[author: Amy M. Landwehr]
Worldwide EB-2 Becomes Current in November: The worldwide employment-based second preference category (advanced degree/exceptional ability) will become current again in November, as announced in the Visa Bulletin. The category became oversubscribed in July.
TSP Extended for Haitians: Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the designation of Haiti for temporary protected status (TPS) for 18 months from January 23, 2013 through July 22, 2014. The 60-day re-registration period began October 1, 2012, and will remain in effect until November 30, 2012. DHS also announced the extension of the suspension of regulatory requirements so certain Haitian F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship may obtain employment authorization.
Taiwan Designated for Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Effective November 1, 2012, eligible Taiwan passport holders will be able to use the streamlined Visa Waiver program. Taiwan joins 36 participants in the VWP, which permits visa-free travel to the United States for ESTA-approved travelers visiting the U.S. for 90 day or less for business or tourism.
Recent Consulate Re-openings/Closings: The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, was recently closed indefinitely, and consular services in Cairo, Egypt and Tripoli, Libya, also have been suspended. The Consular Section at Tunis, Tunisia, was reopened on October 9, 2012.
Employee Rights Toolbox: USCIS has released an online resource page on its website to increase awareness about employee rights during the employment eligibility process, containing a variety of educational materials.
