Category: Immigration Services

Fragomen: Budget Impasse Could Lead to Federal Shutdown, Though Some Immigration Processing Would Continue

(From Immigration Services)

If appropriations legislation or a stopgap spending bill is not passed by Congress by September 30, 2023, the federal government will enter a partial shutdown on October 1.  

A shutdown is by no means certain.  However, USCIS benefit and State Department visa and citizenship document processing will continue, though with potential delays. 
Department of Labor immigration functions such as LCA, prevailing wage, and PERM processing would be suspended in a shutdown until Congress passes a stopgap spending measure or an FY 2024 budget.

To read the full article, click here.

Summer Travel Planning for Foreign Nationals

If you are a foreign national planning to travel internationally this summer, make sure that you have all the necessary documents, including a passport with sufficient remaining validity, a valid U.S. visa in the appropriate classification, and advance permission to travel if necessary.

If you will need to apply for a visa while you are abroad, be prepared for possible delays in visa issuance.

On reentry to the United States, expect thorough screening at the port of entry.

For more information, visit this link.

Worldwide: Immigration Processing and Delays During the Holidays

During the Holiday season, many government offices worldwide will close or have reduced staff and operating hours, likely resulting in processing delays for work permits, residence permits, and visas over the coming weeks and into the new year.

These closures are in addition to the remaining closures of government offices due to COVID-19. Please visit this website for up-to-date information on COVID-19 related government closures, travel restrictions, and other related information.

US Travel Guidance for the Holiday Season by Fragomen

  • Foreign nationals planning to travel internationally and return to the United States this holiday season should consider several additional factors, including evolving COVID-19 policies worldwide, updated U.S. vaccinations requirements, and continued reduced operations at many U.S. consulates.
  • If you will need to apply for a visa while abroad, be prepared for limited consular appointments in certain regions, possible delays in visa issuance, and potential appointment cancellations due to changing COVID-19 local conditions.
  • Ensure that all of your travel documentation is accurate and contains sufficient validity to minimize reentry issues.

This alert is for information purposes only. For more information, please visit the original post on the Fragomen website.

MI CUPA-HR Conference

Michigan Tech Hosts Conference in Mackinaw City

 

The 2015 Michigan College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (MI CUPA-HR) Conference was hosted by Michigan Technological University September 17-18 in Mackinaw City, MI.

 

This year’s theme People, Process, and Performance:  Bridging the Gap brought together nearly 100 Human Resources professional from 17 different Michigan colleges and universities to share their expertise and energy.   Conference participants attended sessions covering a wide array of topics including Employee Engagement, Wellness Initiatives and the Future, Proposed FLSA Regulations, Conflict Resolution, and Negotiating in Today’s World.  Of particular interest was a session presented by Michigan Tech’s Kerri Sleeman, Executive Director, Facilities Management and assisted by Heidi Reid, Employment Services Representative, Human Resources, titled “Digital Negotiations and the HR Impact”.

 

They were also motivated by keynote speaker, Ken Trazska – President of Seward County Community College/Area Technical College in Kansas, who spoke on creating an inspiring, connected, and respected HR Culture.  Networking opportunities were abundant throughout the conference including a breathtaking Sunset Boat Cruise.

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Department of Homeland Security Extends Eligibility for Employment Authorization to Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses of H-1B Nonimmigrants Seeking Employment-Based Lawful Permanent Residence

On February 24, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director León Rodríguez announced today that, effective May 26, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is extending eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who are seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. DHSamended the regulations to allow these H-4 dependent spouses to accept employment in the United States.
Eligible individuals include certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who:
Are the principal beneficiaries of an approved Form I-140, Immigration Petition for Alien Worker
For further questions, please contact HR Academic Immigration Services at 7-2280.

Immigration Services Snapshot

The role of Academic Immigration Services in Human Resources is to work with employees and hiring departments as they navigate immigration process. The Immigration and Visa Coordinator, Madeline Mercado Voelker, is to assist departments in mapping out the immigration process and in addition to prepare, submit and monitor petitions.

Below is a snapshot of Academic Immigration Services petitions currently in process from Academic Year 2013-14: from H1B work Visas, I-140 Petitions, to I-485 (Green Card) petitions.

Immigration Data