Check Back for the Latest Updates

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19 is changing immigration and businesses in the short-term and has the potential for long-term effects. Stay tuned to this special resource page for the latest updates for employers and foreign workers as we help you navigate these challenging times.

Watch the COVID webinar series on our YouTube channel.

Immigration & Business Topics for Employers & Workers

• USCIS Extends Flexibility for Responding to Agency Requests Through September 11, 2020 (7/1/2020)
• New Immigration Ban: President Declares Foreign Workers “Threat” to U.S. Economy (6/23/2020)
• USCIS Fees Likely to Increase Due to Budget Shortfall (5/18/2020)
• COVID Legislative Updates: HEROES Act, Presidential Proclamation, Healthcare Worker Resiliency Act, Senators’ Letter to White House (5/18/2020)
• USCIS Clarifies & Expands Flexibility for RFE, NOID, NOIR, NOIT Responses (UPDATED 5/1/2020: Extended through July 1, 2020)
• USCIS Office Closures (UPDATED 4/24/2020: Extended through June 3, 2020)
• ESTA/VWP Notice: Requesting Satisfactory Departure “Extension” (4/23/2020)
• Immigration Proclamation Signed: 60-day Suspension for New Green Card Entries to U.S. (NEW 4/23/2020)
• White House Provides Details on Twitter-Announced Immigration Plan (Updated 4/22/2020)
• COVID Updates for H-2A and H-2B Foreign Workers (4/15/2020)
• Delays for H-1B Cap Processing & Nonimmigrant Extension/Change of Status Filings (4/13/2020)
• CARES Act: “Nonresident Aliens” Not Eligible for Stimulus Funds (4/8/2020)
• Workforce Layoffs or Terminations During COVID-19: Immigration Considerations for Employees (4/7/2020)
• DHS Announces No Additional H-2B Visas to be Released (4/3/2020)
• Effects of Unemployment Benefits and COVID-19 on Public Charge Inadmissibility for Green Cards (4/2/2020)
• National Visa Center Delays & Service Shifts During COVID-19 (4/2/2020)
• USCIS to Reuse Biometrics for Employment Authorization Extensions (3/31/2020)
• Webinar: Critical COVID Updates for Employers & Foreign Workers  Recording from 3/30/2020
• USCIS Clarifies & Expands Flexibility for RFE, NOID, NOIR, NOIT Responses (3/30/2020)
• USCIS Grants Extensions for RFE and NOID Responses (3/26/2020)
• VWP/ESTA Visitors: Options for Extensions Due to COVID Travel Problems
• Maintaining H-1B & PERM Notice Compliance During Shutdowns: Can Employees Work Remotely?
• Temporary Suspension of Premium Processing for H-1B, E-1/E-2, EB-1 and Other Employees
• Form I-9 Requirements Temporarily Modified for Remote Offices
• Business Struggles Due to COVID: Responsibilities of H-1B Employers
• Reproduced Original Signatures Temporarily Acceptable for USCIS Submissions

FREE WEEKLY WEBINAR: Critical COVID Updates for Employers & Foreign Workers

Thank you for your questions and responses to our first webinar. We will be hosting a weekly webinar every Monday going forward to update you on the most critical updates. Register once and join us every week!

COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus is disrupting business operations globally and having a profound effect on immigrant employees working for U.S. organizations. Join us on Monday, March 30, 2020 at 11 AM EST to recap some of the most significant regulatory changes and ongoing immigration considerations.

Challa Law Group’s Managing Attorney, Lakshmi Challa, will cover the following topics:

• Managing the H-1B workforce as changing business conditions necessitate layoffs or terminations
• Maintaining critical H-1B and PERM compliance as operations shift to accommodate remote workers
• DOL updates on more flexible I-9 compliance for offices working entirely remotely
• Extending nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 stays (or ESTA status) given the extreme travel conditions
• SEVP’s temporary allowance of adaptations for maintaining F-1 student status and practical training requirements
• Latest on border closures, embassy and consulate limitations, & USCIS cancellations
• USCIS updates on premium processing, original signatures, and “Special Situations” policies

At the end of the presentation, Challa will also address non-case-specific questions that are general in nature. Please register below and feel free to share this message with your interested colleagues, friends, or relatives. For additional questions or information, please email info@challalaw.com. At Challa Law Group, we are taking measures to safely operate at full capacity and we are ready to assist with your immigration needs.

Maintaining H-1B and PERM Notice Compliance During COVID Shutdowns: Can Employees Work Remotely?

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) requires certain postings for the H-1B and PERM programs to alert U.S. workers of the filings. Some employers have shut their doors to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, while other companies are shifting employees to working remotely. DOL regulations governing H-1B and PERMS require employment at a specific worksite, so when H-1B workers are no longer at their approved worksites, the question arises as to how notice requirements change and if an amended H-1B petition is required. Notices are often posted on company bulletin boards, but with limited operations employees are not likely to see the postings.

Posting Labor Condition Application (LCAs) for H-1B Programs

Posting an LCA is a DOL requirement to ensure the jobs of U.S. workers are protected by demonstrating that the H-1B workers earn the same wages and benefits of similarly qualified U.S. workers. The LCAs can be provided…

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