Latest News
CNMI Prevailing Wage Determinations
On November 28, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 applied the immigration and Nationality Act to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), The Department will administer certain immigration programs on CNMI. The Department has published FAQs to assist CNMI employers with obtaining prevailing wages.
PERM Change of Address FAQs
The Department has posted FAQs explaining how one should notify the Atlanta National Processing Center of a change of address, change of legal representation, and other related actions.
To read FAQ, see the attachment:
Questions and Answers: USCIS National Stakeholder Meeting - October 27, 2009
Q: Could USCIS send a receipt notice when the fee waiver application is received?
Transition To U.S. Immigration Law Begins in The CNMI
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that at 12:01 a.m. (CNMI local time/GMT +10.) , Nov. 28, the immigration laws of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) will be replaced by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other U.S. immigration laws. The definition of “United States” in the INA simultaneously will be amended to include the CNMI—providing new privileges and easing restrictions to CNMI residents wishing to live and work in the United States.
USCIS Clarifies Requirements For Agents Filing as Petitioners For the O and P Visa Classification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued guidance on October 7, 2009 to clarify for performing arts associations and their members the regulatory requirements for agents who file as petitioners for the O and P visa classification.
O and P visas apply to non-immigrants with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or in the motion picture and television field. O and P petitions may only be filed by a U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent.
DOS Publishes Notice Of New Visa Classification Symbols
[Federal Register: November 25, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 226)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61517-61524]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25no09-9]
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USCIS Updates H-1B and H-2B Cap Count for FY 2010
As of November 20, 2009, approximately 56,900 H-1B cap-subject petitions had been filed. USCIS has approved sufficient H-1B petitions for aliens with advanced degrees to meet the exemption of 20,000 from the fiscal year 2010 cap. Any H-1B petitions filed on behalf of an alien with an advanced degree will now count toward the general H-1B cap of 65,000.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program Office New Mailing Address
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program office has a new mailing address! SEVP recommends that all correspondence be mailed to the following mailing address: Student and Exchange Visitor Program, Attn: (Branch Name or Job Title), SEVP MS 5600, DHS/ICE, 500 12th Street, SW,; Washington, DC 20598-5600. The new main telephone number is (703) 603-3400.
CBP in New York Advises Travelers to Prepare for Busy Holiday Weekend
Buffalo, N.Y. - U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers planning trips across the border into the United States to make sure they have the proper documents this weekend in conjunction with the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. As a result, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials want to remind the traveling public that there are a number of steps that can be taken to facilitate their arrival into the United States.
Travelers are reminded to check traffic at all local border crossings within the Buffalo/Niagara region and select the crossing that is least congested.