After reports late last month that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was considering a policy change that could have prevented certain H-1B workers who are applying for permanent residency from extending their H-1B status beyond the normal time limit of six years, the agency has reportedly reversed course. Facing intense pressure from the business and technology communities, the Trump administration appears to be no longer considering the policy change that could have potentially forced hundreds of thousands of foreign skilled workers out of the country.
Read moreFinally, Work Cards for Some Spouses of H-1Bs
As we previously announced, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will start accepting applications for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), also commonly known as work cards, for spouses of certain H-1B visa holders on May 26, 2015. In preparation for the massive influx of applications, on May 20, USCIS announced some basic guidelines for these applications.
By way of background, spouses of H-1B visa holders are eligible for H-4 visas as dependents of the H-1B. H-4s are valid for only as long as the principal H-1B is valid and until now H-4 holders have not been allowed to work. As part of the executive actions announced in November last year, it was ordered that spouses of certain H-1B visa holders be granted work authorization. These spouses have to apply for work authorization using Form I-765 and once they receive their work card, they can begin working.
Read more