State Department Issues December 2022 Visa Bulletin

Due to Equal Pay Transparency laws enacted in many state and local jurisdictions, companies across the U.S. may face changes to their Permanent Labor Certification Programs (PERMs).

The U.S. State Department (DOS) announced it is continuing to take new steps for foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S.

On August 19, 2022, the DOE announced that effective immediately, it would no longer recognize the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

DHS has announced a new Parole Process for Venezuelans seeking to enter the U.S. The U.S. and Mexican governments are also taking new measures to address irregular migration.

USCIS is now automatically extending the validity of green cards (Lawful Permanent Residence Cards) to 24 months instead of the previous 12 months.

On Aug. 30, 2022, DHS issued a final rule that will preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

USCIS has announced that it received enough petitions to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2023 H-1B cap.

(USCIS) is permitting certain categories of applicants for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to file applications online.

USCIS has announced  that it will transfer some FY 2023 H-1B cap-subject petitions to the California Service Center from the Vermont Service Center for processing.

As of Sunday, June 12, 2022, the U.S. no longer requires vaccinated foreign travelers entering the country by air to have a pre-departure COVID-19 test and negative result before boarding.

On Aug. 1, 2022, USCIS will implement a second phase of premium processing for certain EB-1 and EB-2 petitioners with a pending Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Work.

The Vermont Service Center (VSC) is experiencing delays in issuing receipt notices for H-1B petitions filed at this USCIS regional center.

On May 4, 2022, USCIS will increase the automatic extension period for eligible Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days.

On Nov. 21, 2022, USCIS updated the Ukraine humanitarian parole program for Ukrainians who are fleeing their country due to the ongoing armed conflict.

USCIS announced that it received 483,927 fiscal year (FY) 2023 H-1B registrations in March 2022, which is a new record.

USCIS announced that individuals who were previously granted legal status through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program can file renewal requests electronically.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced a plan to improve efficiency and reduce immigration system burdens in the agency that have led to severe application processing backlogs.

The State Department is extending a temporary measure that allows U.S. citizens to enter the United States even if they have an expired U.S. passport.

On May 1, 2022, DHS will end a temporary policy that allows employers to accept expired List B identity documents during the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification process.

The U.S. State Department provided more details on immigrant and nonimmigrant visas processes for Ukrainian nationals impacted by the crisis in Ukraine.