INTRODUCTION
April was a very active month for US Immigration. GLF provided updates via our Google Business Page, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook handles on numerous US Immigration matters including:
1) New Form ETA-9141 (for Prevailing Wage Determination) from May 3, 2021
2) F-1 students seeking OPT can now file Form I-765 online
3) US imposes restrictions on travel from India beginning May 4
We at GLF post regular updates on our Google Business Page, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook handles. Additionally, we also periodically send out GLF Newsletters when the subject matter is extensive and relevant for a detailed analysis. Presented below is a consolidated summary of all updates posted on GLF’s various social media handles for April 2021.
NEW FORM ETA-9141 (FOR PREVAILING WAGE DETERMINATION) FROM MAY 3, 2021
The Office of Management and Budget approved the Office of Foreign Labor Certification’s (OFLC) revisions to the Form ETA-9141, corresponding appendix, and instructions.
According to OFLC, the revisions better aligns with information collection requirements with the Department’s regulations, providing greater clarity to employers on regulatory requirements, standardized and streamlines information collection and promotes efficiency and transparency in OFLC’s review and issuance of prevailing wage determinations.
All new prevailing wage applications are filed using new forms from May 3, 2021.
F-1 STUDENTS SEEKING OPT CAN FILE FORM I-765 ONLINE
USCIS announced that F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (EAD) online if they are filing under one of these categories:
• Pre-Completion OPT.
• Post-Completion OPT; and
• 24-month OPT extension for STEM students.
The online filing option is now made available to F-1 students for only those filing the Form I-765 under OPT category. USCIS will deny the application and retain the fees for any Form I-765 filed online on or after April 15 in different Employment Authorization categories.
Applicants must create a USCIS online account for Electronic Filing. By opting for Electronic Filing, applicants will get to submit forms, pay fees, track case status, communicate to USCIS through secure inbox and respond to RFEs.
USCIS continues to accept the paper version of Form I-765 by mail. USCIS is working towards expanding online filing for Form I-765 to additional categories as well.
US IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVEL FROM INDIA BEGINNING MAY 4
The White House has announced travel restrictions for travelers from India starting Tuesday, May 4. These restrictions do not apply to US Citizens and “Green Card” holders. Given the alarming rise in cases in India, this was an expected announcement. The State Department had previously issued a Travel Advisory against travel to India.
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At GLF, we will continue to follow further developments in the above discussed and other matters, while we provide updates through our Newsletter as and when they become available. GLF receives numerous emails and phone calls every day seeking comments on various proposed bills and media reports that are often inaccurate. It is our job to separate fact from fiction and advice clients on important and relevant updates. The best way to receive accurate information is through GLF Newsletters.
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