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 our immigration webinar series on our YouTube channel or register now.

Immigration & Business Topics for Employers & Workers

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER 2020

• Public Charge Form Now Required (9/22/2020)
• Employee Green Card Availability Could Increase October 1, 2020 (9/21/2020)
• Applying for an Expedited Consular Appointment (9/18/2020)
• Interview Waiver Checklist: Are you eligible for a Drop Box appointment? (9/18/2020)
• National Interest Exceptions to H, L, J Travel Bans (9/18/2020)
• EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 2021: Flexibility for Responses to USCIS Requests & Notices (9/14/2020)
• Premium Processing Would Increase to $2,500 Under Proposed House Bill (8/25/2020)
• Immigration & Travel Challenges Leave Green Card Holders Considering U.S. Citizenship (8/21/2020)
• Employer I-9 Update: Using I-797s During EAD Production Delays (8/20/2020)
• I-9 Compliance Flexibility Extended Through September (8/18/2020)
• USCIS to Furlough Majority of Workforce (8/17/2020)
• Expanded Exceptions to Travel Ban: 3 Eligibility Criteria for L-1 Applicants (8/14/2020)
• 5 Eligibility Criteria for Overcoming H-1B Ban (8/13/2020)
• USCIS Fees Shift on October 2, 2020 (8/6/2020)
• Judge Orders USCIS to Address Printing Backlogs (8/5/2020)

MAY – JULY 2020

• 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)

APRIL 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)

MARCH 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

RESUMING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 at 12 PM ET
FREE WEEKLY WEBINAR: Critical COVID Updates for Employers & Foreign Workers

Thank you for your questions and responses to our COVID webinar series. We will be hosting a weekly webinar every Wednesday going forward to update you on the most critical updates. Register once and join us every week. After a short break, we are excited to return on September 16, 2020!

COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus is disrupting business operations globally and having a profound effect on immigrant employees working for U.S. organizations.

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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