DOL Grants 33-Day Extension for PERM and H-2 Cases
DOL Grants 33-Day Extension for PERM and H-2 Cases Affected by Shutdown The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced a 33-day automatic extension for all PERM and H-2 filings delayed by the October 2025 government shutdown, when the FLAG portal was offline. What it means : – PERM recruitment or PWDs expiring between Oct 1–Nov 2, 2025 can still be filed within 33 days. – PERM audits, RFIs, and
Read MoreEB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) – Requirements & Process
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) – Requirements & Process The EB-2 NIW allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence without employer sponsorship, provided they demonstrate that their work serves the national interest of the United States. Key Advantages of EB-2 NIW No Job Offer Required: You can self-petition and are not dependent on an employer. No Labor Certification: Avoids the lengthy and complex PERM process. Flexibility: Not bound to
Read More10 Intresting Facts about the U.S. Constitution
1. Oldest One Still Running The U.S. Constitution, drafted in 1787, remains in effect today. It is the oldest written national constitution still active globally. 2. Written In One Sweaty Summer Believe it or not, it took less than four months for the Founding Fathers to write the entire thing. The Constitutional Convention began in May 1787 in Philadelphia and concluded by September, approximately four months from debate to signature.
Read MoreDHS Ends the 540-Day Automatic EAD Extension
DHS Ends the 540-Day Automatic EAD Extension Effective Date: October 30, 2025 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ended the 540-day automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extension for all renewal applicants who file on or after October 30, 2025. This means no automatic work authorization once the current EAD expires—workers must wait until USCIS approves the new card before resuming employment. Who Is Affected The rule impacts renewal
Read MoreUPDATE FROM AILA Proclamation Order Effecting H-1B Visa Holders LEGAL CHALLENGES & NEXT STEPS
On September 19, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation restricting the entry of anyone seeking to enter or reenter the U.S. in H-1B status without payment of a new $100,000 fee. The proclamation, titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers is effective date is 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday, September 21, 2025, and is set to expire after one year. UPDATE: On September 20, 2025, USCIS and CBP issued Memoranda
Read MoreEB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) – Requirements & Process
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is an employment-based immigrant visa category that allows foreign nationals to bypass the traditional job offer and labor certification requirements if their work is in the national interest of the United States. This pathway is especially powerful for professionals whose work delivers substantial national-level benefits in areas such as science, technology, healthcare, business, or public welfare. 1. Key Advantages
Read MoreVisa Bond Pilot Program for B 1/B 2 Applicants
The U.S. Department of State has issued a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) establishing a 12-month visa bond pilot program, which applies to B1/B2 visa applicants from select countries with high overstay rates, deficient vetting data, or citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs. This pilot requires visa applicants to post a Maintenance of Status and Departure Bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at the Consular Officer’s discretion, before visa issuance. Details of the program, including how
Read MoreSVP Scores & H-1B Wage Levels: Hidden Triggers, Real Risks.
As part of ongoing guidance to support your H-1B program compliance, this newsletter addresses a critical but often overlooked factor in H-1B wage level determinations: the Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) score and its role in shaping DOL wage level classifications under the Labor Condition Application (LCA) process. Misalignment between a job’s described complexity and the wage level selected in the LCA continues to be a leading cause of RFEs, NOIRs,
Read MoreInvitation for Employers Needing Assistance with Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Filing
Dear Employers, We hope this message finds you well. In light of the recent federal requirement mandating the reporting of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI), we understand that employers, like yourself, may have questions and concerns about compliance. At Somireddy Law Group, we are here to offer our expertise and support to assist you in meeting these new regulatory obligations effectively and efficiently. What is Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)? Beneficial
Read MoreThe H-1B electronic registration process for FY-2026
Starting with the Fiscal Year 2021 H-1B Lottery AILA practitioners have been using the USCIS electronic registration system for employers seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The sixth season of the H-1B electronic registration process opened at noon (ET) on March 7, 2025, with the “beneficiary-centric” selection process and the myUSCIS enterprise account system. The following practice pointer addresses the most frequently asked questions regarding the electronic H-1B registration process
Read MoreAre You Registered? 2025 Alien Registration Requirement
Understanding the 2025 Alien Registration Requirement: What It Means for Immigrants On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued the Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order, directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enforce compliance with the Alien Registration Requirement under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302). This executive order mandates that all qualifying non-citizens register with the U.S. government, ensuring
Read MoreThey Will Steal Your Money and Your Personal Details
Toll road text message scams are a common form of phishing where scammers send fake messages claiming you owe toll fees. These scams often include a link to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal or payment information. Here’s how to recognize and avoid them: How the Scam Works You receive a text message claiming to be from a toll service (e.g., E-ZPass, TxTag, SunPass). The message states you owe
Read MoreImportant Things to Know When Entering the United States on a Non-Immigrant Visa
For non-immigrants entering the United States, it is important to understand the key factors that CBP (Customs and Border Protection) Officers consider when processing your entry. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring a smooth and lawful entry into the U.S: Understanding the Role of Your VISA and Passport CBP Officers rely on your VISA and passport to determine your entry status into the U.S. The officer will check your
Read MoreNew Sick leave policy affecting Michigan Employers
New Sick leave policy affecting Michigan Employers The new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) policy affecting Michigan Employers is slated to go into effect on February 21, 2025. The new ESTA policy affects all Michigan Employers with 10 or more employees. Some of the key provisions to be noted are as follows: Employees may accrue up to 72 hours of paid earned sick time per year. Unused sick time rolls
Read MoreRelief Options for Domestic Violence Victims
Relief Options for Domestic Violence Victims Survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes may qualify for several forms of immigration relief in the United States, specifically designed to protect individuals who are non-immigrant visa holders so that they may be able to secure a work permit independent of their spouse. Relief under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) The Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”) provides critical protections
Read More