by James Pinedo | Aug 11, 2021 | Consular Services & Travel, Global
Canada has taken the first steps to reopening its border for non-essential travel. Starting on September 7, 2021, the Canadian government plans to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated traveler. The traveler must have completed a Canadian government approved...
by James Pinedo | Aug 9, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about the Biden Administration’s plan to develop vaccine requirements for most travelers, a suit brought against USCIS by a group of Indian and Chinese immigrants over risks of Green Card loss, an announcement from USCIS regarding RFEs for...
by James Pinedo | Aug 6, 2021 | Individual Services
Breaking: President Biden has designated Hong Kong for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). As of August 5, 2021, the President has directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to defer for at least 18 months in the removal of any Hong Kong residents present in...
by James Pinedo | Aug 5, 2021 | Announcements
The Worldwide Employee Relocation Real Estate Advisory Council (WERC) has announced that WR Immigration has been selected to host a session at its Global Workforce Symposium 2021, an in-person conference taking place in Chicago, IL from Oct. 20-22. The session topic...
by James Pinedo | Aug 2, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about a second random selection of H-1B registrations, relief for certain OPT applicants, and the DHS’ announcement on the registration process for Haitian TPS. USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B...
by James Pinedo | Jul 27, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about the extension of travel restrictions at Canada and Mexico land borders, a change in procedure for change of status for F-1 students, the expansion of the credit card payment pilot program for certain premium processing applicants, and more!...
by James Pinedo | Jul 27, 2021 | Announcements
On July 26th, 2021, Who’s Who Legal (WWL) released its 2022 “Thought Leaders” in Corporate Immigration; WR Immigration Managing Partner Bernie Wolfsdorf and Partners Cliff Rosenthal and Avi Friedman have all been recognized. Managing...
by James Pinedo | Jul 21, 2021 | Investor Visas
The International Entrepreneur Rule (“IER”) was created to spur innovation within America as the U.S. competes with other countries to attract entrepreneurs. The IER provides a temporary immigration benefit pursuant to the Secretary of Homeland Security’s...
by James Pinedo | Jul 20, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about a new ruling on DACA applications, challenges faced by the USCIS due to pandemic backlogs, and the Justice Department settling a retaliation claim. New DACA Applications Blocked by Federal Judge New Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals...
by James Pinedo | Jul 14, 2021 | Human Resources Services
The Life Sciences industry runs on innovation – and in order to develop innovative solutions, companies need to have different perspectives, different backgrounds, and different cultures. Opening doors to more diverse teams is essential to expanding prospects...
by James Pinedo | Jul 14, 2021 | Nonimmigrant Visas
To paraphrase Ross Perot – remember him? – there seems to be a “giant sucking sound” caused by highly skilled talent migrating from the United States to other countries. What is causing this, and what can we do about it? The Problem One thing is clear:...
by James Pinedo | Jul 12, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about the updated guidance for the I-9 process, an announcement on national interest exception extensions, Yemen’s redesignation for TPS, and more. USCIS Announces Updated Receipt Guidance for I-9 Process The I-9 form has been with us for...
by James Pinedo | Jul 9, 2021 | Human Resources Services
As businesses begin to reorient after a year of unexpected changes, hiring pauses, and remote work, HR professionals are reimagining the workplace in a post-pandemic world, creating structured workforces that are agile, inclusive, and focused on future growth. ...
by James Pinedo | Jul 6, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about the Biden Administration’s Naturalization Campaign, a District Court vacating a final rule affecting wages for H-1B and PERM workers, USCIS’ guidance following the June 30th expiration of the EB-5 Regional Center program, and...
by James Pinedo | Jun 30, 2021 | Investor Visas
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program expires at the end of the day on June 30, 2021, due to a lapse in Congressional authorization to continue the program. USCIS has released the following guidance today: Alert: Statutory...
by James Pinedo | Jun 28, 2021 | Announcements
The WR Immigration Boston office has become an active sponsor in MassBio, a not-for-profit organization geared at providing services and support for the life sciences industry in Massachusetts. Leadership in this new endeavor will be spearheaded under the capable...
by James Pinedo | Jun 28, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about the EB-5 program’s outlook, temporary travel restrictions continuing from Canada and Mexico, and USCIS allowing resubmission of certain rejected or closed FY 2021 H-1B petitions. EB-5 Program to Expire June 30 After Efforts Fail in...
by James Pinedo | Jun 24, 2021 | Human Resources Services
It’s well-acknowledged that the circumstances of the pandemic created an acute “necessity is the mother of invention” moment for companies of all sizes and across all sectors. Change took many forms, but almost all improvements and adjustments were centered around...
by James Pinedo | Jun 22, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about the EB-5 program’s outlook, final action dates advancing in the Visa Bulletin for July, USCIS reports on FY 2022 H-1B cap registration, and more! EB-5 Program Set to Expire June 30, Outlook is Uncertain in Short Term The EB-5 regional...
by James Pinedo | Jun 14, 2021 | Immigration Updates
In this edition, read about USCIS updates in policy, more I-9 guidance for H-2B workers, a Supreme Court ruling on unlawful entries, and more. USCIS Updates Policies to Improve Immigration Services: Expedited Processing, RFEs/NOIDs, EADs New guidance from USCIS helps...
by James Pinedo | Jun 11, 2021 | Consular Services & Travel
The criteria for a National Interest Exception (NIE) to the Covid travel ban continue to evolve. Department of State has recently expanded the NIE criteria – which had contracted in March – to include travelers providing vital support or executive direction for...
by James Pinedo | Jun 9, 2021 | Nonimmigrant Visas
We are anticipating improvements in processing times for certain nonimmigrant applications. As of May 17, 2021, USCIS has temporarily suspended the biometrics requirement and the $85 fee for certain I-539 applicants, citing extreme delays due to temporary...
by James Pinedo | Jun 8, 2021 | Global
By means of law decree no. 56 of April 30, 2021, the validity of residence permits has been extended to July 31, 2021. Also, quarantine requirements have been updated for nationals of various countries who wish to enter Italy. The law also extends the validity of...
by James Pinedo | Jun 7, 2021 | Individual Services
Although COVID-related restrictions have begun to ease in parts of the U.S. and other parts of the world, countless foreign nationals are still running up against travel restrictions and U.S. consular shutdowns and delays that are frustrating travel plans and...
by James Pinedo | Jun 4, 2021 | Human Resources Services
As the U.S. and other markets start to see signs of recovery from the pandemic, the HR function is in the spotlight like never before. There are industries in significant growth mode that are battling for talent on a global stage – and an immigration...
