VISA2US Blog

Everyone in the immigration world has closely followed the results of FY 2024’s lottery since the first round selection in March. Once US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported a substantial number of potentially fraudulent registrations, we wondered what the effects would be. USCIS announced a second lottery in July to fill the gaps between the accepted registrations and the allotted amount of visas, and the results show even more fraud than was visible during the first round. Read on for the details.

Foreign workers trying to navigate the field of visas to get into the United States are often faced with time-consuming and expensive challenges. One of the most sought-after visas, the H-1B category, includes a random lottery process and substantial paperwork full of rigorous requirements along with a limited annual cap. But Canada’s recent government changes in its immigration process open more individuals up to its country, which also serves to free up some H-1B allotments. What’s going on in Canada, and how does it affect you? Read on to find out more.

If you’ve been paying attention to the H-1B visa petitions this year, you’ve seen the headlines about the record-setting FY 2024 lottery numbers. However, US Citizenship and Immigration Services attributes this high number to fraudulent attempts of registering multiple registrations of the same individuals. This significant issue heavily impacted the lottery system this year, causing USCIS to review and reform registration processes. But since new data shows that more than 75% of H-1B registrations amongst the individually filed petitions would’ve been rejected anyway, a deeper problem runs through this system. How is USCIS addressing the visible issues from FY 2024’s lottery? Read on to find out.

When it comes to choosing a work visa as a nonimmigrant, the H-1B and L-1 categories are at the top of the “preferred” list. But while both of these visas are beneficial to the holder and the United States economy, they have some drawbacks that keep them from being completely ideal. The gaps in the legislation allow companies to abuse and fraud the system. However, recent changes to the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act seek to address those gaps and reduce the potential for abuse.

When you run a business where highly skilled workers are essential, sometimes you must look outside the country to fill vacancies. Bringing a foreign worker into the US via an H-1B visa is common but challenging. And if you’re part of a multinational company that wants to relocate a worker to an overseas branch, it can be even more complicated. Immigration laws and policies are always changing. However, if you follow these tips before relocating a foreign worker, you’ll have a greater chance of success.

The H-1B visa and Green Card program have existed for decades as a way to bring nonimmigrants and immigrants into the United States. The policies behind the programs have shifted as problems and gaps become visible. Still, overall, the goal is to help bring skilled workers into the US and benefit the economies, as well as the individuals. One of the policies under scrutiny currently is the per-country cap on green cards, which limits how many families are approved for a Green Card based on birthplace. Will this policy continue in 2023, or will new legislation revamp this factor?

While always in high demand, the H-1B visa program is also a constant topic in the political realm. As the campaigns change in the United States, so do the policies surrounding this non-immigrant work visa. Factors such as the pandemic, supply chain issues, and an increasingly volatile economic front have impacted US workers, employers, and foreign nationals wishing to be part of the economic landscape. This article discusses these changes and how they may affect your H-1B visa petition.

Many extended deadlines have been added for certain USCIS applicants seeking an immigration benefit. These extensions will give applicants more time to compile evidence and submit their paperwork.

The blank space rejection policy has been amended for certain classes of immigrants and those filing certain USCIS forms. But applicants should still be careful on all of their paperwork, especially adjustment of status applicants.

Below are three red flags that legal residents should avoid in order to ensure smooth processing of their N-400 application.