The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amended its regulations today to improve the programs serving the H-1B1, E-3 and CW-1 nonimmigrant classifications and the EB-1 immigrant classification, and remove unnecessary hurdles that place such workers at a disadvantage when compared to similarly situated workers in other visa classifications. The final rule was posted yesterday and will become effective on Feb. 16. This new rule comes at the roughly the same time as the amended Fee Rule for certain H-1 and L-1 Visas, where the filing fees nearly doubled to $4000 – $4500 dollars.
USCIS Immigration Services Director Leon Rodriguez commented “We constantly strive to improve our processes and ensure fair and consistent access to immigration benefits. This Enhancing Opportunities rules removes unnecessary hurdles that place workers at a disadvantage and will be beneficial to both employers and their workers.”
Here are more details on the final rule and amended DHS regulations.
