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How to Avoid Phishing Attempts and Scams
Phishing attempts are serious security concerns and unfortunately, foreign national students, scholars and employees are often the target of these attempts and other security risks.
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Department of Labor Announces Final Rule to Strengthen Wage Protections for Foreign Workers
On Jan. 12, 2021, the DOL announced that it will issue a Final Rule to increase and reform prevailing wages for foreign worker programs on Jan. 14, 2021, to be implemented in 60 days.
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January 2021 Visa Bulletin Released with Advancements in Employment-Based Categories
The January 2021 Visa Bulletin will bring advancement in employment-based categories. USCIS will use the Final Action Date chart in January 2021.
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In-Person Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Requirements Waived Through March 31, 2021
Following the extension of P.P. 10014 and 10052 through March 31, 2021, DHS will continue to waive in-person interview requirements for certain nonimmigrant visas.
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Visa Suspensions Extended Through March 31, 2021
President Trump has extended Presidential Proclamations (P.P.) 10014 and 10052. The two proclamations, which suspend immigrant and nonimmigrant work visas, will remain in effect through Mar. 31, 2021.
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U.S.-CA-MX Border Closures Extended Through January 21, 2021
North American land borders will remain closed through January 21, 2021. U.S.-CA and U.S.-MX land borders have been closed since March 21, 2020 due to COVID-19.
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DOL Provides Compliance Update with Court Orders on PERM and H-1B Minimum Wages
The DOL will return to pre-Oct. 8, 2020 PERM and H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 OES wage data. The announcement follows two court orders blocking the agency from continuing to implement the rule nationwide.
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USCIS Extends I-9 Temporary Measures due to EAD Processing Delays
USCIS has extended temporary I-9 employment verification measures through February 1, 2021. The temporary measures were scheduled to expire on December 1, 2020.
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Federal District Court Judge Rules OPT Program is Lawful
On Nov. 30, a U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that foreign students can remain in the U.S. to work through the DHS’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after graduation.
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[Updated] New York District Court Orders DHS to Accept New DACA Program Applications
On Dec. 4, 2020, a U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, NY ordered DHS to accept new DACA applications. DHS must notify the public by Dec. 7, 2020 that it will accept and adjudicate new applications.
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Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Bans Public Charge Rule in Certain States
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked DHS from enforcing the Public Charge rule nationwide on Dec. 2, 2020. The injunction applies to 18 states and Washington, D.C.
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[Updated] Northern California District Court Strikes Down H-1B Program Changes
On December 1, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California decided that the interim rules for the H-1B program issued by the DOL and DHS were invalid.
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State Department Releases December Visa Bulletin; USCIS to Use Dates for Filing Chart
The State Department has published the December 2020 Visa Bulletin, which will follow the Dates for Filing Chart to determine eligibility for adjustment of status.
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U.S.-CA-MX Border Closure Extended Through December 21, 2020
Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, North American borders will remain closed for another month. Nonessential travel across U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders is banned through December 21, 2020.
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DHS Proposes Rule to Expand Biometrics Collection
DHS has proposed a rule authorizing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to expand biometrics collection for certain travelers entering or exiting the country.
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USCIS to Implement Updated Naturalization Civics Test on December 1, 2020
USCIS plans to implement an amended naturalization civics test, which is required for most individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. The new naturalization civics test will be implemented on Dec. 1, 2020.
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ICE Urged to Drop Proposed Duration of Status Regulation
ICE is facing pressure from business and higher education groups to withdraw a proposed regulation setting maximum periods of stay for exchange visitors and foreign students.
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Updated: Public Charge Rule Vacated Nationwide
On November 2, 2020, the Federal District Court vacated the Public Charge Rule nationwide. Effective immediately, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can no longer apply the Public Charge Rule.
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Updated: DHS to Implement New Rules That Change the H-1B Cap Selection Process
On Oct. 28, 2020, DHS announced plans to change the H-1B selection process from a lottery system to a wage-based selection process.
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The Visa Bulletin: What It Is and How to Navigate It
To help foreign nationals and their employers better understand how to navigate the visa bulletin, we put together a list of FAQs and a quick example showing how to find a priority date.
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