2024 H-1B Lottery Numbers

2024 H-1B Lottery Numbers

This year’s H-1B lottery registrations saw a 38.6% reduction from last year for the statutory maximum of 85,000 visas for “specialty occupation” workers. The H-1B visa is for professional jobs, for which a specific bachelor’s degree or higher is required. Each federal...
Medical Exams Now Valid Indefinitely

Medical Exams Now Valid Indefinitely

USCIS once again updated a health-related provision in its Policy Manual to make completed medical exam reports valid indefinitely if signed on or after November 30 2023. The Form I-693, which a designated civil surgeon must complete and sign for persons applying for...
USCIS Backlog Reduction Progress

USCIS Backlog Reduction Progress

Improving customer service and reducing case backlogs have been priorities for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under the Biden administration. In taking a moment to pat itself on the back, USCIS reported that it reduced its overall backlog by 15% for the...
USCIS to Increase Filing Fees on April 1, 2024

USCIS to Increase Filing Fees on April 1, 2024

After a failed attempt in October 2020 to increase filing fees, USCIS redoubled its efforts to improve processing times and clear backlogs and thereby demonstrate its commitment to improved service in exchange for higher filing fees. The October 2020 fee regulation,...