Latest News

DOL Issues Prevailing Wage Update for H-2B

The Department, in anticipation of the enactment of H.J.Res 117, which prohibits the Department from expending funds to implement the 2011 H-2B Wage Rule for the duration of that Continuing Resolution, will publish in the Federal Register a Final Rule extending the effective date of the 2011 Wage Rule to March 27, 2013.The Final Rule is posted on the Federal Register's web site September 28, 2012 and it is accessible here.

Proposal on H-1B Visa and Green Card Fee Hike

As stated by "Indian Express" :

A proposal that will hit Indian IT companies the most, US software giant Microsoft Corporation has suggested a whopping fee of USD 10,000 (over Rs 5 lakh) for a new category of H-1B visas and USD 15,000 (more than Rs 7.5 lakh) for permanent residency or Green card.

This could raise a huge USD5 billion over a decade, it said.

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.