The Seattle Times reports today that with increasing layoffs, the downturn of the economy, and a slow down in hiring, Microsoft Corp. has applied for fewer H-1B visas for specialty occupations. Microsoft’s General Counsel Brad Smith said “Microsoft still sees the H-1B program as an important part of its strategy to hire the best people, regardless of their citizenship.” “I don’t think it’s feasible or [...]

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced additional requirements for employers who have received funds through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) or under Section 13 of the Federal Reserve Act before hiring a foreign national to work in the H-1B specialty occupation category. On February 17, 2009, the Employ American Workers Act (EAWA) was signed into [...]

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the Fiscal Year 2010 (FY 2010) cap on April 1, 2009.  Petitions will be considered as accepted on the date that USCIS processes payment of the filing fees associated with the petition, not the date that the petition is postmarked. USCIS will [...]