A government shutdown was narrowly avoided on September 30, 2023 after Congress passed a continuing resolution to fund the government for an additional 45 days. However, another shutdown is possible if Congress does not pass...more
If Congress does not pass appropriations legislation or a stopgap spending bill by September 30, 2023, the federal government will experience a shutdown on October 1, 2023. A federal government shutdown will disrupt certain...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: If Congress cannot resolve funding issues by 11:59 pm EST on September 30, 2023, resulting in a federal government shutdown, it will have a ripple effect on employers, both large and small, with an impact...more
Unintended new job locations have always presented issues for employers with H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 workers. However, the issues are even more common today, given employers’ remote work policies and continued changes thereto. ...more
1. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Launched Online Appointment Request Form - On August 21, USCIS launched a new online form for individuals to request in-person appointments at their local field offices....more
Seyfarth Synopsis: The below summarizes recent legal updates that impact U.S. immigration: 1. Submission Deadline for FY2024 H-1B Cap Petitions - Employers should be reminded that the deadline to file a cap-subject...more
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has tremendously affected where and how we work. The same is true for how the coronavirus has impacted immigration laws as they apply to U.S. work authorization. The original lockdowns from the...more
According to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 34 percent of private-sector employers expanded remote-work options for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and about 60 percent of those...more
Federal agencies are providing leniency in light of the significant impact of Hurricane Ida on government operations, corporations, and those residing in the United States. Below we provide a summary of the flexibility that...more
USCIS Will Increase Filing Fees as of October 2, 2020 - On July 31, 2020, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) announced it will increase filing fees effective October 2, 2020. The fee increases will...more
Congress was unable to agree on a spending bill and the US government has shut down as of midnight, January 19th. This leaves many wondering how immigration benefits are impacted. The general rule is that those services that...more
Most operations are either fee-based or considered “essential” and are therefore expected to proceed normally. Barring passage of an eleventh-hour spending bill, the current continuing resolution will expire on January 20...more
The government officially reopened on October 17, 2013 after a shutdown that started on October 1. The shutdown had substantial immigration consequences for employers (which were explained in detail here and here). At least...more
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), which processes Applications for Permanent Employment Certification (the first stage of the green card process), prevailing wage requests and Labor...more