U.S. and Canadian Immigration and Nationality Law (Bimonthly) Newsletter and Updates.
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Dear Reader:
This week, the NPZ Law Group - VISASERVE - is proud to join higher education institutions and communities across the country (and throughout the world) to celebrate Welcoming Week 2023 . Welcome Week gives NPZ Law Group - VISASERVE - and it’s affiliates, an opportunity to spotlight the contributions of folks at Academic institutions, who are refugees, DACA, undocumented, other immigrant-origin, and international students. Welcome Week also underscores the importance of expanding opportunities for the greater international student community. The NPZ LAW GROUP - VISASERVE - along with its various partners in the academic community continue to seek ways to expand opportunities to support and strengthen broader welcoming efforts for all immigrant-origin students during Welcoming Week and beyond.
A recent Seattle Times story reported about Charissa Soriano, a passionate documentary photographer from the Philippines who embarked on a journey to the U.S. to pursue her Masters degree in communication at the University of Washington. Little did she know that her dreams would be challenged by the complex U.S. immigration system. Every year, thousands like Charissa come to the U.S. to study and hope to continue working here. However, the H-1B visa lottery system leaves many in a state of uncertainty. In 2023, only 30% of the H-1B applications were selected for review by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), leaving many to revisit their dreams or seek alternative avenues.
Having experienced the anxious wait twice with unsuccessful results, Charissa took it upon herself to share the stories of international students facing similar challenges. While navigating through the complexities of the system, she remains hopeful and resilient, exploring other visa options like the O-1 for individuals with extraordinary skills.
The NFL, a hallmark of American sports, was born from the dreams of athletes aspiring to reach the pinnacle of football. If you're an international player with ambitions of joining this iconic league, the U.S. offers the P Visa for athletes and the O Visa for those with extraordinary abilities. Whether you aim to be part of a major league team, a USA representative, or even coach, the opportunity awaits in the land of stars and stripes. We applaud the Immigration Law journey of foreign national athletes coming to the United States.
Please feel free to contact the immigration lawyers us at NPZ Law Group by e-mailing us at [email protected] or by calling us at 201-670-0006 (extensions 104 or 204). At VISASERVE - NPZ Law Group, our US and Canadian immigration and nationality lawyers are eager to assist you, your friends, colleagues, and family members with any complex immigration and nationality law matters. We pride ourselves on providing rapid and personalized service to our clients.
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Here are this month's top stories to keep you informed:
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USCIS UPDATES POLICY MANUAL: CLEARER EB-1 VISA EVIDENCE GUIDANCE WITH EMPHASIS ON STEM FIELDS.
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USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to offer clearer guidance on the evidence evaluated for EB-1 immigrant visa classifications, specifically for those demonstrating extraordinary ability (E11) and those who are outstanding professors or researchers (E12).
To read more, please click here . . .
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NEW USCIS REGULATION: AFFIRMATIVE ASYLUM APPLICANTS MUST NOW PROVIDE THEIR OWN INTERPRETERS.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reminds affirmative asylum applicants that, starting today, you must bring an interpreter to your asylum interview if you are not fluent in English or wish to proceed with your interview in a language other than English.
To read more, please click here . . .
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EXTENDING EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR TPS BENEFICIARIES: UP TO 540-DAY EXTENSION AND I-9 FORM GUIDANCE
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Do you employ Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Beneficiaries? If so, they may be eligible for an up to 540-day extension of their EAD.
If an individual with TPS or a pending TPS application applies to renew their TPS Employment Authorization Document (EAD) on or before October 26, 2023, according to the relevant Federal Register notice relating to their TPS country designation, their TPS EAD is extended for up to 540-days from the date shown on their TPS EAD.
To read more, please click here . . .
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UNLOCKING THE GREEN CARD DOOR: ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS TO PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR E-1/E-2 TREATY TRADERS AND INVESTORS.
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The E-1 and E-2 visa classifications offer unique pathways for foreign nationals engaged in international trade or investments to reside and work in the United States. However, these visa categories are not directly designed for those seeking permanent residence (green cards). That said, there are alternative routes to obtaining a green card while on E-1 or E-2 status.
To read more, please click here . . .
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DHS ANNOUNCES 18-MONTH EXTENSION FOR TPS RE-REGISTRATION OF SIX COUNTRIES.
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending from 60 days to 18 months the periods to re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua and Sudan.
To read more, please click here . . .
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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE: 16 UNIQUE PATHWAYS TO U.S. RESIDENCY.
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When it comes to obtaining a U.S. green card, there are numerous pathways available. Some are common and widely known, while others might surprise you. Let's explore these 16 avenues, and don't miss the last one – it's particularly unique!
To read more, please click here . . .
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4 PATHS TO US CITIZENSHIP FOR THOSE BORN ABROAD.
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As the world's melting pot, the United States welcomes people from all corners of the globe. If you were born outside of the United States, there are still ways for you to become a citizen, even if you're not sure where to start. In this article, we'll explore four key paths to US citizenship for those born abroad or currently residing in the US without documentation. While some paths may be more suitable than others depending on your circumstances, all of them offer a chance at becoming an American citizen.
To read more, please click here . . .
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DOS VISA BULLETIN UPDATE: VISA BULLETIN FOR SEPTEMBER 2023 - IF YOUR "PRIORITY DATE" IS CURRENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW?
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In the latest employment-based visa update, there is little change across the categories. The EB-1 category remains stagnant with China's cutoff date at February 1, 2022, and India's at January 1, 2012. All other countries hold an EB-1 cutoff of August 1, 2023. The EB-2 category sees India's cutoff date still at January 1, 2011, China's at July 8, 2019, and all other countries advancing to July 1, 2022. The EB-3 category has EB3 China advancing to September 1, 2019, while EB-3 India stays at January 1, 2009. Other countries remain set at May 1, 2020, and EB-3 other workers follow their respective EB-3 cutoff dates, except China, which remains at September 1, 2015. There is no movement in the EB-4 and EB-5 categories. All EB-4 countries are still at a cutoff of September 1, 2018. For EB-5, India's unreserved cutoff is April 1, 2017, China's is September 8, 2015, while the category remains current for all other countries and subcategories.
To view the current cutoff dates for each visa preference category and country of chargeability, please click here to access two charts provided by the U.S. Department of State's monthly visa bulletin.
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CANADIAN IMMIGRATION LAW NEWS.
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ADVANTAGE IMMIGRATION PROGRAM – ALBERTA’S PATH TO IMMIGRATION.
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Are you considering immigrating to Alberta, Canada, and wondering which program is right for you? Look no further than the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for tech professionals, people with family ties to Alberta, and those interested in settling in rural areas. In this blog post, we will walk you through all the essential details you need to know about this incredible program.
To read more, please click here . . .
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NPZ's Immigration Insights: New YouTube Series on U.S. & Canadian Law
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NEW I-9 FORM UPDATE FOR HR MANAGERS & BUSINESS OWNERS | EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY CHANGES 2023.
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NEW CHANGES TO THE FORM I9 EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION PROCESS - MUST WATCH!
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GSC SRHM Conference 2023:
Navigating the Evolving US Business Immigration Landscape:
Implications for HR Professionals.
Monday, October 16, 2023
Time: 9:45am-10:45am
Venue: Atlantic City Convention Center
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Stay Informed on US & Canada Immigration - Expert Insights from NPZ Law Group Podcast Library
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