Brian D. Lerner Immigration Attorney & Deportation Lawyer Blog

USCIS has published a final rule to modernize and improve several aspects of certain employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa programs. USCIS has also amended regulations to better enable U.S. employers to hire and retain certain foreign workers who are beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions and are waiting to become lawful permanent residents. This rule goes into effect on Jan. 17, 2017.
Among other things, DHS is amending its regulations to:
Clarify and improve longstanding DHS policies and practices implementing sections of the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act and the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act related to certain foreign workers, which will enhance USCIS’ consistency in adjudication.

Better enable U.S. employers to employ and retain high-skilled workers who are beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions (Form I-140 petitions) while also providing stability and job flexibility to these workers. The rule increases the ability of these workers to further their careers by accepting promotions, changing positions with current employers, changing employers and pursuing other employment opportunities.

Improve job portability for certain beneficiaries of approved Form I-140 petitions by maintaining a petition’s validity under certain circumstances despite an employer’s withdrawal of the approved petition or the termination of the employer’s business.

Clarify and expand when individuals may keep their priority date when applying for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence.

Allow certain high-skilled individuals in the United States with E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1 or O-1 nonimmigrant status, including any applicable grace period, to apply for employment authorization for a limited period if:
They are the principal beneficiaries of an approved Form I-140 petition,
An immigrant visa is not authorized for issuance for their priority date.

Employment and immigration

Employment adjustment

Employment authorization

Employment woes in the US have decreased the number of unauthorized immigrant population

Filed under: Employment | Tagged: employment regulations, H-1B, I-140, Immigration, Immigration Attorney, Immigration Lawyer | Leave a comment »