The recently announced supplemental H-2B visa allocations for Fiscal Year 2024 aim to meet seasonal labor demands strategically. The distribution is divided into specific periods and categories to address different scenarios.

First Half of FY 2024 (October 1 to March 31): An immediate availability of 20,716 visas is designated for returning workers who held H-2B status in FY 2021, FY 2022, or FY 2023, irrespective of nationality.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in collaboration with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor (DOL), has introduced a temporary final rule announcing the availability of an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for fiscal year (FY) 2024. This is in addition to the statutory cap of 66,000 H-2B visas available annually.

Foreign academic or vocational students in the United States may engage in employment under specific conditions, with employment authorization documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) based on their student status and the nature of the employment.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new Family Reunification Parole (FRP) process for Ecuador, aligning with the Biden-Harris Administration's strategy to enhance legal pathways and reinforce immigration enforcement. The initiative aims to mitigate irregular migration and promote family unity, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.

1. Applications: The Attorney General is tasked with establishing a procedure for considering asylum applications. This may include the requirement for applicants to submit fingerprints and a photograph, as determined by the Attorney General through regulations.

1. Eligibility: The Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General may grant asylum to an alien who applies in accordance with established requirements and procedures if it is determined that the alien qualifies as a refugee under section 1101(a)(42)(A) of the Act.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has released updated policy guidance in the Policy Manual, aimed at providing clarity on the eligibility criteria for EB-1 immigrant visa classifications, specifically for extraordinary ability (E11) and outstanding professor or researcher (E12). The guidance outlines examples of evidence that can meet the criteria or be considered comparable, with a particular emphasis on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields.

If your USCIS case is exceeding the normal processing time, you can check the estimated processing time on our website under "Check Processing Times." If your case has been pending beyond the indicated processing time, you may submit an inquiry for most applications.

1. Why isn’t my form or office listed?
   • If not listed, inquire after six months. Expect longer processing.

For filing various immigration forms, the USCIS Texas Service Center has updated its addresses for submission, depending on the type of form and the delivery method. These changes are crucial for ensuring accurate and timely processing.