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policies between January 2017 and March 2024

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Current Status
  1. February 2017

    1. February 22, 2017

      DOS changes guidance for B-1 Visa eligiblity for noncitizens seeking E-2 or EB-5 visas.

      Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedNon-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based Bureau of Consular AffairsUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2017

    1. March 17, 2017

      DOS issues new guidance for heightened vetting of visa applicants

      Non-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. April 2017

    1. April 3, 2017

      USCIS increases "targeting" of site visits to detect H-1B fraud

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. April 3, 2017

      DOJ and DOL warn H-1B employers not to discriminate against U.S. workers

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedEmployment Verification IERDOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. April 3, 2017

      USCIS creates email address for reporting H-1B fraud

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. April 7, 2017

      DOS accepts EU Laissez-Passer as "passport"

      Non-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    5. April 13, 2017

      DOL issues notice re food and lodging expenses for H-2A and H-2B workers

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. May 2017

    1. May 23, 2017

      USCIS clarifies school criteria for H-1B master's cap-exempt petitions

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual AdjudicationAgency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. June 2017

    1. June 6, 2017

      DOL announces increased civil and criminal immigration enforcement

      LaborNon-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. July 2017

    1. July 12, 2017

      DOS issues vetting standards for countries under EO 13780 Travel Ban

      Non-Immigrant Visas CBPUSCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. July 14, 2017

      DOS issues expanded definition of "close familial relationship" under EO 13780

      Non-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. July 24, 2017

      USCIS resumes premium processing for certain cap-exempt H1B visas

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. August 2017

    1. August 1, 2017

      DOS expands presumption of misrepresentation for nonimmigrants

      Non-Immigrant Visas USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. August 9, 2017

      USCIS redefines "affiliate" and "subsidiary" for ACWIA Fee

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. September 2017

    1. September 13, 2017

      DHS imposes visa sanctions on four countries for failure to accept return of nationals

      EnforcementNon-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular AffairsUSCISICECBP Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. October 2017

    1. October 12, 2017

      USCIS begins requiring I-129 petitioners to file in the location of the company's primary office

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. October 27, 2017

      DOL allows State Workforce Agency (SWA) to upload responsive documents for H-2A or H-2B applications

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2017

    1. November 8, 2017

      USCIS adopts test for identifying "function managers"

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedImmigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual AdjudicationAgency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. November 20, 2017

      USCIS restricts eligibility for TN economist category to professional economists

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. November 22, 2017

      Administration drastically reduces transitional worker visa allotments for Northern Mariana Islands for FY 2017-2019

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. December 2017

    1. December 15, 2017

      DHS adds requirements for countries to participate in Visa Waiver Program

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor CBPUSCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. December 29, 2017

      USCIS clarifies requirements for establishing corporate relationship for L-1 visa

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2018

    1. January 5, 2018

      State Department expands travel restrictions for Eritreans

      Non-Immigrant Visas: StudentNon-Immigrant Visas: VisitorNon-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based ICEUSCISDOS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. January 26, 2018

      State Department issues guidance on issuing visas for less than full reciprocity period

      Non-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. February 2018

    1. February 15, 2018

      USCIS restricts employers' outside counsel from signing H-1B petitions

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedImmigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2018

    1. March 12, 2018

      DOS updates language on inadmissibility for application denials.

      Non-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. March 19, 2018

      USCIS restricts multinational employment exception, requires an additional year of qualifying employment abroad

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual AdjudicationAgency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. March 20, 2018

      USCIS suspends premium processing for H-1B cap-subject petitions

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. March 23, 2018

      USCIS expands prohibition on multiple H-1B cap-subject filings by "related entities"

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. May 2018

    1. May 18, 2018

      ICE clarifies that certain F-1 student volunteer positions are disqualified from OPT

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student ICEUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. May 30, 2018

      USCIS launches first phase of new FOIA request system allowing digital access to records

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianCitizenship USCIS Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in PracticeForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. June 2018

    1. June 1, 2018

      DOL clarifies H-2B labor certification receipt time

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. June 28, 2018

      DHS extends employment authorization for Nepali F-1 nonimmigrant students for one year

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. September 2018

    1. September 14, 2018

      USCIS accepts negative consultation letters for O visa petitions directly from unions

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. September 28, 2018

      USCIS warns students about accrual of unlawful presence if they work after "cap gap" period

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. October 2018

    1. October 1, 2018

      USCIS issues guidance for certain H-2B foreign workers in Guam and Northern Mariana Islands

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. October 1, 2018

      DOS stops issuing diplomatic visas to unmarried same-sex partners

      Non-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2018

    1. November 15, 2018

      USCIS issues guidance on L-1 one-year foreign employment requirement

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2019

    1. January 16, 2019

      USCIS updates guidance regarding secure identity documents

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasCitizenship USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. January 31, 2019

      DHS and DOS impose visa sanctions on Ghana

      Non-Immigrant Visas USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. February 2019

    1. February 5, 2019

      USCIS closes field office in Moscow, Russia

      Non-Immigrant Visas USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2019

    1. March 15, 2019

      DOL imposes new LCA electronic notice obligations on employers and end-clients

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCISDOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. April 2019

    1. April 8, 2019

      DHS increases Greece ESTA validity to two years

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor CBPUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. April 22, 2019

      State Department and DHS announce reciprocal investor visa with Israel

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCISBureau of Consular AffairsDHS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. April 25, 2019

      CBP Further Restricts Canadian L-1 Applications at the Border

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based CBPUSCIS Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. April 29, 2019

      Secretary of State excepts activities related to Kataeb militias from terrorism related inadmissibility grounds under INA 212(a)(3)(B)(i)

      Non-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas ICEUSCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. May 2019

    1. May 9, 2019

      USCIS issues guidance on P-1S visa validity period

      Non-Immigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. May 16, 2019

      State Department Imposes and Waives PLO and PA Visa Denials

      Non-Immigrant Visas USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. June 2019

    1. June 4, 2019

      USCIS updates rejection criteria for Form I-129

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. June 7, 2019

      US recognizes five-year extension of validity for Venezuelan passports

      Non-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas CBPUSCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. June 10, 2019

      New Zealand Nationals Eligible for E-1 and E-2 Nonimmigrant Classifications

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. July 2019

    1. July 23, 2019

      DOS imposes visa restrictions on Nigerians

      Non-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. July 31, 2019

      USCIS publishes U Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide

      U/T/VAWANon-Immigrant Visas USCISState & Local Entities Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. August 2019

    1. August 15, 2019

      Government bars use of Visa Waiver Program by persons who visited North Korea

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor CBP Final/Actual Agency DirectiveForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. August 20, 2019

      Reported: DOS Changes Validity Of E Visas For French Citizens

      Non-Immigrant Visas CBPBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. September 2019

    1. September 3, 2019

      DHS rescinds parole into Guam and CNMI for Russians, restricting issuance to case-by-case determination

      HumanitarianNon-Immigrant Visas: Visitor CBPUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. September 27, 2019

      Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) issues guidance on reporting relationship between employment and area of study for F-1 OPT

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student ICEUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. October 2019

    1. October 23, 2019

      OFLC issues FAQs on H-2A definition of "Agricultural Labor or Services"

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. October 31, 2019

      State Department clarifies standard of review for blanket L visa applications

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. December 2019

    1. December 19, 2019

      DOL announces AEWR annual update for H-2A herding and livestock range workers

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCISDOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2020

    1. January 23, 2020

      USCIS announces Iranian nationals are no longer eligible for E-1 or E-2 visas due to treaty termination

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based Bureau of Consular AffairsUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. January 30, 2020

      USCIS issues guidance on biometrics services and fingerprint waivers

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasNaturalizationHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. February 2020

    1. February 26, 2020

      SEVP Changes the Recertification Notification Process

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student ICEUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. February 28, 2020

      USCIS publishes updated guidance on H-2A petitions for sheep/goat herders

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2020

    1. March 5, 2020

      USCIS issues policy guidance on submission of benefit requests

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianCitizenship USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. March 6, 2020

      USCIS requires FLAG system temporary labor certification final determination to be submitted with H-2A petition

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCISDOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. March 6, 2020

      DOL delegates authority to the Secretary to review ARB decisions

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. March 26, 2020

      COVID-19: DOS informs medical professionals of continuing ability to request visa appointments

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    5. March 26, 2020

      COVID-19: SEVP issues guidance on electronic filing of Form I-20

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student ICE Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. April 2020

    1. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. April 17, 2020

      COVID-19: CBP offers extension for Visa Waiver Program travelers

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor CBPUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. May 2020

    1. May 11, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS issues temporary guidance for certain H-1B foreign medical graduates

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. May 26, 2020

      USCIS publishes instructions for electronic registration for H-1B cap sponsoring entities

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency DirectiveForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. June 2020

    1. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. August 2020

    1. August 19, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS allows employees to use Form I-797 for Form I-9 verification during EAD production delays

      Employment VerificationImmigrant VisasNon-Immigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. August 24, 2020

      State Department requires Confucius Institute U.S. to provide list of Chinese citizens

      Non-Immigrant Visas DOS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. August 25, 2020

      DOS temporarily expands nonimmigrant visa interview waiver eligibility

      Non-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
    4. August 28, 2020

      ICE reviews SEVIS records for OPT students who have not reported employer information

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student ICE Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    5. August 31, 2020

      DOS announces high prioritization of K visas

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Family-Based Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. September 2020

    1. September 1, 2020

      DOS suspends entry of certain Syrian persons allegedly connected to military action

      Non-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas DOS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. October 2020

    1. October 9, 2020

      DOS announces immediate moratorium on au pair exchange visitor program growth

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. October 15, 2020

      USCIS updates Policy Manual guidance on nonimmigrant cultural visitor (Q) visas

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. October 16, 2020

      DHS 'ratifies' prior actions by former Acting Secretary and USCIS Deputy Director

      EnforcementHumanitarianNon-Immigrant VisasImmigrant VisasNaturalization DHS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2020

    1. November 13, 2020

      DHS provides information on how to request case assistance from the CIS Ombudsman

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. December 2020

    1. December 2, 2020

      DOS tightens visa restrictions for Chinese Communist Party members

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Visitor Bureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. December 15, 2020

      DOS reimposes sanctions on Chinese companies, individuals for Iranian oil dealings

      Non-Immigrant Visas DOS Final/ActualRenewed Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. December 15, 2020

      DOL announces AEWR annual update for H-2A herding and livestock range workers

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based DOLUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. December 18, 2020

      Department of State rescinds designation of Sudan as a state sponsor of terrorism

      Non-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas DOS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2021

    1. January 4, 2021

      SEVP issues reminders on enforcement of post-completion OPT and employer information requirement

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Student ICE Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. January 6, 2021

      DOS reimposes sanctions on Chinese, Indian, and Iranian individuals for Iranian petroleum business

      Non-Immigrant Visas DOS Final/ActualRenewed Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. January 13, 2021

      Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) creates Optional Practical Training Employment Compliance Unit

      Workplace EnforcementNon-Immigrant Visas: Student ICEDOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. January 14, 2021

      DOS designates various organizations, individuals as terrorists

      EnforcementNon-Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant Visas: Visitor DOS Final/ActualRenewed Agency Directive