The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has made changes to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) program. Changes include: All ITINs not used on a federal tax return at least once for the tax years 2014, 2015 or 2016 will expire on December 31, 2017. Additionally, all ITINs with middle digits 70, 71, 72 or 80 will expire at the end of this year. The IRS will be sending out notices, but you should not wait to renew if your number is expiring. Applicants must file a form W-7, … [Read more...]
ALERT: NEW I-9 FORM REQUIRED BY September 17th / Revised Employer Handbook
The new I-9 form was released on July 17, 2017. Employers may continue using the previous I-9 form (revision date 11/14/16 N) until September 17, 2017. Starting on September 18th, employers must use the new form. The form has not changed significantly, but there are a few changes to note. The instructions to the I-9 now reflect the new name of the office dealing with national origin discrimination and related issues. It is now the "Immigrant and Employee Rights Section", previously known … [Read more...]
ALERT: TRAVEL LEADING TO DENIALS OF PENDING ADVANCE PAROLE
We have learned that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed its policy toward travel by individuals who have applied for advance parole (AP) documents. There are reports that USCIS is denying applications for AP where the applicant travels before the new AP document is approved, possibly even when the applicant currently holds a still unexpired AP document or has H or L nonimmigrant status. USCIS has a “webpage” … [Read more...]
ALERT: All applicants for naturalization must provide biometrics.
The USCIS has announced that it is updating the policy regarding biometrics (fingerprints) requirement for naturalization applicants. Previously, the requirement for fingerprints was waived for naturalization applicants age 75 and older. USCIS has announced that the fingerprint requirement will no longer be waived for these applicants. Naturalization applicants with disabilities who are unable to provide fingerprints, or are unable to provide legible fingerprints, are still eligible for … [Read more...]
ALERT: PREMIUM PROCESSING AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN CAP-EXEMPT INSTITUTIONS
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it will resume premium processing for certain cap-exempt H-1B petitions effective immediately. Premium processing will resume only for petitions that may be exempt from the cap if the H-1B petitioner is: * An institution of higher education; * A nonprofit related to or affiliated with an institution of higher education; or * A nonprofit research or governmental research organization. Premium processing will … [Read more...]
Trump Administration Skeptical on TPS Extensions
The Trump Administration recently signaled that it may consider ending some Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for countries that have benefited from the special status in recent years. For example, TPS for Haitian nationals was very nearly terminated. It was extended through January 22, 2018 only after intense lobbying. Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly “extended the TPS designation,” … [Read more...]
