Weekly Immigration News Recap ( January 23-29)
FY 2024 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1
The initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap will begin at noon Eastern time on March 1 and last until noon Eastern time on March 17, 2023, according to a statement released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today. Potential petitioners and representatives can fill out and submit their registrations utilizing our online H-1B registration system at this time. For the FY 2024 H-1B cap, we will give each registration a confirmation number. You cannot use this number to track the status of your case in Case Status Online; it is only used to track registrations.
Source: USCIS
USCIS Releases New Strategic Plan Highlighting Long-Term Goals
The FY 2023–2026 Strategic Plan (PDF, 6.79 MB) (PDF, 6.79 MB) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines how the agency’s staff can improve its skills and advance the nation’s highest aspirations. The strategy is based on USCIS’ long-standing mission and basic principles, supporting a sincere desire to create the country a stronger, more diverse and inviting place. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou stated that the agency’s work “makes the possibility of America a reality for immigrants from throughout the world, the communities and economies they join and support, and the nation as a whole.”
Source: USCIS
USCIS Extends COVID-19-related Flexibilities
Through March 23, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending a few COVID-19-related flexibilities. Under these flexibility provisions, USCIS, if the request or notice was given between March 1, 2020, and March 23, 2023, inclusive, considers a response submitted within 60 calendar days after the due date stated in the following requests or notices before taking any action:
Requests for Evidence, Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14), Notices of Intent to Deny, Notices of Intent to Revoke, Notices of Intent to Rescind, Notices of Intent to Terminate Regional Centers, Notices of Intent to Withdraw Temporary Protected Status, and Motions to Reopen an N-400 Pursuant to 8 CFR 335.5, Receipt of Derogatory Information After Grant are all types of Notices of Intent documents
Source: USCIS
U.S. Government Settles Lawsuits That Benefit H-1B and L-1 Spouses
Spouses of H-1B and L-1 work visa holders will benefit from two litigation settlements reached by the U.S. government. L-2 and H-4 spouses will find it considerably simpler to renew their work authorization licenses and find employment once the new legislation takes effect.
Source: Boundless
Visa Approvals Rebound to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2022
The State Department’s 2022 visa report shows a rise in both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas granted abroad in the year 2022. From 2.7 million in 2021 to nearly 6.8 million in 2022, the number of nonimmigrant visas approved skyrocketed. The number of approved immigrant visas climbed as well, from 285,000 in 2021 to 493,00 in 2022. Overall, in 2022, the number of visas issued began to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Source: Boundless
