The current government shutdown does not affect the vast majority of USCIS's activities. Their offices are open, and interviews and appointments are proceeding as normal. USCIS continues to accept petitions and applications for benefit requests with only a few exceptions. The USCIS programs that will face disruption until they receive appropriated funds or are reauthorized by Congress are the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program (not the EB-5 Program, it continues to operate), E-Verify, Conrad 30 Waiver Program for J-1 medical doctors (not a shutdown of the program ...
Recent ICE activity has demonstrated the importance of properly completing Form I-9 and the consequences that result from not doing so. One of the best ways for a company to feel confident upon receipt of an audit notice from DHS, DOL, or DOJ is to develop a habit of routine internal or self audits.
Follow these key guidelines to a successful audit outcome:
1) Review all I-9 forms or a representative sample selected on non-discriminatory grounds to determine I-9 opportunities and correction areas.
2) Communicate with employees regarding the audit to ensure a culture of open ...
Every January, employers begin making preparations for the H-1B visa filing season so they will be ready for the H-1B cap filing deadline on April 1st. Filing H-1B petitions typically come with a degree of anxiety given the visa category has historically been oversubscribed resulting in petitions selected in a random lottery in order to have a chance at approval. On November 30, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to drastically change the H-1B lottery system, which should have H-1B employers making preparations earlier than in prior years.
The Current H-1B ...