Labor Immigration Law

Our office handles a substantial number of ETA Form 9089 – Permanent Labor Certification (“PERM”) applications and we are closely monitoring the current PERM processing times not only for the benefit of our clients but also to be able to predict longer-term trends in PERM processing.

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has provided an update on the current PERM processing dates as of December 6, 2011.  Most notable is the slight increase (or delay) in the processing time for regular PERM applications — approximately four to five months.  The processing times, as reported by DOL, are as follows:

• Regular processing: August 2011.  DOL is processing PERM applications with priority dates in August of 2011.  There is no change, compared to the November 1, 2011 report, suggesting that there is a slight delay in the regular PERM processing times. Accordingly, regular PERM processing times should be between three and four months.   Our office has experienced PERM approvals consistent with this timeline and we can confirm it.
• Audited applications: April 2011.  DOL is processing PERM audits which have a priority date of April 2011.  This is a very small advancement in this category in comparison to prior months.   Accordingly, audited PERM applications are processed approximately seven to nine months after the initial PERM was filed and the priority date established.  We welcome this sign of (slight) improvement in PERM audit processing times.
• Appealed applications: February 2010.  DOL is processing PERM appeals (requests for reconsideration to the certifying officer) which have a priority date of February 2010.   There is notable improvement in this category in comparison to prior months.   Comparing with the November 1, 2011 report, this category has imporived the processing time by five months.   Accordingly, PERM appeals are processed approximately 20-22 months after the initial PERM was filed and its priority date established.
• “Government error” appealed applications. DOL has indicated that PERM appeals in this category are reviewed on a 30-45 day timeline.   However, after filing an appeal, DOL does not make an indication whether a PERM appeal is accepted to be processed under the  “government error” queue or under the regular appeal queue.   As a result, DOL has indicated that the only way to know whether a PERM appeal has been accepted for processing under the “government error” queue is to wait for 45 days for response.  If the PERM appeal is reviewed within this time, this would be an indication that a PERM appeal has been accepted (and reviewed) under the “government error” queue.  If no response is received 45 days after filing of a PERM appeal, then this should be an indication that the PERM is pending under the regular appeals queue (see above for processing times).

Conclusion

The December 2011 PERM processing times report shows a very slight improvement in the regular and audited PERM processing times while the appealed PERM processing times improve by five months.   We hope that DOL would be able to continue to improve the PERM processing times over the next weeks and months.  We also hope the significant improvement in PERM audit and appeal processing times over the fall would continue in the winter as well.

Our office has developed a great practice handling PERM filings and/or audit/appeal responses so please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help you.  Also, we will continue monitoring the PERM processing times and analyze any updates.  Please visit us again or subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to ensure that you obtain this and related immigration-related news and announcements.

The Capitol Immigration Law Group PLLC is a boutique law firm specializing in employment-based immigration and representing individuals and employers. We are also growing fast.    As a result, we are looking for smart, creative people who will give 100 percent. In exchange, we’ll provide tremendous opportunities for growth, development and professional fulfillment.    We have the following open position.

There has been a considerable amount of discussion, excitement and, unfortunately, some incorrect rumors over the past few weeks regarding possible changes to the way employment-based immigrant visas are allocated.   Our office has been receiving many requests to comment on and speculate on what may happen with the proposed legislation.   To avoid fueling rumors, we wanted to wait until Congress takes some concrete steps towards the passage of this legislation before we provide updates.

About H.R. 3012

H.R. 3012, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act was introduced on September 22, 2011 by Rep. Chaffetz (R-UT) and its goal is to eliminate the employment-based per-country cap entirely by fiscal year 2015 and to raise the family-sponsored per-country cap from 7% to 15%.    If enacted into law, this Act would directly benefit the very high number of highly-skilled applicants for immigrant visa from countries such as India and allow them to obtain an approval much earlier (we are talking many years).

The current law places a limit so that immigrants from a country can obtain no more than 7% of the 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas (or green cards) issued annually.   That cap applies equally to all countries, regardless of the country’s population and creates an imbalance and backlogs for larger countries such as India and China.

H.R. 3012 Clears the House of Representatives; More Work Remains Ahead

On November 29, 2011, the House passed H.R. 3012 by a vote of 389-15 with no additional amendments. The measure now moves on to the Senate for consideration.  A brief reminder:  the fact that H.R. 3012 has been approved by the House does not make it a law.   To become a law, the Act must be passed, in identical form, by both the House and the Senate, and then signed into law by the President.

Many would expect that the Act to pass the Senate quickly.   Unfortunately, indications from here in Washington, DC suggest otherwise.  What is the hold-up?   The answer is politics.   After the House passed the Act on November 29th, Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, host of the upcoming presidential election caucuses, promptly placed a hold on the bill, which is expected to have broad support from his Senate colleagues.

Conclusion

While it should be encouraging to see that H.R. 3012 cleared the House, the Act is still far from being a law.  With the presidential election politics, the Act may not be taken up by the Senate for some time.   Even then, we do not know if it will be passed by the full Senate in identical form.   As a result, much work remains to be done for the Act to become a law.    We will continue to monitor developments on this legislation and provide updates.    Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance or answer any questions.  We also invite you to subscribe to our free weekly immigration newsletter to receive timely updates on this and related topics.

USCIS has issued an alert that a number of key online systems will be unavailable due to system maintenance from Friday, December 2nd at 7pm (EST) until Monday, December 5th at 9am (EST).   As a result, there will be no access or service to the following USCIS online systems and tools:

• Check My Case Status
• Sign-Up for Case Status
• Check Processing Times
• Change of Address Online
• Civil Surgeon Locator
• e-Request
• Office Locator

USCIS has not indicated if and how this outage would affect case updates scheduled to be sent out during this period.   We hope that outgoing case update email alerts would be unaffected; but it is possible that due to the system maintenance USCIS will not issue case alerts as well.

We urge our clients and readers who need to change address (AR-11) online, locate a local office or a civil surgeon or to otherwise interact with one of these tools to do so before the beginning of the outage.

Many of our readers are aware that as of November 22, 2011, USCIS has received a sufficient number of H-1B cap-subject petitions to fill the annual H-1B quota.  All cap-subject new H-1B petitions received by USCIS on or after November 23rd will be rejected.   Throughout the entire H-1B cap season, our office was providing weekly updates to our readers and clients on the status of the H-1B cap and our predictions (based on analyzing the H-1B demand over time) that the H-1B cap would be reached by late November 2011 turned out to be pretty accurate.

Comparison of FY2011 and FY2012 H-1B Cap Seasons

This H-1B cap season lasted approximately two months shorter than last year’s.  Last year’s (fiscal year 2011, FY2011) H-1B cap season lasted until January 26, 2011, when the H-1B quota was reached.  This year, FY2012, the H-1B cap season was two months shorter.  This can be explained in a number of ways, most notably due to the gradual improvement in the U.S. economy and increase in the rate of hiring for the next 6-12 months.  As we saw the rate of H-1B filings over the past few weeks of this H-1B cap season to increase, we expect that as the economy continues to improves over the next couple of quarters, the H-1B demand should pick up and we expect that the new H-1B cap season, to open on April 2, 2012, to be busier than the last one.

Alternatives to H-1B Cap

Now that the H-1B quota has been reached, we are receiving an increasing number of inquiries by both cap-subject employers and prospective employees about the alternatives for work authorization between now and October 1, 2012, when the new fiscal year’s H-1B quota would begin (as a reminder, April 2, 2012 is the earliest a cap-subject H-1B application can be filed).  We describe some of the most common H-1B visa alternatives.  Note that the list is not intended to exhaust all possible visa types and scenarios pursuant to which an employee may be legally employed.  Our goal is to list some of the common options for the benefit of our clients and readers.  We are happy to discuss individual cases as part of our FREE initial consultation.

Cap-Exempt H-1B

A number of employers may qualify to be cap-exempt and are allowed to file for H-1B petition at any time.   A cap-exempt employer is (1) an institution of higher education, (2) related or affiliated to a higher education institution nonprofit entity, or  (3) nonprofit research organization or a governmental research organization.  Please see our cap-exempt H-1B employer guide.   As a result, many educational institutions, non-profit and research organizations may qualify to file cap-exempt H-1Bs.   We are happy to help evaluate whether an employer can qualify to be cap-exempt.

O-1 or P-1 Extraordinary Ability Visas

O-1 and P-1 visas are generally reserved for individuals who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts (including the television and motion picture industry), education, business, or athletics.  By definition, not many individuals qualify for one or both of these visa types, but where possible, an application for O-1 and/or P-1 should be prepared in lieu of H-1B.   In addition to being able to obtain work authorization pursuant to these visa types, an O-1 and/or P-1 approval may establish the basis for the subsequent application for an EB-1 category permanent residency.  Please contact us if you would like our help in evaluating your O-1 and/or P-1 visa case.

L-1 Intracompany Transferree

The L-1 visa type allows multinational companies who have presence abroad to transfer their employees from their overseas offices to their U.S. office (or to establish a new U.S. office).  This visa type is a good option for foreign employers seeking to establish or boost their U.S. presence and for foreign nationals currently employed abroad.   Foreign nationals who are currently in the U.S. generally will not qualify for L-1 visa.  An added benefit to the L-1 visa is that family members are entitled to a work authorization pursuant to L-2 status.

E-1/E-2 Treaty Trader or Investor

The E-1/E-2 visas allow nationals of countries with which the U.S. has trade treaties to invest an amount in the U.S. and receive an E-1 (treaty trader) or E-2 (treaty investor) visa.  See a list of treaty countries.

The E-1 treaty trader visa is suitable if the foreign national has a multinational employer who is willing to transfer them, and the company has significant trade between the foreign country and the U.S.  The employee must also have skills which are essential to the operation of the company trade.   Dependents of E-1 visa holder are eligible for work in the U.S.

The E-2 treaty investor allows foreign nationals to invest (preferably) a substantial amount in the U.S. and obtain an E-2 visa to be able to manage and direct their investment.  The amount required for investment generally varies depending on the industry (the so called, proportionality test) with more capital-intensive industries requiring more significant investment for E-2 application.   Dependents of E-2 visa holders are eligible to apply for work authorization.

H-1B Program Changes by Congress Unlikely

While we do not expect Congress to raise the H-1B cap for FY2013, it is nonetheless possible.  There are a number of proposals currently circulating in Congress, some of which aim to increase the H-1B cap.  While none of these proposals have gained momentum at this time, we will be providing updates as soon as there is a likelihood that there will be development on this front.

Wait and File on April 2, 2012 for the FY2013 Cap

For some of our clients, waiting until April 2, 2012 to file a new cap-subject H-1B petition may be the best option.  The H-1B visa type, although subject to some requirements, is a fairly common visa type for which many qualified employees are eligible.    As of now, the FY2013 H-1B cap is expected to be the same as it was for the FY2012 fiscal year – 65,000 H-1B visas (plus 20,000 for holders of U.S. master’s degrees).  However, as the economy starts to improve and employers increase hiring, we do not expect that next year’s H-1B numbers will remain available for as much as 8-9 months, as they did this year.   Accordingly, we urge employees and employers to prepare and file most or all of their H-1B petitions on or about April 2, 2012, to ensure that their petition has the greatest chance to be included in the quota.  Please contact us to start preparing for your FY2013 H-1B cap filing.

The U.S. Department of State has announced that all U.S. embassies and consulates will expedite the processing of F-1 student visa stamp applications to ensure that qualified foreign students are able to begin their studies on time.   According to the Department of State, the maximum wait for a student visa appointment (for all posts) is fewer than 15 days.  Foreign students can apply for their visas up to 120 days before their academic programs begin.

F-1 Stamping Remains Good (and Fast) Alternative to Change of Status from Within the U.S.

We welcome the Department of State’s commitment to issue F-1 student visas on an expedited basis within 15 days.   Our office often counsels foreign nationals who are in the U.S. and seek to commence study by switching their current valid status (H-1, H-4, L-1, among others) to F-1 student status by filing an application to change status, I-539, from within the U.S.     We routinely file a number of such applications; however, this approach is not always perfect for everybody.

Many (prospective) students must begin their F-1 status as soon as possible in order to take advantage of a number of F-1 benefits (such as work authorization) or to comply with requirements imposed by the universities (for example, grants or other funding requiring F-1 status).   Considering the I-539 application may take 3 to 4 months (sometimes even more) to be reviewed and approved, many prospective students face difficult choices — remain in the U.S. and wait for 3-4 months for an application to change status to F-1 to be approved or leave the U.S. and take the chance that an F-1 visa stamp would be promptly adjudicated by the U.S. consulate abroad.

By making sure that F-1 student visa applications at U.S. consulates are reviewed within 15 days, the Department of State makes the F-1 stamping alternative a very feasible option for those who seek to obtain F-1 status in the U.S. on a short term or for those first-time foreign students who may be aiming to commence school on a short notice.

Conclusion

As we counsel a number of current and prospective F-1 foreign students, we welcome the Department of State’s announcement of expedited processing of F-1 student visa stamps at consulates abroad.    This announcement not only confirms the U.S. commitment to allowing foreign students to come and study into the U.S. but also provides a (relatively) fast option for those foreign nationals in the U.S. who need F-1 status but are not able to wait for the 3-4 month required to change status from within the U.S.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can provide any consultation or if we can be of any assistance.

Throughout the H-1B cap filing season (which opened back in April), we have been providing updates on the available H-1B cap numbers.   Over the past few weeks, we have been also issuing alerts (on our website, via our newsletter and through our twitter and facebook pages) on the upcoming H-1B cap limit.

Partially as a result of our outreach on the upcoming H-1B cap limit, we have been getting many questions on what happens when the H-1B cap is reached?  How does USCIS handle applications which are received on or after the date the H-1B cap is reached?

H-1B Applications Filed on the Day the H-1B Cap is Reached Are Subject to Random Lottery

H-1B filings which are received on the day the H-1B cap is reached are counted and, assuming the number of filed applications exceeds the remaining number of H-1B visas, USCIS conducts a random lottery to determine which of these H-1B applications would be counted and included under the cap.   Those H-1B applications which are filed on the last day but are not selected on the lottery for that last H-1B day are returned to the petitioners.

For example, if on the last day of the H-1B quota there are 700 available H-1B visas, but USCIS, on that day, receives 1,000 H-1B filings, there will be a random lottery among these 1,000 H-1B filings to determine 700 cases which will be accepted for processing under the cap.   The 300 H-1B filings not selected in this last-day lottery will be returned.

H-1B Filings Not Picked by the Last-Day Lottery or Filed Afterwards Are Rejected and Returned

H-1B cases filed on the last day of the H-1B cap but not picked by the last-day lottery (if there is one), or, H-1B cases filed after the last day are processed by USCIS to be returned to the filing petitioner employer (or their attorney) with an explanation that the H-1B cap has been reached and that there are no longer H-1B visas under this year’s cap.

Conclusion

Considering the increasing volume of H-1B filings and given our recent reports on the status of the FY2012 H-1B cap, we believe that the H-1B cap will be reached by the end of November 2011.    We will continue providing updates on the H-1B cap and, once it is reached, on possible alternatives.   If you need our help and services, please contact us at your earliest convenience

Our office handles a substantial number of ETA Form 9089 – Permanent Labor Certification (“PERM”) applications and we are closely monitoring the current PERM processing times not only for the benefit of our clients but also to be able to predict longer-term trends in PERM processing.

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has provided an update on the current PERM processing dates as of November 1, 2011.  Most notable is the slight increase (or delay) in the processing time for regular PERM applications — approximately four to five months.  The processing times, as reported by DOL, are as follows:

• Regular processing: August 2011.  DOL is processing PERM applications with priority dates in August of 2011.  This suggests that there is a slight improvement in the regular PERM processing times. Accordingly, regular PERM processing times should be between three and four months.   Our office has experienced PERM approvals consistent with this timeline and we can confirm it.
• Audited applications: March 2011.  DOL is processing PERM audits which have a priority date of March  2011.  This is still an improvement in this category in comparison to prior months.   Accordingly, audited PERM applications are processed approximately seven to nine months after the initial PERM was filed and the priority date established.  We welcome this sign of improvement in PERM audit processing times.
• Appealed applications: September 2009.  DOL is processing PERM appeals (requests for reconsideration to the certifying officer) which have a priority date of September 2009.   There is slight improvement in this category in comparison to prior months.   Accordingly, PERM appeals are processed approximately 24-26 months after the initial PERM was filed and its priority date established.
• “Government error” appealed applications. DOL has indicated that PERM appeals in this category are reviewed on a 30-45 day timeline.   However, after filing an appeal, DOL does not make an indication whether a PERM appeal is accepted to be processed under the  “government error” queue or under the regular appeal queue.   As a result, DOL has indicated that the only way to know whether a PERM appeal has been accepted for processing under the “government error” queue is to wait for 45 days for response.  If the PERM appeal is reviewed within this time, this would be an indication that a PERM appeal has been accepted (and reviewed) under the “government error” queue.  If no response is received 45 days after filing of a PERM appeal, then this should be an indication that the PERM is pending under the regular appeals queue (see above for processing times).

Conclusion

The November 2011 PERM processing times report shows a slight improvement in the regular and appealed PERM processing times while the audited PERM processing times remain stable.    We hope that DOL would be able to continue to improve the PERM processing times over the next weeks and months.  We also hope the significant improvement in PERM audit and appeal processing times over the fall would continue in the winter as well.

Our office has developed a great practice handling PERM filings and/or audit/appeal responses so please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help you.  Also, we will continue monitoring the PERM processing times and analyze any updates.  Please visit us again or subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to ensure that you obtain this and related immigration-related news and announcements.