State Dept. Notice Regarding Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program
For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
Latest News
HHS Releases Poverty Guidelines for 2016
This notice provides an update of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines to account for last calendar year's increase in prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
For details please click here.
DHS Announces Updates to implementation of the REAL ID Act
For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
DHS Enhances Opportunities for H-1B1, E-3, CW-1 Nonimmigrants and Certain EB-1 Immigrants, Final Rule Posted
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amended its regulations today to improve the programs serving the H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications and the EB-1 immigrant classification, and remove unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.
When to File Your Adjustment of Status Application for Family-Sponsored or Employment-Based Preference Visas: February 2016
Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process.
New Law Increases H-1B and L-1 Petition Fees
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113), signed into law by President Obama on December 18, 2015, increases fees for certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners. These petitioners must submit an additional fee of $4,000 for certain H-1B petitions and $4,500 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions postmarked on or after December 18, 2015.
BALCA Appeal Times (as of January 08, 2016)
BALCA Appeal Times as of January 08, 2016
Bottomline: BALCA appeals take approximately 3.5 to 4 years from the date the appeal is filed.
- Appeals from PERM denials with BALCA office are currently taking about 3.5 - 4 years from date of docket
- Dockets are a few months backlogged right now - after BALCA receives the case from DOL, it takes about 5-6 months for them to issue the Docketing Notice
Visa Reciprocity Updates
The following chart shows the changes that have been made to the Country Reciprocity Tables.
| Date | Area/Country of Change | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1/6/16 | Slovakia | Updated validities of various visa classes. |
| 1/5/16 | Dominican Republic | Updated police record information. |
| 12/15/15 | Spain |
Updated police record information.
|
Update to Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service
USCIS posted an update to Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. The new edition is dated 12/11/15. The 01/29/15 version will also still be accepted.
USCIS Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule Affecting Certain Employment-Based Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Programs
USCIS is seeking public comments on a proposed rule that would modernize and improve certain aspects of employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa programs. USCIS is also proposing regulatory amendments to better enable U.S. employers to hire and retain certain foreign workers who are beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions and are waiting to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs).