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May 2012: H-1B cap count

On May 17, 2012 · In Uncategorized

As of May 14, 2012, approximately 36,700 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. USCIS has receipted 14,800 H-1B petitions for advanced degree holders. Overall the volume of petitions filed to date for fiscal year 2013 continues to outstrip the same period last year.  Additionally, a surge in H1B Masters quota filings may be expected as new [...]

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May 2012: DHS Announces Expanded List of STEM Degree Programs

On May 17, 2012 · In Uncategorized

On May 11, DHS announced an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) designated degrees that qualify for 17 month OPT (Optional Practical Training) Extension.

See http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/20120511-expanded-stem-degree-programs.shtm

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EIR Program – USCIS Thinking Outside the Box for Startups

On May 10, 2012

USCIS is taking steps to increase entrepreneurial immigration.  Current US immigration laws are specifically tailored to suit the traditional business model which is no longer realistic for many start-ups, given advancements in technology and the ability to work remotely.  On October 11, 2011, USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced a new initiative to harness industry expertise [...]

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May 1, 2012: Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery Results Posted

On May 10, 2012

Entrants in the Diversity Visa 2013 program may check the status of their entries through Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website beginning on May 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013. Please remember to keep your confirmation, since more DV 2013 entrants may be selected on October 1, 2012.

Click here for more details.

[...]
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USCIS Issues Q&A on Automatic Extension of F-1 Student Status for Those With Pending H-1B’s

On May 1, 2012

These Questions & Answers address the automatic extension of F-1 student status in the United States for certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions (indicating a request for change of status from F-1 to H-1B) for an employment start date of October 1, 2012 under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 H-1B cap.

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H1B Cap Update, April 27, 2012

On May 1, 2012

As of April 27, 2012, approximately 29,200 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. USCIS has receipted 12,300 H-1B petitions for advanced degree holders. Overall the volume of petitions filed to date for fiscal year 2013 has tripled on the same period last year, and if this rate continues the quota is likely to be exhausted within [...]

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April 2012: H-1B Uptake Continues to Outstrip Previous Year

On April 19, 2012

As of April 17, 2012, approximately 20,600 H-1B cap-subject petitions were receipted. USCIS has receipted 9,700 H-1B petitions for advanced degree holders. Overall the volume of petitions filed per week for fiscal year 2013 has more than doubled on the same period last year.

See www.uscis.gov

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Demand for H-1B Visas on the Rise

On April 11, 2012

USCIS announced on April 9, 2012 that it received 17,400 regular (bachelors degree) H-1B visa petitions (quota is 65,000) and 8,200 Masters (quota is 20,000) when the quota opened on April 2nd.  Although quotas were far from reached, 17,400 regular petitions is almost three times the number received in the same period last [...]

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US Department of State changes Visa Processing Fees as of April 13, 2012

On April 5, 2012

From the DOS website:

Effective April 13, 2012, the Department of State will adjust visa processing fees. The fees for most nonimmigrant visa applications and Border Crossing Cards will increase, while all immigrant visa processing fees will decrease.

The Department is required to recover, as far as possible, the cost of processing visas through the [...]

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H-1B visa quota for Fiscal Year 2013 opens on April 2, 2012

On March 13, 2012

USCIS will start accepting H1B Visa petitions on April 2, 2012, for H1B Visa fiscal year 2013.  The first permissible work start date is October 1, 2012.  H-1B (professional) visas are subject to an annual quota of 65,000 visas worldwide (out of which 6,800 are allocated to Chile and Singapore).  Historically the quota has been [...]

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  • Latest U.S. Immigration News

    • May 2012: H-1B cap count
    • May 2012: DHS Announces Expanded List of STEM Degree Programs
    • EIR Program – USCIS Thinking Outside the Box for Startups
    • May 1, 2012: Diversity Visa (Green Card) Lottery Results Posted
    • USCIS Issues Q&A on Automatic Extension of F-1 Student Status for Those With Pending H-1B’s

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