DHS Announces Changes to Entry Requirements for Caribbean Residents Traveling to U.S. as Agricultural Workers

For Immediate Release

DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010

DoS Office of Press Relations
Contact: 202-647-2492

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State published rules in the Federal Register on February 4, 2016 eliminating the nonimmigrant visa exemption for certain Caribbean residents coming to the United States as H-2A agricultural workers. Beginning February19, certain Caribbean residents seeking to come to the United States as H-2A agricultural workers will be required to have both a valid passport and visa.

Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 28 January 2016

Immigration.com

Citizenship and Naturalization

Substantial transcription for video

Discussion Topics, Thursday, 28 January 2016:

FAQ: Conversion from H-1 to H-4 EAD and back to H-1 – H-1 quota; L-1B converting to H-1B change of status and quota; H-1 duration through a new employer after I-140 approved – starting a new green card – do job titles and job descriptions have to match; Reapplying for a B-2 visa after denial – importance of income; Filing B visa to maintain status – H-1 and H-1 extension durations when I-140 is approved – when I-140 is revoked – time USCIS takes to revoke an I-140; Visas for starting a restaurant business franchise in the USA. 
Other: Changing jobs after returning on N-470; PERM approval after MTR/Appeal on harmless error/typo; Consequences of old employer withdrawing I-140; Limit on number of times one can apply for H-1; Porting priority date from an approved I-140 that was revoked for error; Entering to do business on a prior approved B-2 visa; L-1A and PERM based green cards; H-1 quota based upon prior approval.

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.

Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 14 January 2016

Citizenship and Naturalization

Substantial transcription for video

Discussion Topics, Thursday, 14 January 2016:

FAQ: Percentage arrangement for salary; Naturalization (citizenship) after lengthy stay abroad; H-1 6 years expiring, options; H-1 Cap exemption, visa stamped, but never worked; FAQ: Can I apply for H-4 visa if H-1 visa is rejected; can I convert from H-4 to H-1; Filing multiple PERM/green card petitions; Green card EB-1C international executive or manager, L-1A.
Other: Entering USA close to visa expiration; L-1B to L-1A and PERM; Transfer of priority date, green card through future employment, H-4 EAD based upon old employer’s I-140; H-4 EAD applying for green card, extending H-1; H-4 to H-1 conversion; Green card through future employer; Green card job duties, job title, promotion; G-315a RFE; Affidavit of birth; H-4 EAD and Change of Status; Priority date transfer, etc.