H Visa
USCIS Completes Data Entry of Fiscal Year 2018 H-1B Cap Subject Petitions
USCIS announced on May 3, 2017, that it has completed data entry of all fiscal year 2018 H-1B cap-subject petitions selected in our computer-generated random process. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected. Due to the high volume of filings, USCIS is unable to provide a definite time frame for returning these petitions. USCIS asks petitioners not to inquire about the status of submitted cap-subject petitions until they receive a receipt notice or an unselected petition is returned.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 6 April, 2017
Immigration.com
Green Card
H-1B Visa Changes
Discussing various changes taking place in H-1B visas.
USCIS Announces Further Measures to Detect H-1B Visa Fraud and Abuse Inbox
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced multiple measures to further deter and detect H-1B visa fraud and abuse. The H-1B visa program should help U.S. companies recruit highly-skilled foreign nationals when there is a shortage of qualified workers in the country. Yet, too many American workers who are as qualified, willing, and deserving to work in these fields have been ignored or unfairly disadvantaged. Protecting American workers by combating fraud in employment-based immigration programs is a priority for USCIS.
Justice Department Cautions Employers Seeking H-1B Visas Not to Discriminate Against U.S. Workers
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
Monday, April 3, 2017
H-1B for Programmers - 2017 Guidance
Note From Rajiv:
There is nothing new in this memo that we have not encountered before. What USCIS has said in this memo is that the IT title “Programmer” is not necessarily a job that requires a degree AND further a degree in specific discipline. If we claim otherwise, we have to prove our case. We have to do that in many, many cases anyway. Like I noted earlier, this is not new.
USCIS targets employers for H-1B investigation unverifiable, H-1B dependent, and off site consultants
From Rajiv: To identify employers who are abusing the H-1B visas, USCIS will now target for investigation three specific types of H-1B employers: unverifiable, H-1B dependent and consultants working at client sites.
Understanding H-1B Requirements
This guidance provides you with some key requirements you must fulfill to apply for an H-1B Visa. For each requirement, USCIS has included forms of evidence that you may submit to meet the requirement and other tips to help you prepare your petition.
For more visit this USCIS link: Understanding H-1B Requirements
USCIS Will Accept H-1B Petitions for Fiscal Year 2018 Beginning April 3
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year 2018 cap on April 3, 2017. All cap-subject H-1B petitions filed before April 3, 2017, for the FY 2018 cap will be rejected.