8 CFR 214.1 - Requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status.

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§ 214.1 Requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status.

(a)General -

(1)Nonimmigrant classes. For the purpose of administering the nonimmigrant provisions of the Act, the following administrative subclassifications of nonimmigrant classifications as defined in section 101(a)(15) of the Act are established:

(i) Section 101(a)(15)(B) is divided into (B)(i) for visitors for business and (B)(ii) for visitors for pleasure;

(ii) Section 101(a)(15)(C) is divided into (C)(i) for aliens who are not diplomats and are in transit through the United States; (C)(ii) for aliens in transit to and from the United Nations Headquarters District; and (C)(iii) for alien diplomats in transit through the United States;

(iii) Section 101(a)(15)(H) is divided to create an (H)(iv) subclassification for the spouse and children of a nonimmigrant classified under section 101(a)(15) (H) (i), (ii), or (iii);

(iv) Section 101(a)(15)(J) is divided into (J)(i) for principal aliens and (J)(ii) for such alien's spouse and children;

(v) Section 101(a)(15)(K) is divided into (K)(i) for the fianceé(e), (K)(ii) for the spouse, and (K)(iii) for the children of either;

(vi) Section 101(a)(15)(L) is divided into (L)(i) for principal aliens and (L)(ii) for such alien's spouse and children;

(vii) Section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) is divided to create a (Q)(iii) for subclassification for the spouse and children of a nonimmigrant classified under section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) of the Act;

(viii) Section 101(a)(15)(T)(ii) is divided into (T)(ii), (T)(iii), (T)(iv), and (T)(v) for the spouse, child, parent, and unmarried sibling under 18 years of age, respectively, of a principal nonimmigrant classified under section 101(a)(15)(T)(i); and T(vi) for the adult or minor child of a derivative nonimmigrant classified under section 101(a)(15)(T)(ii); and

(ix) Section 101(a)(15)(U)(ii) is divided into (U)(ii), (U)(iii), (U)(iv), and (U)(v) for the spouse, child, parent, and siblings, respectively, of a nonimmigrant classified under section 101(a)(15)(U)(i); and

(2)Classification designations. For the purpose of this chapter the following nonimmigrant designations are established. The designation in the second column may be used to refer to the appropriate nonimmigrant classification.

Section	Designation
101(a)(15)(A)(i)	A-1.
101(a)(15)(A)(ii)	A-2.
101(a)(15)(A)(iii)	A-3.
101(a)(15)(B)(i)	B-1.
101(a)(15)(B)(ii)	B-2.
101(a)(15)(C)(i)	C-1.
101(a)(15)(C)(ii)	C-2.
101(a)(15)(C)(iii)	C-3.
101(a)(15)(D)(i)	D-1.
101(a)(15)(D)(ii)	D-2.
101(a)(15)(E)(i)	E-1.
101(a)(15)(E)(ii)	E-2.
101(a)(15)(F)(i)	F-1.
101(a)(15)(F)(ii)	F-2.
101(a)(15)(G)(i)	G-1.
101(a)(15)(G)(ii)	G-2.
101(a)(15)(G)(iii)	G-3.
101(a)(15)(G)(iv)	G-4.
101(a)(15)(g)(v)	G-5.
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B)	H-1B.
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(C)	H-1C.
101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(A)	H-2A.
101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(B)	H-2B.
101(a)(15)(H)(iii)	H-3.
101(a)(15)(H)(iv)	H-4.
101(a)(15)(I)	I.
101(a)(15)(J)(i)	J-1.
101(a)(15)(J)(ii)	J-2.
101(a)(15)(K)(i)	K-1.
101(a)(15)(K)(ii)	K-3.
101(a)(15)(K)(iii)	K-2; K-4.
101(a)(15)(L)(i)	L-1.
101(a)(15)(L)(ii)	L-2.
101(a)(15)(M)(i)	M-1.
101(a)(15)(M)(ii)	M-2.
101(a)(15)(N)(i)	N-8.
101(a)(15)(N)(ii)	N-9.
101(a)(15)(O)(i)	O-1.
101(a)(15)(O)(ii)	O-2.
101(a)(15)(O)(iii)	O-3.
101(a)(15)(P)(i)	P-1.
101(a)(15)(P)(ii)	P-2.
101(a)(15)(P)(iii)	P-3.
101(a)(15)(P)(iv)	P-4.
101(a)(15)(Q)(i)	Q-1.
101(a)(15)(Q)(ii)	Q-2.
101(a)(15)(Q)(iii)	Q-3.
101(a)(15)(R)(i)	R-1.
101(a)(15)(R)(ii)	R-2.
101(a)(15)(S)(i)	S-5.
101(a)(15)(S)(ii)	S-6.
101(a)(15)(S) qualified family members	S-7.
101(a)(15)(T)(i)	T-1
101(a)(15)(T)(ii)	T-2
101(a)(15)(T)(iii)	T-3
101(a)(15)(T)(iv)	T-4
101(a)(15)(T)(v)	T-5
101(a)(15)(T)(vi)	T-6
101(a)(15)(U)(i)	U-1
101(a)(15)(U)(ii)	U-2, U-3, U-4, U-5
101(a)(15)(V)	V-1, V-2, or V-3
NAFTA, Principal	TN.
NAFTA, Dependent	TD.
Visa Waiver, Business	WB.
Visa Waiver, Tourist	WT.

Note 1:

The classification designation K-2 is for the child of a K-1. The classification designation K-4 is for the child of a K-3.

Note 2:

The classification designation V-1 is for the spouse of a lawful permanent resident; the classification designation V-2 is for the principal beneficiary of an I-130 who is the child of an LPR; the classification V-3 is for the derivative child of a V-1 or V-2 alien.

(3)General requirements.

(i) Every nonimmigrant alien who applies for admission to, or an extension of stay in, the United States, must establish that he or she is admissible to the United States, or that any ground of inadmissibility has been waived under section 212(d)(3) of the Act. Upon application for admission, the alien must present a valid passport and valid visa unless either or both documents have been waived. A nonimmigrant alien's admission to the United States is conditioned on compliance with any inspection requirement in § 235.1(d) or of this chapter, as well as compliance with part 215, subpart B, of this chapter, if applicable. The passport of an alien applying for admission must be valid for a minimum of six months from the expiration date of the contemplated period of stay, unless otherwise provided in this chapter, and the alien must agree to abide by the terms and conditions of his or her admission. An alien applying for extension of stay must present a passport only if requested to do so by the Department of Homeland Security. The passport of an alien applying for extension of stay must be valid at the time of application for extension, unless otherwise provided in this chapter, and the alien must agree to maintain the validity of his or her passport and to abide by all the terms and conditions of his extension.

(ii) At the time of admission or extension of stay, every nonimmigrant alien must also agree to depart the United States at the expiration of his or her authorized period of admission or extension of stay, or upon abandonment of his or her authorized nonimmigrant status, and to comply with the departure procedures at section 215.8 of this chapter if such procedures apply to the particular alien. The nonimmigrant alien's failure to comply with those departure requirements, including any requirement that the alien provide biometric identifiers, may constitute a failure of the alien to maintain the terms of his or her nonimmigrant status.

(iii) At the time a nonimmigrant alien applies for admission or extension of stay, he or she must post a bond on Form I-352 in the sum of not less than $500, to ensure the maintenance of his or her nonimmigrant status and departure from the United States, if required to do so by the Commissioner of CBP, the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an immigration judge, or the Board of Immigration Appeals.

(b)Readmission of nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15) (F), (J), (M), or (Q)(ii) to complete unexpired periods of previous admission or extension of stay -

(1)Section 101(a)(15)(F). The inspecting immigration officer shall readmit for duration of status as defined in § 214.2(f)(5)(iii), any nonimmigrant alien whose nonimmigrant visa is considered automatically revalidated pursuant to 22 CFR 41.125(f) and who is applying for readmission under section 101(a)(15)(F) of the Act, if the alien:

(i) Is admissible;

(ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence from the United States not exceeding thirty days solely in contiguous territory or adjacent islands;

(iii) Is in possession of a valid passport unless exempt from the requirement for presentation of a passport; and

(iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien who presents, an Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94 (see § 1.4), issued to the alien in connection with the previous admission or stay, the alien's Form I-20 ID copy, and either:

(A) A properly endorsed page 4 of Form I-20A-B if there has been no substantive change in the information on the student's most recent Form I-20A since the form was initially issued; or

(B) A new Form I-20A-B if there has been any substantive change in the information on the student's most recent Form I-20A since the form was initially issued.

(2)Section 101(a)(15)(J). The inspecting immigration officer shall readmit for the unexpired period of stay authorized prior to the alien's departure, any nonimmigrant alien whose nonimmigrant visa is considered automatically revalidated pursuant to 22 CFR 41.125(f) and who is applying for readmission under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the Act, if the alien:

(i) Is admissible;

(ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence from the United States not exceeding thirty days solely in contiguous territory or adjacent islands;

(iii) Is in possession of a valid passport unless exempt from the requirement for the presentation of a passport; and

(iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien who presents, Form I-94 issued to the alien in connection with the previous admission or stay or copy three of the last Form IAP-66 issued to the alien. Form I-94 or Form IAP-66 must show the unexpired period of the alien's stay endorsed by the Service.

(3)Section 101(a)(15)(M). The inspecting immigration officer shall readmit for the unexpired period of stay authorized prior to the alien's departure, any nonimmigrant alien whose nonimmigrant visa is considered automatically revalidated pursuant to 22 CFR 41.125(f) and who is applying for readmission under section 101(a)(15)(M) of the Act, if the alien:

(i) Is admissible;

(ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence not exceeding thirty days solely in contiguous territory;

(iii) Is in possession of a valid passport unless exempt from the requirement for presentation of a passport; and

(iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien who presents, Form I-94 issued to the alien in connection with the previous admission or stay, the alien's Form I-20 ID copy, and a properly endorsed page 4 of Form I-20M-N.

(4)Section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii). The inspecting immigration officer shall readmit for the unexpired period of stay authorized prior to the alien's departure, if the alien:

(i) Is admissible;

(ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence from the United States not exceeding 30 days solely in contiguous territory or adjacent islands;

(iii) Is in possession of a valid passport;

(iv) Presents, or is the accompanying spouse or child of an alien who presents, an Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94, issued to the alien in connection with the previous admission or stay. The principal alien must also present a Certification Letter issued by the Department of State's Program Administrator.

(c)Extensions of stay -

(1)Extension of stay for certain employment-based nonimmigrant workers. A petitioner seeking the services of an E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L-1, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-2, P-3, Q-1, R-1, or TN nonimmigrant beyond the period previously granted, must apply for an extension of stay on the form designated by USCIS, with the fee prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1), with the initial evidence specified in § 214.2, and in accordance with the form instructions. Dependents holding derivative status may be included in the petition if it is for only one worker and the form version specifically provides for their inclusion. In all other cases dependents of the worker should file on Form I-539.

(2)Filing on Form I-539. Any other nonimmigrant alien, except an alien in F or J status who has been granted duration of status, who seeks to extend his or her stay beyond the currently authorized period of admission, must apply for an extension of stay on Form I-539 with the fee required in § 103.7 of this chapter together with any initial evidence specified in the applicable provisions of § 214.2, and on the application form. More than one person may be included in an application where the co-applicants are all members of a single family group and either all hold the same nonimmigrant status or one holds a nonimmigrant status and the other co-applicants are his or her spouse and/or children who hold derivative nonimmigrant status based on his or her status. Extensions granted to members of a family group must be for the same period of time. The shortest period granted to any member of the family shall be granted to all members of the family. In order to be eligible for an extension of stay, nonimmigrant aliens in K-3/K-4 status must do so in accordance with § 214.2(k)(10).

(3)Ineligible for extension of stay. A nonimmigrant in any of the following classes is ineligible for an extension of stay:

(i) B-1 or B-2 where admission was pursuant to the Visa Waiver Pilot Program;

(ii) C-1, C-2, C-3;

(iii) D-1, D-2;

(iv) K-1, K-2;

(v) Any nonimmigrant admitted for duration of status, other than as provided in § 214.2(f)(7);

(vi) Any nonimmigrant who is classified pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(S) of the Act beyond a total of 3 years; or

(vii) Any nonimmigrant who is classified according to section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii) of the Act beyond a total of 3 years.

(viii) Any nonimmigrant admitted pursuant to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, as provided in section 212(l) of the Act.

(4)Timely filing and maintenance of status. An extension of stay may not be approved for an applicant who failed to maintain the previously accorded status or where such status expired before the application or petition was filed, except that failure to file before the period of previously authorized status expired may be excused in the discretion of the Service and without separate application, with any extension granted from the date the previously authorized stay expired, where it is demonstrated at the time of filing that:

(i) The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant or petitioner, and the Service finds the delay commensurate with the circumstances;

(ii) The alien has not otherwise violated his or her nonimmigrant status;

(iii) The alien remains a bona fide nonimmigrant; and

(iv) The alien is not the subject of deportation proceedings under section 242 of the Act (prior to April 1, 1997) or removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act.

(5)Decision in Form I-129 or I-539 extension proceedings. Where an applicant or petitioner demonstrates eligibility for a requested extension, it may be granted at the discretion of the Service. There is no appeal from the denial of an application for extension of stay filed on Form I-129 or I-539.

(d)Termination of status. Within the period of initial admission or extension of stay, the nonimmigrant status of an alien shall be terminated by the revocation of a waiver authorized on his or her behalf under section 212(d) (3) or (4) of the Act; by the introduction of a private bill to confer permanent resident status on such alien; or, pursuant to notification in the Federal Register, on the basis of national security, diplomatic, or public safety reasons.

(e)Employment. A nonimmigrant in the United States in a class defined in section 101(a)(15)(B) of the Act as a temporary visitor for pleasure, or section 101(a)(15)(C) of the Act as an alien in transit through this country, may not engage in any employment. Any other nonimmigrant in the United States may not engage in any employment unless he has been accorded a nonimmigrant classification which authorizes employment or he has been granted permission to engage in employment in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. A nonimmigrant who is permitted to engage in employment may engage only in such employment as has been authorized. Any unauthorized employment by a nonimmigrant constitutes a failure to maintain status within the meaning of section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.

(f)False information. A condition of a nonimmigrant's admission and continued stay in the United States is the full and truthful disclosure of all information requested by DHS. A nonimmigrant's willful failure to provide full and truthful information requested by DHS (regardless of whether or not the information requested was material) constitutes a failure to maintain nonimmigrant status under section 237(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.

(g)Criminal activity. A condition of a nonimmigrant's admission and continued stay in the United States is obedience to all laws of United States jurisdictions which prohibit the commission of crimes of violence and for which a sentence of more than one year imprisonment may be imposed. A nonimmigrant's conviction in a jurisdiction in the United States for a crime of violence for which a sentence of more than one year imprisonment may be imposed (regardless of whether such sentence is in fact imposed) constitutes a failure to maintain status under section 241(a)(1)(C)(i) of the Act.

(h)Education privacy and F, J, and M nonimmigrants. As authorized by section 641(c)(2) of Division C of Pub. L. 104-208, 8 U.S.C. 1372, and § 2.1(a) of this chapter, the Service has determined that, with respect to F and M nonimmigrant students and J nonimmigrant exchange visitors, waiving the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, is necessary for the proper implementation of 8 U.S.C. 1372. An educational agency or institution may not refuse to report information concerning an F or M nonimmigrant student or a J nonimmigrant exchange visitor that the educational agency or institution is required to report under 8 U.S.C. 1372 and § 214.3(g) (or any corresponding Department of State regulation concerning J nonimmigrants) on the basis of FERPA and any regulation implementing FERPA. The waiver of FERPA under this paragraph authorizes and requires an educational agency or institution to report information concerning an F, J or M nonimmigrant that would ordinarily be protected by FERPA, but only to the extent that 8 U.S.C. 1372 and § 214.3(g) (or any corresponding Department of State regulation concerning J nonimmigrants) requires the educational agency or institution to report information.

(i)Employment in a health care occupation.

(1) Except as provided in 8 CFR 212.15(n), any alien described in 8 CFR 212.15(a) who is coming to the United States to perform labor in a health care occupation described in 8 CFR 212.15(c) must obtain a certificate from a credentialing organization described in 8 CFR 212.15(e). The certificate or certified statement must be presented to the Department of Homeland Security in accordance with 8 CFR 212.15(d). In the alternative, an eligible alien seeking admission as a nurse may obtain a certified statement as provided in 8 CFR 212.15(h).

(2) A TN nonimmigrant may establish that he or she is eligible for a waiver described at 8 CFR 212.15(n) by providing evidence that his or her initial admission as a TN (or TC) nonimmigrant health care worker occurred before September 23, 2003, and he or she was licensed and employed in the United States as a health care worker before September 23, 2003. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, copies of TN or TC approval notices, copies of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Records, employment verification letters and/or pay-stubs or other employment records, and state health care worker licenses.

(j)Extension of stay or change of status for health care worker. In the case of any alien admitted temporarily as a nonimmigrant under section 212(d)(3) of the Act and 8 CFR 212.15(n) for the primary purpose of the providing labor in a health care occupation described in 8 CFR 212.15(c), the petitioning employer may file a Form I-129 to extend the approval period for the alien's classification for the nonimmigrant status. If the alien is in the United States and is eligible for an extension of stay or change of status, the Form I-129 also serves as an application to extend the period of the alien's authorized stay or to change the alien's status. Although the Form I-129 petition may be approved, as it relates to the employer's request to classify the alien, the application for an extension of stay or change of status shall be denied if:

(1) The petitioner or applicant fails to submit the certification required by 8 CFR 212.15(a) with the petition or application to extend the alien's stay or change the alien's status; or

(2) The petition or application to extend the alien's stay or change the alien's status does include the certification required by 8 CFR 212.15(a), but the alien obtained the certification more than 1 year after the date of the alien's admission under section 212(d)(3) of the Act and 8 CFR 212.15(n). While DHS may admit, extend the period of authorized stay, or change the status of a nonimmigrant health care worker for a period of 1 year if the alien does not have certification on or before July 26, 2004 (or on or before July 26, 2005, in the case of a citizen of Canada or Mexico, who, before September 23, 2003, was employed as a TN or TC nonimmigrant health care worker and held a valid license from a U.S. jurisdiction), the alien will not be eligible for a subsequent admission, change of status, or extension of stay as a health care worker if the alien has not obtained the requisite certification 1 year after the initial date of admission, change of status, or extension of stay as a health care worker.

(k)Denial of petitions under section 214(c) of the Act based on a finding by the Department of Labor. Upon debarment by the Department of Labor pursuant to 20 CFR part 655, USCIS may deny any petition filed by that petitioner for nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H) (except for status under sections 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)), (L), (O), and (P)(i) of the Act) for a period of at least 1 year but not more than 5 years. The length of the period shall be based on the severity of the violation or violations. The decision to deny petitions, the time period for the bar to petitions, and the reasons for the time period will be explained in a written notice to the petitioner.

(l)Period of stay.

(1) An alien admissible in E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, L-1, or TN classification and his or her dependents may be admitted to the United States or otherwise provided such status for the validity period of the petition, or for a validity period otherwise authorized for the E-1, E-2, E-3, and TN classifications, plus an additional period of up to 10 days before the validity period begins and 10 days after the validity period ends. Unless authorized under 8 CFR 274a.12, the alien may not work except during the validity period.

(2) An alien admitted or otherwise provided status in E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 or TN classification and his or her dependents shall not be considered to have failed to maintain nonimmigrant status solely on the basis of a cessation of the employment on which the alien's classification was based, for up to 60 consecutive days or until the end of the authorized validity period, whichever is shorter, once during each authorized validity period. DHS may eliminate or shorten this 60-day period as a matter of discretion. Unless otherwise authorized under 8 CFR 274a.12, the alien may not work during such a period.

(3) An alien in any authorized period described in paragraph (l) of this section may apply for and be granted an extension of stay under paragraph (c)(4) of this section or change of status under 8 CFR 248.1, if otherwise eligible.

[ 26 FR 12067, Dec. 16, 1961]

Editorial Note:

For Federal Register citations affecting § 214.1, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.fdsys.gov.

This is a list of United States Code sections, Statutes at Large, Public Laws, and Presidential Documents, which provide rulemaking authority for this CFR Part.

This list is taken from the Parallel Table of Authorities and Rules provided by GPO [Government Printing Office].

It is not guaranteed to be accurate or up-to-date, though we do refresh the database weekly. More limitations on accuracy are described at the GPO site.

United States Code

U.S. Code: Title 8 - ALIENS AND NATIONALITY

§ 1101 - Definitions

§ 1102 - Diplomatic and semidiplomatic immunities

§ 1103 - Powers and duties of the Secretary, the Under Secretary, and the Attorney General

§ 1182 - Inadmissible aliens

§ 1184 - Admission of nonimmigrants

§ 1186a - Conditional permanent resident status for certain alien spouses and sons and daughters

§ 1187 - Visa waiver program for certain visitors

§ 1221 - Lists of alien and citizen passengers arriving and departing

§ 1281 - Alien crewmen

§ 1282 - Conditional permits to land temporarily

§ 1301 - Alien seeking entry; contents

§ 1302 - Registration of aliens

§ 1303 - Registration of special groups

§ 1304 - Forms for registration and fingerprinting

§ 1305 - Notices of change of address

§ 1372 - Program to collect information relating to nonimmigrant foreign students and other exchange program participants

U.S. Code: Title 48 - TERRITORIES AND INSULAR POSSESSIONS

§ 1901 note - Approval of Compact of Free Association

§ 1931 note - Approval of Compact of Free Association

Statutes at Large

110 Stat. 3009-708

114 Stat. 1477

Public Laws

110-229

Title 8 published on 17-Mar-2018 03:47

The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to 8 CFR Part 214 after this date.

2017-11-22; vol. 82 # 224 - Wednesday, November 22, 2017

82 FR 55493 - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker Numerical Limitation for Fiscal Years 2018 Through 2020

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2017-25306
RIN	1615-ZB43
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0010
CIS No.	2606-17

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Notification of numerical limitations.

Effective November 22, 2017.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Secretary of Homeland Security announces the annual fiscal year numerical limitations for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrant classification for the remainder of the transition period, which is scheduled to end on December 31, 2019. This document announces the mandated annual reduction of the CW-1 numerical limitation (also known as the CW-1 cap) and ensures that CNMI employers and employees have sufficient information regarding the maximum number of CW-1 transitional workers who may be granted status during the remainder of the transition period, which includes Fiscal Years (FYs) 2018-2019 and the first 3 months of FY 2020. For FY 2018, the cap is set at 9,998. For FY 2019, the cap is set at 4,999. For FY 2020, the cap is set at 2,499 and will be in effect until the end of the transition period on December 31, 2019.

2017-07-19; vol. 82 # 137 - Wednesday, July 19, 2017

82 FR 32987 - Exercise of Time-Limited Authority To Increase the Fiscal Year 2017 Numerical Limitation for the H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural Worker Program

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2017-15208
RIN	1615-AC12
CIS No.	2605-17
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2017-0004
DOL Docket No.	2017-0003

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, Employment and Training Administration Wage and Hour Division

Temporary rule.

This final rule is effective from July 19, 2017 through September 30, 2017, except for the addition of 20 CFR 655.65, which is effective from July 19, 2017 through September 30, 2020.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Secretary of Homeland Security (“Secretary”), in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, has decided to increase the numerical limitation on H-2B nonimmigrant visas to authorize the issuance of up to an additional 15,000 through the end of Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. This is a one-time increase based on a time-limited statutory authority and does not affect the H-2B program in future fiscal years. The Departments are promulgating regulations to implement this determination.

2016-12-23; vol. 81 # 247 - Friday, December 23, 2016

81 FR 94231 - Removal of Regulations Relating to Special Registration Process for Certain Nonimmigrants

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-30885
RIN

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Final rule.

This rule is effective December 23, 2016.

8 CFR Parts 214 and 264

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is removing outdated regulations relating to an obsolete special registration program for certain nonimmigrants. DHS ceased use of the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) program in 2011 after finding that the program was redundant, captured data manually that was already captured through automated systems, and no longer provided an increase in security in light of DHS's evolving assessment of the threat posed to the United States by international terrorism. The regulatory structure pertaining to NSEERS no longer provides a discernable public benefit as the program has been rendered obsolete. Accordingly, DHS is removing the special registration program regulations.

2016-12-19; vol. 81 # 243 - Monday, December 19, 2016

81 FR 91646 - Definition of Form I-94 To Include Electronic Format

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-30459
RIN	1651-AA96
Docket No.	USCBP-2013-0011
CBP Dec. No.	16-27

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, 8 CFR PARTS 1, 210, 212, 214, 215, 231, 235, 245, 245a, 247, 253, 264, 274a, and 286

Final rule.

This final rule is effective January 18, 2017.

Summary

This final rule adopts, without change, interim amendments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations which were published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2013, as CBP Dec. No. 13-06. These amendments enabled DHS to transition the issuance of the Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) to an automated process. In the automated process, DHS creates a Form I-94 in an electronic format based on passenger, passport and visa information DHS obtains electronically from air and sea carriers and the Department of State (DOS) as well as through the inspection process. This document addresses the comments received in response to the interim rule and discusses some operational modifications to the Form I-94 process that were implemented after publication of the interim rule.

81 FR 92266 - Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-29900
RIN	1615-AA59
CIS No.	2507-11
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2011-0010

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Interim rule with request for comments.

Effective date. This rule is effective January 18, 2017. Comment date. Written comments must be submitted on or before February 17, 2017. Comments on the form, form instructions, and information collection revisions in this interim rule must be submitted on or before January 18, 2017.

8 CFR Parts 212, 214, 245, and 274a

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations governing the requirements and procedures for victims of human trafficking seeking T nonimmigrant status. The Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) may grant T nonimmigrant status (commonly known as a “T visa”) to aliens who are or were victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons, who are physically present in the United States on account of such trafficking, who have complied (unless under 18 years of age or unable to cooperate due to trauma) with any reasonable request by a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency (LEA) for assistance in an investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking in persons or the investigation of other crimes involving trafficking, and who would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States. In this interim rule, DHS is amending its regulations to conform with legislation enacted after the initial rule was published in 2002: the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 (TVPRA 2003), the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA 2008), and Titles VIII and XII of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013). DHS is also streamlining procedures, responding to public comments on the 2002 interim final rule, and providing guidance for the statutory requirements for T nonimmigrants. The intent is to make sure the T nonimmigrant status regulations are up to date and reflect USCIS adjudicative experience, as well as the input provided by stakeholders.

2016-11-18; vol. 81 # 223 - Friday, November 18, 2016

81 FR 82398 - Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-27540
RIN	1615-AC05
CIS No.	2571-15
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2015-0008

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Final rule.

This final rule is effective January 17, 2017.

8 CFR Parts 204, 205, 214, 245 and 274a

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations related to certain employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visa programs. Specifically, the final rule provides various benefits to participants in those programs, including the following: improved processes and increased certainty for U.S. employers seeking to sponsor and retain immigrant and nonimmigrant workers; greater stability and job flexibility for those workers; and increased transparency and consistency in the application of DHS policy related to affected classifications. Many of these changes are primarily aimed at improving the ability of U.S. employers to hire and retain high-skilled workers who are beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions and are waiting to become lawful permanent residents, while increasing the ability of those workers to seek promotions, accept lateral positions with current employers, change employers, or pursue other employment options.

2016-10-20; vol. 81 # 203 - Thursday, October 20, 2016

81 FR 72481 - Establishment of the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-25321
RIN	1651-AB08
	USCBP-2016-0046
CBP Dec. No.	16-17

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Final rule.

Effective Date: This final rule is effective on October 20, 2016. Compliance Dates: The compliance date is November 29, 2016 or as set forth in § 215.24(c). Comments: Comments must be received on or before January 18, 2017.

8 CFR Parts 212, 214, 215, and 273

Summary

This rule amends the Department of Homeland Security's regulations to establish the Electronic Visa Update System (“EVUS”). This system will allow for the collection of biographic and other information from nonimmigrant aliens who hold a passport issued by an identified country containing a U.S. nonimmigrant visa of a designated category. Nonimmigrant aliens subject to these regulations must periodically enroll in EVUS and obtain a notification of compliance with EVUS prior to travel to the United States. Individuals subject to the EVUS regulations must comply with EVUS in order to maintain the validity of their visas falling within a designated category. The Department of State is publishing a parallel rule to amend its visa regulations to reflect the new EVUS requirements.

2016-09-02; vol. 81 # 171 - Friday, September 2, 2016

81 FR 60581 - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker Numerical Limitation for Fiscal Year 2017

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-21325
RIN	1615-ZB59
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0010
CIS No.	2586-16

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Notification of numerical limitation.

Effective Date: September 2, 2016.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Secretary of Homeland Security announces that the annual fiscal year numerical limitation for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrant classification for fiscal year (FY) 2017 (October 1, 2016—September 30, 2017) is set at 12,998. This notice announces the mandated annual reduction of the CW-1 numerical limitation and provides the public with additional information regarding the new CW-1 numerical limit. This notice ensures that CNMI employers and employees have sufficient information regarding the maximum number of foreign workers who may be granted CW-1 transitional worker status during FY 2017.

2016-03-11; vol. 81 # 48 - Friday, March 11, 2016

81 FR 13040 - Improving and Expanding Training Opportunities for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and Cap-Gap Relief for All Eligible F-1 Students

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-04828
RIN	1653-AA72
DHS Docket No.	ICEB-2015-0002

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Final rule.

This rule is effective May 10, 2016, except the addition of 8 CFR 214.16, which is effective from May 10, 2016, through May 10, 2019.

8 CFR Parts 214 and 274a

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its F-1 nonimmigrant student visa regulations on optional practical training (OPT) for certain students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from U.S. institutions of higher education. Specifically, the final rule allows such F-1 STEM students who have elected to pursue 12 months of OPT in the United States to extend the OPT period by 24 months (STEM OPT extension). This 24-month extension effectively replaces the 17-month STEM OPT extension previously available to certain STEM students. The rule also improves and increases oversight over STEM OPT extensions by, among other things, requiring the implementation of formal training plans by employers, adding wage and other protections for STEM OPT students and U.S. workers, and allowing extensions only to students with degrees from accredited schools. As with the prior 17-month STEM OPT extension, the rule authorizes STEM OPT extensions only for students employed by employers who participate in E-Verify. The rule also includes the “Cap-Gap” relief first introduced in a 2008 DHS regulation for any F-1 student with a timely filed H-1B petition and request for change of status.

2016-01-15; vol. 81 # 10 - Friday, January 15, 2016

81 FR 2068 - Enhancing Opportunities for H-1B1, CW-1, and E-3 Nonimmigrants and EB-1 Immigrants

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2016-00478
RIN	1615-AC00
CIS No.	2515-11
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0005

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Final rule.

This final rule is effective February 16, 2016.

8 CFR Parts 204, 214, 248, and 274a

Summary

In this final rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is revising its regulations affecting: highly skilled workers in the nonimmigrant classifications for specialty occupation from Chile, Singapore (H-1B1), and Australia (E-3); the immigrant classification for employment-based first preference (EB-1) outstanding professors and researchers; and nonimmigrant workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) classification. DHS anticipates that these changes to the regulations will benefit these highly skilled workers and CW-1 nonimmigrant workers by removing unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.

2015-12-31; vol. 80 # 251 - Thursday, December 31, 2015

80 FR 81900 - Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2015-32666
RIN	1615-AC05
CIS No.	2571-15
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2015-0008

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Proposed rule.

Written comments must be received on or before February 29, 2016.

8 CFR Parts 204, 205, 214, 245 and 274a

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to amend its regulations related to certain employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visa programs. The proposed amendments would provide various benefits to participants in those programs, including: Improved processes for U.S. employers seeking to sponsor and retain immigrant and nonimmigrant workers, greater stability and job flexibility for such workers, and increased transparency and consistency in the application of agency policy related to affected classifications. Many of these changes are primarily aimed at improving the ability of U.S. employers to hire and retain high-skilled workers who are beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions and are waiting to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs), while increasing the ability of such workers to seek promotions, accept lateral positions with current employers, change employers, or pursue other employment options. First, DHS proposes to amend its regulations consistent with certain worker portability and other provisions in the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 (AC21), as amended, as well as the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA). These proposed amendments would clarify and improve longstanding agency policies and procedures—previously articulated in agency memoranda and precedent decisions—implementing sections of AC21 and ACWIA related to certain foreign workers, including sections specific to workers who have been sponsored for LPR status by their employers. In so doing, the proposed rule would enhance consistency among agency adjudicators and provide a primary repository of governing rules for the regulated community. In addition, the proposed rule would clarify several interpretive questions raised by AC21 and ACWIA. Second, consistent with existing DHS authorities and the goals of AC21 and ACWIA, DHS proposes to amend its regulations governing certain employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visa programs to provide additional stability and flexibility to employers and workers in those programs. The proposed rule would, among other things: improve job portability for certain beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions by limiting the grounds for automatic revocation of petition approval; further enhance job portability for such beneficiaries by increasing their ability to retain their priority dates for use with subsequently approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions; establish or extend grace periods for certain high-skilled nonimmigrant workers so that they may more easily maintain their nonimmigrant status when changing employment opportunities; and provide additional stability and flexibility to certain high-skilled workers by allowing those who are working in the United States in certain nonimmigrant statuses, are the beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions, are subject to immigrant visa backlogs, and demonstrate compelling circumstances to independently apply for employment authorization for a limited period. These and other proposed changes would provide much needed flexibility to the beneficiaries of employment-based immigrant visa petitions, as well as the U.S. employers who employ and sponsor them for permanent residence. Finally, to provide additional certainty and stability to certain employment-authorized individuals and their U.S. employers, DHS is also proposing changes to its regulations governing the processing of applications for employment authorization to minimize the risk of any gaps in such authorization. These changes would provide for the automatic extension of the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs or Forms I-766) for an interim period upon the timely filing of an application to renew such documents. At the same time, in light of national security and fraud concerns, DHS is proposing to remove regulations that provide a 90-day processing timeline for EAD applications and that require the issuance of interim EADs if processing extends beyond the 90-day mark.

2015-10-22; vol. 80 # 204 - Thursday, October 22, 2015

80 FR 63911 - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker Numerical Limitation for Fiscal Year 2016

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2015-26963
RIN	1615-ZB43
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0010
CIS No.	2565-15

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Notification of numerical limitation.

Effective Date: October 22, 2015.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Secretary of Homeland Security announces that the annual fiscal year numerical limitation for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrant classification for fiscal year (FY) 2016 (Oct. 1, 2015-Sept. 30, 2016) is set at 12,999. This document announces the mandated annual reduction of the CW-1 numerical limitation and provides the public with additional information regarding the new CW-1 numerical limit. This docuemnt ensures that CNMI employers and employees have sufficient information regarding the maximum number of foreign workers who may be granted CW-1 transitional worker status during FY 2016.

2015-10-19; vol. 80 # 201 - Monday, October 19, 2015

80 FR 63376 - Improving and Expanding Training Opportunities for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and Cap-Gap Relief for All Eligible F-1 Students

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2015-26395
RIN	1653-AA72
DHS Docket No.	ICEB-2015-0002

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

Comments must be received by DHS on or before November 18, 2015. Comments on the information collection provisions proposed in this rule must be received by DHS and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on or before November 18, 2015.

8 CFR Parts 214 and 274a

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to amend its F-1 nonimmigrant student visa regulations on optional practical training (OPT) for certain students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from U.S. institutions of higher education. Specifically, the proposal would allow such F-1 STEM students who have elected to pursue 12 months of OPT in the United States to extend the OPT period by 24 months (STEM OPT extension). This 24-month extension would effectively replace the 17-month STEM OPT extension currently available to certain STEM students. The rule also improves and increases oversight over STEM OPT extensions by, among other things, requiring the implementation of formal mentoring and training plans by employers, adding wage and other protections for STEM OPT students and U.S. workers, and allowing extensions only to students with degrees from accredited schools. As with the current 17-month STEM OPT extension, the proposed rule would authorize STEM OPT extensions only for students employed by employers enrolled in U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS') E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. The proposal also includes the “Cap-Gap” relief first introduced in 2008 for any F-1 student with a timely filed H-1B petition and request for change of status. This Cap-Gap relief allows such students to automatically extend the duration of F-1 status and any current employment authorization until October 1 of the fiscal year for which such H-1B visa is being requested. In addition to improving the integrity and value of the STEM OPT program, this proposed rule also responds to a court decision that vacated a 2008 DHS regulation on procedural grounds. The proposed rule includes changes to the policies announced in the 2008 rule to further enhance the academic benefit provided by STEM OPT extensions and increase oversight, which will better ensure that students gain valuable practical STEM experience that supplements knowledge gained through their academic studies, while preventing adverse effects to U.S. workers. By earning a functional understanding of how to apply their academic knowledge in a work setting, students will be better positioned to begin careers in their fields of study. These on-the-job educational experiences would be obtained only with those employers that commit to developing students' knowledge and skills through practical application. The proposed changes would also help ensure that the nation's colleges and universities remain globally competitive in attracting international STEM students to study and lawfully remain in the United States.

2015-04-29; vol. 80 # 82 - Wednesday, April 29, 2015

80 FR 23680 - Adjustments to Limitations on Designated School Official Assignment and Study by F-2 and M-2 Nonimmigrants

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2015-09959
RIN	1653-AA63
DHS Docket No.	ICEB-2011-0005

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Final rule.

This rule is effective May 29, 2015.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security is amending its regulations under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to improve management of international student programs and increase opportunities for study by spouses and children of nonimmigrant students. This rule grants school officials more flexibility in determining the number of designated school officials to nominate for the oversight of campuses. The rule also provides greater incentive for international students to study in the United States by permitting accompanying spouses and children of academic and vocational nonimmigrant students with F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant status to enroll in study at an SEVP-certified school so long as any study remains less than a full course of study. F-2 and M-2 spouses and children remain prohibited, however, from engaging in a full course of study unless they apply for, and DHS approves, a change of nonimmigrant status to a nonimmigrant status authorizing such study.

80 FR 24042 - Temporary Non-Agricultural Employment of H-2B Aliens in the United States

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2015-09694
RIN	1615-AC06
CIS No.	2563-15

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, Employment and Training Administration, Wage and Hour Division

Interim final rule; request for comments.

This interim final rule is effective April 29, 2015. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on this interim final rule on or before June 29, 2015.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are jointly issuing regulations governing the certification of the employment of nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal non-agricultural employment and the enforcement of the obligations applicable to employers of such nonimmigrant workers. This interim final rule establishes the process by which employers obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL for use in petitioning DHS to employ a nonimmigrant worker in H-2B status. We are also issuing regulations to provide for increased worker protections for both United States (U.S.) and foreign workers. DHS and DOL are issuing simultaneously with this rule a companion rule governing the methodology to set the prevailing wage in the H-2B program.

80 FR 24146 - Wage Methodology for the Temporary Non-Agricultural Employment H-2B Program

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2015-09692
RIN	1615-AC02
CIS No.	2536-13
Docket No.	ETA-2013-0003

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, Employment and Training Administration

Final rule.

This final rule is effective April 29, 2015.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) are issuing final regulations governing certification of the employment of nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal non-agricultural employment. This final rule sets forth how DOL provides the consultation that DHS has determined is necessary to adjudicate H-2B visa petitions by setting the methodology by which DOL calculates the prevailing wages to be paid to H-2B workers and U.S. workers recruited in connection with applications for temporary labor certification. Specifically, for the purposes of an H-2B temporary labor certification, this final rule establishes that, in the absence of a wage set in a valid and controlling collective bargaining agreement, the prevailing wage will be the mean wage for the occupation in the pertinent geographic area derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics survey, unless the H-2B employer meets the conditions for requesting that the prevailing wage be based on an employer-provided survey. Any such survey submitted must meet the new methodological criteria established in this final rule in order to be used to establish the prevailing wage. The final rule does not permit use of the wage determinations issued under the Service Contract Act or the Davis Bacon Act as sources to set the prevailing wage in the H-2B temporary labor certification context. DHS and DOL are issuing this final rule together because DHS, as the Executive Branch agency charged with administering the H-2B program, has determined that the most effective implementation of the statutory H-2B labor protections requires that DHS consult with DOL for its advice about matters with which DOL has expertise, including questions about the methodology for setting the prevailing wage in the H-2B program. DHS (and the former Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice, which was charged with administration of the H-2B program prior to enactment of the Homeland Security Act of 2002) has long recognized that DOL is the appropriate agency with which to consult regarding the availability of U.S. workers and for assuring that wages and working conditions of U.S. workers are not adversely affected by the use of H-2B workers. This rule also adopts, without change, certain revisions made to DHS's H-2B regulations, to clarify that DHS is the Executive Branch agency charged with making determinations regarding eligibility for H-2B classifications, after consulting with DOL for its advice about matters with which DOL has expertise, including questions related to the methodology for setting the prevailing wage in the H-2B program. Finally, DHS and DOL are issuing, simultaneously with this rule, a companion H-2B rule governing the certification of the employment of nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal non-agricultural employment and the enforcement of the obligations applicable to employers of such nonimmigrant workers.

2015-02-25; vol. 80 # 37 - Wednesday, February 25, 2015

80 FR 10284 - Employment Authorization for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2015-04042
RIN	1615-AB92
CIS No.	2501-10
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2010-0017

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Final rule.

This final rule is effective May 26, 2015.

8 CFR Parts 214 and 274a

Summary

This final rule amends Department of Homeland Security (“DHS” or “Department”) regulations by extending eligibility for employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who are seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) status. Such H-1B nonimmigrants must be the principal beneficiaries of an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140), or have been granted H-1B status in the United States under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000, as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act. DHS anticipates that this regulatory change will reduce personal and economic burdens faced by H-1B nonimmigrants and eligible H-4 dependent spouses during the transition from nonimmigrant to LPR status. The final rule will also support the goals of attracting and retaining highly skilled foreign workers and minimizing the disruption to U.S. businesses resulting from H-1B nonimmigrants who choose not to pursue LPR status in the United States. By providing the possibility of employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses, the rule will ameliorate certain disincentives for talented H-1B nonimmigrants to permanently remain in the United States and continue contributing to the U.S. economy as LPRs. This is an important goal considering the contributions such individuals make to entrepreneurship and research and development, which are highly correlated with overall economic growth and job creation. The rule also will bring U.S. immigration policies concerning this class of highly skilled workers more in line with those of other countries that are also competing to attract and retain similar highly skilled workers.

2014-09-29; vol. 79 # 188 - Monday, September 29, 2014

79 FR 58241 - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker Numerical Limitation for Fiscal Year 2015

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2014-23024
RIN	1615-ZB30
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0010
CIS No.	2545-14

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Notification of numerical limitation.

Effective Date: September 29, 2014.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Secretary of Homeland Security announces that the annual fiscal year numerical limitation for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrant classification for fiscal year (FY) 2015 is set at 13,999. In accordance with Title VII of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA) (codified, in relevant part, at 48 U.S.C. 1806(d)) and 8 CFR 214.2(w)(1)(viii)(C), this document announces the mandated annual reduction of the CW-1 numerical limit and provides the public with additional information regarding the new CW-1 numerical limit. This document is intended to ensure that CNMI employers and employees have sufficient notice regarding the maximum number of CW-1 transitional workers who may be granted status during FY 2015.

2014-05-12; vol. 79 # 91 - Monday, May 12, 2014

79 FR 26870 - Enhancing Opportunities for H-1B1, CW-1, and E-3 Nonimmigrants and EB-1 Immigrants

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2014-10733
RIN	1615-AC00
CIS No.	2515-11
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0005

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Proposed rule.

Written comments must be received on or before July 11, 2014

8 CFR Parts 204, 214, 248, and 274a

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to update the regulations to include nonimmigrant high-skilled specialty occupation professionals from Chile and Singapore (H-1B1) and from Australia (E-3) in the list of classes of aliens authorized for employment incident to status with a specific employer, to clarify that H-1B1 and principal E-3 nonimmigrants are allowed to work without having to separately apply to DHS for employment authorization. DHS also is proposing to provide authorization for continued employment with the same employer if the employer has timely-filed for an extension of the nonimmigrant's stay. DHS also proposes this same continued work authorization for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrants if a Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, Form I-129CW, is timely filed to apply for an extension of stay. In addition, DHS is proposing to update the regulations describing the filing procedures for extensions of stay and change of status requests to include the principal E-3 and H-1B1 nonimmigrant classifications. These changes would harmonize the regulations for E-3, H-1B1, and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications with the existing regulations for other, similarly situated nonimmigrant classifications. Finally, DHS is proposing to expand the current list of evidentiary criteria for employment-based first preference (EB-1) outstanding professors and researchers to allow the submission of evidence comparable to the other forms of evidence already listed in the regulations. This proposal would harmonize the regulations for EB-1 outstanding professors and researchers with other employment-based immigrant categories that already allow for submission of comparable evidence. DHS is proposing these changes to the regulations to benefit these highly skilled workers and CW-1 transitional workers by removing unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications.

79 FR 26886 - Employment Authorization for Certain H-4 Dependent Spouses

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2014-10734
RIN	1615-AB92
CIS No.	2501-10
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2010-0017

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Proposed rule.

Written comments must be received on or before July 11, 2014.

8 CFR Parts 214 and 274a

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security proposes to extend the availability of employment authorization to certain H-4 dependent spouses of principal H-1B nonimmigrants. The extension would be limited to H-4 dependent spouses of principal H-1B nonimmigrants who are in the process of seeking lawful permanent resident status through employment. This population will include those H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants if the H-1B nonimmigrants are either the beneficiaries of an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (Form I-140) or who have been granted an extension of their authorized period of admission in the United States under the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-first Century Act of 2000 (AC21), as amended by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act. This regulatory change would lessen any potential economic burden to the H-1B principal and H-4 dependent spouse during the transition from nonimmigrant to lawful permanent resident status, furthering the goals of attracting and retaining high-skilled foreign workers.

2013-11-21; vol. 78 # 225 - Thursday, November 21, 2013

78 FR 69778 - Adjustments to Limitations on Designated School Official Assignment and Study by F-2 and M-2 Nonimmigrants

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2013-27898
RIN	1653-AA63
DHS Docket No.	ICEB-2011-0005

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online docket via http://www.regulations.gov on or before January 21, 2014 or reach the Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier address listed below in ADDRESSES by that date.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security proposes to amend its regulations under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to improve management of international student programs and increase opportunities for study by spouses and children of nonimmigrant students. The proposed rule would grant school officials more flexibility in determining the number of designated school officials to nominate for the oversight of campuses. The rule also would provide greater incentive for international students to study in the United States by permitting accompanying spouses and children of academic and vocational nonimmigrant students with F-1 or M-1 nonimmigrant status to enroll in study at an SEVP-certified school so long as any study remains less than a full course of study. F-2 and M-2 spouses and children remain prohibited, however, from engaging in a full course of study unless they apply for, and DHS approves, a change of nonimmigrant status to a nonimmigrant status authorizing such study.

2013-09-25; vol. 78 # 186 - Wednesday, September 25, 2013

78 FR 58867 - Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-Only Transitional Worker Numerical Limitation for Fiscal Year 2014

GPO FDSys XML | Text

Additional Documents

type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2013-23289
RIN	1615-ZB23
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0010
CIS No.	2537-13

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Notification of numerical limitation.

Effective Date: September 25, 2013.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Secretary of Homeland Security announces that the annual fiscal year numerical limitation for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)-only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrant classification for fiscal year (FY) 2014 is set at 14,000. In accordance with Title VII of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA) (codified, in relevant part, at 48 U.S.C. 1806(d)) and 8 CFR 214.2(w)(1)(viii)(C), this document announces the mandated annual reduction of the CW-1 numerical limit and provides the public with information regarding the new CW-1 numerical limit. This document is intended to ensure that CNMI employers and employees have sufficient notice regarding the maximum number of workers who may be granted transitional worker status during the upcoming fiscal year.

2013-04-24; vol. 78 # 79 - Wednesday, April 24, 2013

78 FR 24047 - Wage Methodology for the Temporary Non-Agricultural Employment H-2B Program, Part 2

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type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2013-09723
RIN	1615-AC02
CIS No.	2536-13

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, Employment and Training Administration

Interim final rule; request for comments.

This interim final rule is effective April 24, 2013. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on this interim final rule on or before June 10, 2013.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) (jointly referred to as the Departments) are amending regulations governing certification for the employment of nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal non-agricultural employment. This interim final rule revises how DOL provides the consultation that DHS has determined is necessary to adjudicate H-2B petitions by revising the methodology by which DOL calculates the prevailing wages to be paid to H-2B workers and U.S. workers recruited in connection with the application for certification; the prevailing wage is then used in petitioning DHS to employ nonimmigrant workers in H-2B status. DOL and DHS are jointly issuing this rule in response to the court's order in Comité de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agricolas v. Solis, which vacated portions of DOL's current prevailing wage rate regulation, and to ensure that there is no question that the rule is in effect nationwide in light of other outstanding litigation. This rule also contains certain revisions to DHS's H-2B rule to clarify that DHS is the Executive Branch agency charged with making determinations regarding eligibility for H-2B classification, after consulting with DOL for its advice about matters with which DOL has expertise, particularly, in this case, questions about the methodology for setting the prevailing wage in the H-2B program.

2013-03-27; vol. 78 # 59 - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

78 FR 18457 - Definition of Form I-94 To Include Electronic Format

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type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2013-06974
RIN	1651-AA96
	USCBP-2013-0011
CBP Dec. No.	13-06

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS

Interim final rule.

Effective date: This interim rule is effective April 26, 2013. In the event that CBP receives public comment that identifies a credible basis for the Agency to conclude that automation of the form I-94 should be delayed, CBP retains discretion to extend implementation for an additional thirty days. If CBP concludes that such extension is appropriate, the Agency will post the new implementation date on its Web site, www.cbp.gov, no later than April 29, 2013. Comment date: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 26, 2013.

8 CFR Parts 1, 210, 212, 214, 215, 231, 235, 245, 245a, 247, 253, 264, 274a, and 286

Summary

The Form I-94 is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to certain aliens and is used for various purposes such as documenting status in the United States, the approved length of stay, and departure. DHS generally issues the Form I-94 to aliens at the time they lawfully enter the United States. This rule adds a new definition of the term “Form I-94” that includes the collection of arrival/departure and admission or parole information by DHS, whether in paper or electronic format. The definition also clarifies various terms that are associated with the use of the Form I-94 to accommodate an electronic version of the Form I-94. This rule also adds a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant DHS admission or parole stamp in a foreign passport to the list of documents designated as evidence of alien registration. These revisions to the regulations will enable DHS to transition to an automated process whereby DHS will create a Form I-94 in an electronic format based on passenger, passport and visa information DHS currently obtains electronically from air and sea carriers and the Department of State as well as through the inspection process.

2012-12-28; vol. 77 # 249 - Friday, December 28, 2012
1. 77 FR 76353 - Nonimmigrant Classes
  
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  FR Doc. 2012-31272
  
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  DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
  
  8 CFR Part 214
  
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2012-11-30; vol. 77 # 231 - Friday, November 30, 2012

77 FR 71287 - CNMI-Only Transitional Worker Numerical Limitation for Fiscal Year 2013

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type	regulations.gov
FR Doc.	2012-29025
RIN	1615-ZB15
CIS No.	2525-12
DHS Docket No.	USCIS-2012-0010

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS

Notification of numerical limitation.

Effective Date: November 30, 2012.

8 CFR Part 214

Summary

The Secretary of Homeland Security announces that the numerical limitation for the annual fiscal year numerical limitation for CNMI-only Transitional Worker (CW-1) nonimmigrant classification for fiscal year 2013 is set at 15,000. In accordance with Title VII of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA) (codified, in relevant part, at 48 U.S.C. 1806(d)) and 8 CFR 214.2(w)(1)(viii)(C), this document announces the mandated annual reduction of the CW-1 numerical limit and provides the public with information regarding the new CW-1 numerical limit. This document is intended to ensure that CNMI employers and employees have sufficient notice regarding the maximum number of workers who may be granted transitional worker status during the upcoming fiscal year.

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