State Department releases visa bulletin for November 2024: No movement in employment-based visa category
On October 10, 2024, the Department of State (DOS) released the November 2024 Visa Bulletin. There are no changes to the employment-based visa categories in the Submission Date and Final Action Date table. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will honor the November 2024 filing date for employment-based categories.
Last action date – November 2024
Submission date table – November 2024
Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs: November 2024 Visa Bulletin (state.gov)
DOL: Updated PERM and PWD processing times for October 2024
The Department of Labor (DOL) has updated the processing times for Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) and PERM applications for October 2024.
As of October 15, 2024: DOL is processing prevailing wage determinations for H-1Bs filed before April 2024 (OES and non-OES). DOL is processing disability PERMs filed before April 2024 (OES) and May 2024 (non-OES). DOL is processing H-1B redeterminations filed before June 2024. DOL is processing PERM redeterminations filed before June 2024. DOL is processing H-1B center director reviews requested before January 2024. DOL is processing PERM Center Director reviews requested before October 2023. Below is PERM processing information regarding both the priority date as October 15, 2024 and the average number of days it takes to process a PERM application.
PERM processing time
Average number of days it takes to process a PERM application
Source: U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), October 18, 2024: Processing Times | Flag.dol.gov
USCIS updates guidance on emergency requests
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced updated guidance on expedited requests, effective immediately. The latest version of the USCIS policy manual clarifies how the agency will consider expedited requests related to government interests and requests related to emergencies or urgent humanitarian situations, including travel-related requests . This update also clarifies how to make an expedited request and explains how USCIS will process your request. This update allows USCIS to provide Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records if a benefit claimant residing in the United States “needs to leave the United States for urgent or serious reasons.” We have made it clear that we will consider expedited submission. The need for travel is related to unplanned or planned events, such as professional, academic, or personal commitments. ”
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: USCIS updates policy guidance clarifying expedited requests | United States Immigration
USCIS launches online PDF filing option
On October 8, 2024, USCIS introduced a PDF submission option for certain applicants seeking Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Eligible applicants can now use their USCIS online account to upload their completed Form I-765 Employment Authorization Application in PDF format along with the required evidence. Eligible applicants may also submit a completed Form I-912, Application for Fee Waiver, with their application using the PDF submission option. This is the first time that USCIS will accept fee waiver applications submitted electronically through the USCIS online account. Initially, the PDF submission option will only be available to the following categories of Form I-765 applicants: (a)(12): Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted. (c)(8): Pending asylum claims filed after January 4, 1995. (c)(9): Certain family-based and employment-based applicants pending adjustment of status under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (c)(11): Parolee. (c)(19): If USCIS determines that the applicant is prima facie eligible for TPS and can receive EAD as a “temporary treatment benefit,” the initial application for TPS is pending. If an applicant is applying for the (c)(9) Adjustment Pending category of Form I-765, which is fee exempt, the applicant should not submit the application using the PDF submission option at this time . Please note that attorneys and authorized representatives are not permitted to file these applications on behalf of foreign nationals at this time. For more information about eligibility, please visit the USCIS website: USCIS Launches Online PDF Filing Option | USCIS Launches Online PDF Filing Option | united states immigration
USCIS updates guidance on International Entrepreneurship Regulations
USCIS has updated its Guidance on International Entrepreneurship Regulations in its Policy Manual, clarifying requirements for triennial increases in investments, earnings, and other criteria, and how USCIS will limit biometric reservations for certain applicants. We have clarified what arrangements will be made. The updated guidance reflects the International Entrepreneurship Program: Fiscal Year 2025 Investment and Earnings Automatic Accretion Requirements final rule issued in July of this year. The final rule codifies automatic adjustments to the amount of investments, bonuses, grants, and earnings for applicants under the International Entrepreneurship Regulations. This guidance provides biometric appointments for applicants who are outside the United States who are conditionally approved under the International Entrepreneurship Regulations or who choose to receive their parole documents at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It also clarifies that USCIS generally coordinates with the U.S. Department of State when making arrangements. The revised investment and return amounts are effective October 1, 2024 and apply to requests submitted after October 1, 2024.
Source: USCIS Newsroom, October 10, 2024: USCIS International Entrepreneurship Rules Guidance Update | United States Immigration
USCIS releases new Form I-131 without grace period
On October 11, 2024, USCIS issued a new Form I-131 (edition 06/17/24). The name of the new form is “Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Immigration Records.” This 06/17/24 version of Form I-131 replaces the 04/01/24 version of Form I-131 (Travel Document Application). The June 17, 2024 version of Form I-131 does not have a grace period. Starting October 11, USCIS will deny applications with the 04/01/24 version of Form I-131. If an applicant files Form I-131 after October 11th, the 06/17/24 version of Form I-131 must be used. If an applicant mails Form I-131 in paper form, please note the following: USCIS will accept Form I-131 with an April 1, 2024 version postmarked before October 11, 2024. USCIS will not accept a Form I-131 dated April 1, 2024 that is postmarked after October 11, 2024.
Source: USCIS.gov, October 11, 2024: Applying for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records | United States Immigration
US Mission to India begins accepting additional visa reservations
Recently, the U.S. Mission to India opened visa reservations for an additional 250,000 Indian travelers, including tourists, skilled workers, and students. The recently released new slots will help hundreds of thousands of Indian applicants get timely interviews and facilitate travel, the backbone of the people-to-people ties that underpin U.S.-India relations. . At least 6 million Indians already have nonimmigrant visas to visit the United States, and the mission is issuing thousands more every day.
Source: Department of State, U.S. Embassy in India: U.S. Mission Announces New Appointments to Meet Visa Needs – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India (useembassy.gov)
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide on the subject. You should seek professional advice regarding your particular situation.
