “ENEMY COMBATANTS” HAVE RIGHTS TOO!
  • ENHANCEMENTS TO CASE STATUS ONLINE
  • CIS, CBP ANNOUNCE NEW MEANS TO CORRECT ERRONEOUS I-94s
  • RFE’s MAY DIMINISH; DENIALS INCREASE
  • LATE AMNESTY APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN
  • EMPLOYERS MUST PROVIDE FINANCIALS
  • IRS/SSA INFORMATION SHARING REPORT FALSE
  • PROCESS FOR MATCHING I-130 AND I-485 FORMALIZED
  • JOURNALISTS MUST HAVE PROPER VISA
  • USCIS EXPANDS E-FILING
  • NEW EAD CARD SOON
  • PERM, BACKLOG REDUCTION ON TRACK AT DOL
  • BEWARE OF INFO ON THE INTERNET
  • SOME NSEERS REGISTRANTS CALLED IN
  • DELHI TIGHTENS DIRECT FILINGS
  • RFE’s AND ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS
  • SSA F-1 EVIDENCE RULE GOES TO OMB
  • NO MORE VISA REVALIDATIONS
  • VIDEO HEARINGS TO START IN NEW ORLEANS
  • H-1B COUNT
  • USCIS PLAYS CATCH-UP
  • H-1B GAP REG REACHES OMB
  • SEVIS FEE RULE PUBLISHED
  • CBP NOW HAS SEVIS TERMINATION DATA
  • NAFSA LIAISON AND CONTACT PROCEDURE CHANGES

    April/May/June 2004

  • SUIT TO PROCEED AS CLASS ACTION AGAINST DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
  • USCIS PROJECTS PENDING ASYLEE ADJUSTMENTS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2015
  • DHS SUPPORTS GENDER–BASED ASYLUM
  • ICE EXPANDS PILOT PROJECT TO DETAIN DEPORTABLE ALIENS
  • STALKING OFFENSE RULED AN “AGGRAVATED FELONY”
  • CAN NON–ADMITTED FOREIGN NATIONALS BE DETAINED INDEFINITELY?
  • DHS ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF US–VISIT TO VISA WAIVER COUNTRIES BY SEPTEMBER 30
  • USCIS PROPOSES FEE INCREASES
  • USCIS ISSUES GUIDANCE ON CHILE/SINGAPORE FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
  • LEGALIZATION REVIVED
  • H–2B QUOTA REACHES CAP—USCIS ANNOUNCES PROCEDURES
  • VETERANS AFFAIRS GUIDANCE FLAWED
  • DALLAS DISTRICT OFFICE ANNOUNCES I–485 PILOT PROGRAM
  • EDUARDO AGUIRRE, JR., DIRECTOR OF USCIS, TESTIFIES ON U.S. AND MEXICO IMMIGRATION POLICY
  • CONSERVATIVE COURT RULES THAT COLLEGES MAY RIGHTFULLY DENY ADMISSION TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
  • NEW SOCIAL SECURITY PROCEDURES FOR F, M, AND J STUDENTS AND EXCHANGE VISITORS
  • MEXICAN TN (TRADE NAFTA) REQUIREMENTS RELAXED; QUOTA ELIMINATED
  • H-1B CAP EXHAUSTED: PROCEDURES ANNOUNCED
  • UPDATE ON NEW ORLEANS DISTRICT FILINGS
  • CONCERNS RAISED ABOUT POTENTIAL IRS SHARING OF ITIN–RELATED INFORMATION IN FALSE SOCIAL SECURITY INVESTIGATION
  • HHS PHYSICIAN WAIVERS BACK ON TRACK, WITH LIMITATIONS
  • SEVIS FEE RULE UNDER REVIEW AT OMB
  • PERM REGULATION PENDING AT OMB
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS!

    January/February/March 2004

  • H-1B ALERT
  • PROPOSED SEVIS FEE RULE PUBLISHED
  • ICE SETS DEADLINE FOR SEVIS REGISTRATION
  • NEW FORM I-515A ISSUED
  • UNDOCUMENTED FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST VIRGINIA HIGHER ED
  • DHS, DOS LAY OUT RESPECTIVE VISA FUNCTIONS
  • SSA ISSUES FINAL RULE ON ISSUANCE OF NUMBERS TO ALIENS
  • US-VISIT UPDATED, IMPLEMENTED
  • SPECIAL REGISTRATION ENDS, SORT OF
  • LOST CARD? SEND AN EMAIL
  • ZERO TOLERANCE MEMO WITHDRAWN; TOLERANCE NOW AT 1.4
  • VISA SCREEN CERTIFICATE REQUIRED AT TIME OF FILING
  • STATE DEPARTMENT RE-DESIGNATES TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS
  • MORE ON SERVICE CENTER NTA'S
  • PRESIDENT SIGNS EXTENSION OF RELIGIOUS WORKER PROVISIONS
  • DOS LIMITS TRAINING PROGRAMS
  • FAMILY BASED APPLICATIONS TO GO TO NATIONAL BENEFITS CENTER
  • HHS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS, REINSTATES J-1 PROGRAM
  • DOS ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF MANTIS CHECKS
  • PERM UPDATE
  • SECRETARY RIDGE MAKES POSITIVE COMMENTS
  • PRESIDENT BUSH ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SWEEPING REFORMS
  • I-17 JURISDICTION PUT ON ICE; PROCESSING CENTRALIZED
  • THE FIRM SPEAKS!

    October/November/December 2003

  • Religious Worker Statute to Sunset September 30th
  • DOS Releases Visa Lottery Instructions
  • USCIS Issues Memo on Change of Jobs While Adjustment Pending
  • USCIS Issues Memo on Oath Waiver for Citizenship Applicants
  • New I-140 Published
  • Citizenship and Immigration Ombudsman Appointed
  • 800 Number a Failure
  • USCIS Issues Photo Policy
  • Alabama Police Officers May Issue NTA’s
  • TSC Issues New Form for Expedited Processing
  • Reminder: H-1B Training Fee Sunsets October 1
  • “Bureaus" Drop It
  • Machine Readable Passports Required by October 1
  • DOS Prioritizes Student, Scholar Visas
  • Changes to L-1 Visa Program May be on Horizon
  • Pilot Program Permits Online Appointments
  • Visa Revalidations Severely Backlogged
  • TPS Extended for El Salvador, Somalia, Montserrat, Burundi AND Sudan; Sierra Leone Terminated
  • SEVIS Deadline Comes and Goes, and Sun Still Rises
  • DHS Publishes Final Rule on Health Care Worker Certification
  • USCIS Clarifies 7th Year H-1B Extensions Available to Religious Workers
  • DOS Suspends TWOV and ITI Programs
  • Chile, Singapore FTA’s Passed
  • Validity of Medical Exams
  • Service Centers May Issue NTA’s

    July/August/September 2003

  • Online Filing Now Available
  • USCIS Requires Divorce Before Filing Waiver
  • Handicapped May Be Represented In Naturalization Proceedings
  • USCIS Instructs On Unlawful Presence
  • State Department Cable on F, M and J Procedures
  • U.S. Visit To Replace NSEERS, Integrate SEVIS
  • Asylees, Refugees Authorized To Work
  • Old Naturalization Form No Longer Accepted
  • Heads of INS "Offspring" Named
  • Important Reminder for Special Registrants
  • Most Photo Waivers Eliminated For Resident Cards
  • H-1B Cap To Drop
  • SEVIS Data Delay to CCD Alleviated, DOS Says
  • Don't Hold Your Breath For PERM
  • Border Processing Update
  • DOS Upgrading Online J-1 Waiver Status Verification
  • TPS Extended for Hondurans and Nicaraguans
  • Service Center Information Lines Disconnected
  • DOS Announces Most Nonimmigrants Will Be Interviewed
  • Illinois Changes Policy on In-State Tuition for Undocumented
  • DOS Issues SEVIS Regulations
  • HHS Accepting Physician Waivers

    April/May/June 2003

  • Call in Registration Extended for Groups 3 and 4
  • NSEERS Ports Expanded
  • Fee Reduction Reversed
  • SEVIS Grace Period
  • Delay in Fingerprinting at TSC
  • INS Clarifies OPT for Students
  • BCBP Delays Inputting SEVIS Data
  • Border Processing Update
  • Don't Forget LIFE Legalization Deadline
  • Landed Immigrants Need Visas & Passports
  • INS Website Changes
  • DHS Formally Abolishes INS; Transfers Regulatory Functions
  • NSEERS Registration Required for Benefits
  • New Poverty Guidelines Announced
  • Uruguay Terminated from Visa Waiver Program
  • New Version of DS-156 Now Required

    January/February/March 2003

  • NSEERS Registration Program Expanded
  • Border Commuter Student Act Becomes Law
  • SEVIS F, M & J Regulations Finalized
  • DOS Interim SEVIS Rule Published
  • Visa Processing Update
  • H-1B beyond sixth year becomes easier; “Conrad 30” now law
  • MRV Fee Increase
  • New Form AR-11
  • DOS Require Special Procedures for Certain Nationalities
  • DOL Begins Efficiency Measures, Predicts PERM Date
  • INS Abolished
  • ISEAS Update
  • Arrests of Family-Based Petitioners
  • HHS To Become IGA for J-1 Waivers
  • Pay H-1B Wage!

    October/November/December 2002

  • Registration System Update
  • Immediate Restrictions on Students and Exchange Visitors
  • President Signs Age Out Protection Legislation
  • Concurrent Filing of I-140 and I-485 Permitted
  • Flight School Rule Becomes Final
  • INS Launches Online Case Status System
  • SEVIS Update
  • Security Check Time To Improve
  • Law Enforcement Aids INS in Florida
  • Social Security Number Issuance in Disarray
  • Recent TPS Extensions
  • Delta Regional Authority Information
  • Don't Forget the Visa Lottery
  • H-1B May Return to Old Employer
  • AG Makes Final BIA Reform Rule

    July/August/September 2002

  • INS Institutes Drastic Changes for Tourists, Students
  • National SEVP/SEVIS Program Gears Up
  • Border Security Bill Becomes Law
  • New Security Check Implemented
  • INS Proposes Numerous Changes To Student Regulations
  • Nicaraguans, Hondurans Granted Twelve Month Extension of TPS
  • 245(i) Update
  • President, Congress, Propose Homeland Security Department
  • AG Announces Registration Monitoring System
  • INS Extends Life Act Application Period
  • PERM Proposal
  • H-1B’s May Get Seventh Year Despite Change
  • B Honoraria Proposal
  • Current TSC Processing Times

    April/May/June 2002

  • 245(i) Extension Passes
  • New Form For Visa Processing
  • AG Proposes Changing Appeals Process
  • Spouses May Work
  • TPS Extended For Angola
  • Automatic Revalidation Changes
  • Fee Payment Rule Pulled Back
  • Argentina Terminated From VWP
  • DOL To Reduce Backlogs
  • Update On I-140 Premium Processing
  • T Visas Now Available
  • Asylum Adjustment Changes
  • Affidavit Of Support For Deceased Sponsors
  • DOJ Requires Advance Consent For Flight Training
  • Immigrant Visa Processing Streamlined
  • INS States Naturalization Application OK While I-751 Pending
  • USDA Out Of Waivers

    January/February/March 2002

  • INS Permits Single Petition For O-1
  • Visa Appointment System Changes
  • President Orders Military Trials For Noncitizens Accused of Terrorist Acts
  • Dept. Of Justice To Interview 5000
  • INS Publishes New Rule Regarding Detention, Expands Powers
  • Forms Update
  • DOL To Accept Electronic LCA's
  • Patriot Act Extends 21st Birthday
  • I-140 Premium Processing Begins May 1
  • LCA Gap Cases To Be Denied
  • National SEVP Program Gears Up
  • It's Never Too Early
  • AG Extends TPS Designation For Burundi, Sierra Leone, Montserrat and Sudan; Somalia Extended and Redesignated
  • FERPA Exceptions Expanded
  • DOJ Rule Allows Monitoring of Attorney/Client Communications
  • Fee Increases
  • Section 245(i) Update