hi INDiA Copyright 2022-2050
Filing Dates for H-2B Visas and Fee Changes
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reached the congressionally mandated cap for H-2B visas for the second half of fiscal year (FY) 2024. Petitions for new cap-subject H-2B workers with…
2025 H-1B Lottery Registration Begins
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON ,DC- When the demand for H-1B work visas exceeds the annual cap, typically set at 85,000, a lottery is conducted to randomly select applicants who will be eligible to apply for the visa. Instead of…
New Process to Reduce H-1B Fraud
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- As the H-1B registration period begins March 6, this year according to estimates, close to 350,000 unique beneficiaries are expected to seek H-1B cap positions. It may be noted that this number may be…
Reminder: Certain Updated Forms Take Effect on April 1 with No Grace Period
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- With the new fee rule that goes into effect April 1, 2024, you must use the new 04/01/24 editions of the following forms:
• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker;
• Form I-129 CW, Petition…
Judge Halts Implementation of Texas Law Granting Police Wide Authority to Detain Migrants Crossing…
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
AUSTIN, TX — A federal judge blocked a Texas law granting police extensive powers to arrest suspected illegal migrants, a setback for Governor Greg Abbott's immigration enforcement push. The injunction, issued by…
U.S. Initiative Targets Reduction of Visa Waiting Periods for Indian Applicants
H INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, a part of the U.S. Department of State (DHS), has been actively addressing the issue of visa appointment wait times for Indian travelers to the United States. In 2023,…
FY 2025 H-1B Registration Period and myUSCIS Organizational Account Reminders
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC -On Feb. 28, 2024, USCIS launched new myUSCIS organizational accounts for collaborative preparation of H-1B registrations, petitions, and Form I-907.
An organizational account is required for the H-1B…
Green Card Backlog Surges by 16% in the Past Month
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- In January, the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) experienced a notable surge in the immigrant visa (IV) backlog, with figures climbing from 292,105 in December to 338,256, marking a…
USCIS Shatters Records and Dramatically Reduces Backlogs in FY 2023
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its achievements for the fiscal year 2023, showcasing significant progress in its mission to streamline the immigration process in the…
This is Big! You can Renew H-1B Visa in the US Now
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- Under a pilot program launched, now qualified Indian and Canadian H-1B non-immigrant visa applicants can renew their visas in the US itself. The Department of State will release a maximum of 20,000…
Crucial Points in the Senate’s Proposed Border Deal Package
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC -The Senate's proposed border deal and foreign aid package would bring significant changes to US immigration law, marking a departure from long-standing practices.
The bill includes measures such as…
Nearly 180 Illegal Immigrants Arrested in Nationwide ICE Operation
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) conducted a nationwide operation arresting 171 illegal immigrants wanted for crimes, including child sexual assault and murder.
The arrests took place in…
USCIS Issues Final Rule to Adjust Certain Immigration and Naturalization Fees
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC-The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a final rule adjusting immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. The aim is to recover more…
New USCIS Rules to Reduce H-1B Frauds
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- New rules have been announced to reduce the potential for fraud in the H-1B registration process as well as strengthen its integrity. This would be done by reducing the potential for gaming the…
USCIS Changes Fee Payment Process for Filing In-Person
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC-USCIS starting a new process for most applicants, petitioners, and requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives to pay for certain benefit request forms by mail or remotely instead of in…
USCIS Releases Revised Guidance on Extension of Stay and Change of Status Requests, Including…
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DC- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its Policy Manual to address circumstances under which it may excuse a nonimmigrant's failure to timely file an extension of stay…
Proposed Changes Could Lead to Significant Increase in Green Card Application Fees
HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON,DC The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is on the verge of implementing significant changes to its fee structure. According to the latest update from the American Immigration…
H-1B and Indian Immigration to the US: Q&A with Immigration Attorney Emily Neumann
BY ZOFEEN MAQSOOD
The past few years have seen a dismal reality of Indian immigration to the US. The work-based visas which Indians have traditionally been amongst the highest recipients of in the United States no longer guarantee…