Discussion Topics, Thursday, 9 February 2017:
FAQ: Extension of H-1 beyond six years, gap in H-1, late in filing PERM, etc; How can a US green card holder study abroad without losing their green card? || Automatic EAD extension, I-485 EAD; US Citizen applying for green card for brother or sister; How do we keep up with the rumors and changes in the laws; Should I travel outside the USA/H-1B visa stamping; When is an H-1B amendment required? || Job promotions during AC21 portability of green card; Impact of I-140 approval after 180 days, etc.
Other: Spouse of US citizen filing for naturalization; Following to join; Executive Order against criminal aliens; Change of status from L-2 to H-1B, remainder option, H-1 quota; Qualifying for OP after studying on H-4 visa, etc. || Starting green card from the I-485 stage; Going to home country for an extended period of time while green card is pending; Company going out of business during green card; Entry and reentry on visitors visa, etc.
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 23 February 2017:
FAQ: The new regulations, withdrawal of I-40, H-1 extensions; Will H-4 EAD Rule be revoked? || Can pending immigration applications be affected by changes in the law?|| Entering the USA on B-1/B-2 visa to get married; Misdemeanor conviction effect under Trump executive order; Legal rights/benefits of Green Card compared to H1B; Using for green card experience gained with end client; Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) traveling to Canada.
Other: PERM advertising requirements, salary; Does CSPA protect based upon an old I-140/PERM? || L-1A eligibility if visiting the USA frequently; Reopening abandoned green card case; I-140 revocation for errors; Changing from H-1 to H-4 while transfer is pending; H-4EAD and back to H-1; EB-1A for a computer professional; Consular processing of green card; Effect of affidavit of support; Counting H-1B period while COS is pending; etc.
The Department of Labor has posted a revised Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) regarding the Permanent (PERM) Program and listing job requirements not normal to the occupation on both the ETA Form 9141 Prevailing Wage Request and ETA Form 9089. This FAQ, which replaces the previous notice that had references to the State Workforce Agency (SWA), is available here and on the FAQs page of the OFLC Web site under the heading PERM Program and subheading Job Requirements/Duties.
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification is providing this update to the public on issuing prevailing wage determinations.
PERM: Became current the week of October 23, 2011
H-1B: Became current the week of November 6, 2011
H-2B: Anticipated becoming current the week of November 27, 2011
The Department of Labor is working to incorporate new and/or revised Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes into the Permanent (PERM) Program online application system. Until the new codes are fully integrated, filers may experience situations where the new and/or revised, SOC codes are not available in the PERM online application system. Until such time as the new codes are incorporated, the Atlanta National Processing Center (ANPC) will accept the older SOC codes even though they may not match the code indicated on the Prevailing Wage Determination.