News Archive
2009.12.15:
New Visa Application Form Required for U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas Effective April 30, 2010
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced the worldwide deployment of the Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, effective April 30, 2010. All U.S. nonimmigrant visa applications must be filed using Form DS-160, except when applying for K visas. On April 30, 2010, U.S. embassies and consulates will no longer accept applications completed using Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. As of October 29, 2009, DOS has authorized development of the DS-160 in 22 languages other than English.
The application, which is completely web-based, is very data intensive and difficult to complete. Since the application is web-based, Consular Officers will be able to review all of the data submitted prior to actual visa interview. Further, the data provided on the DS-160 will be captured and stored indefinitely.
Applicants for E visas must complete both the DS-160 as well as a hard copy of the DS-156E until the Form DS-160E is fully developed and deployed worldwide.
Presently, the DS-160 is used at only 24 U.S. embassies and consulates located throughout the world.
2009.12.15:
New Form ETA-941 Required for all Prevailing Wage Determinations Effective January 1, 2010
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced on December 4, 2009 that all Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) for H-1B, H-1B1, H-1C, H-2B, E-3 and PERM Labor Certification Application must utilize new Form ETA-941 effective January 1, 2010. PWDs will no longer be issued by the fifty states’ State Workforce Agencies (SWAs). This new rule federalizes the issuance of PWDs.
All PWDs must be filed by mail, not electronically or via fax, with the National Prevailing Wage and Helpdesk Center (NPWHC) in Washington, D.C. DOL has not provided estimated processing times for PWDs.
2008.10.25:
SEVIS Fees Increase for Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors
The processing fees imposed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) for students (F-1 and M-1) and exchange visitors (J-1) increase effective October 27, 2008. The new fees for F-1 and M-1 students increase to U.S.$100.00 while the fees for J-1 trainees increase to U.S.$180.00. The fees are utilized by the USCBP to manage the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) which tracks and monitors schools, students, exchange visitors and their dependents throughout the duration of approved participation within the U.S. education system.
2008.10.18:
TN Admission Period Extended from One to Three Years
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued new regulations governing the Treaty National (TN) visa program. Effective October 16, 2008, the maximum allowable period of admission for TN non permanent visas is increased from one year to three years. In addition, extensions of TN status will be granted for a maximum period of three years instead of one year. The increase in admission time also applies to spouses and unmarried minor children who are granted TD status.
