Latest News

DOL Fact Sheet on H-2B Electronic Filing System

The Department is in the process of implementing electronic filing in the H-2B programs through the iCERT Visa Portal System. This page will contain information related to the implementation of electronic filing in the H-2B programs, including technical details about accessing four training webinar sessions.

Please check the attachment to read the H-2 B Fact Sheet.

USCIS Reminds Syrians to Register for Temporary Protected Status

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds Syrian nationals (and persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Syria) that the registration deadline for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is Sept. 25, 2012.

Syrian nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since March 29, 2012, and who meet other TPS eligibility requirements, must file their applications for TPS with a postmark date no later than Sept. 25, 2012. The TPS designation for Syria will remain in effect through Sept. 30, 2013.

DOL Online Resource Page on H-2A & H-2B Electronic Filing System

The Department is announcing the implementation of electronic filing in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs through the Department's iCERT Visa Portal System. We believe this new electronic filing capability will enhance the accessibility and quality of labor certification services, reduce the data collection and reporting burden on small employers, facilitate more streamlined business processes, and establish greater transparency in the Department's decisions.

DOS Issues Press Release On Recently Released Report With DHS

Progress Report on Improvements to Visa and Foreign Visitor Processing

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC
September 19, 2012

 

Today, the Administration released a 180 Day Progress Report on its efforts to build capacity, leverage resources, and improve the visa application and entry process – without compromising security – as directed by the President in a January 2012 Executive Order.

Form I-94 Information for Foreign Visitors

  • Foreign visitors to the U.S. who need to prove their legal-visitor status—to employers, schools/universities or government agencies--during their first two months in the U.S. may need information in addition to the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record that they received from Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

     

    CBP is experiencing a delay in processing foreign visitors’ travel information into the I-94 database. This does not affect the majority of foreign travelers visiting for business or leisure and will not affect any visitor’s record of departure.

     

DOS Releases Instructions For 2014 Diversity Visa Lottery Applications

Online registration for the DV-2014 Program will begin on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and conclude on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4).

See the Diversity Visa Program Instructions webpage for the DV 2014 Instructions and any available translations.