News in Brief

TPS for Venezuelans: DHS has designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective 3/9/21 through 9/9/22. The notice also provides information about Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and DED-related EADs for eligible Venezuelans.

TPS Extended for Syria: USCIS announced the extension of the designation of Syria for TPS for 18 months, from 3/31/21 through 9/30/22. USCIS announced that it has automatically extended the validity of EADs issued under the TPS designation for Syria through 9/27/21.

TPS for Burma: DHS designates Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Individuals who can demonstrate continuous residence in the United States as of March 11, 2021, are eligible for TPS under Burma’s designation.

EB-1-1 Current for Indian and Chinese Nationals!

H-1B Cap Reached During Registration Period: USCIS has received enough H-1B cap-subject visa petitions to exceed the statutory limit of 65,000 visas (plus 20,000 Master’s cap visas) and ran its random selection lottery. While no figures were released for the total number of registrations received this year, last year there were over 275,000. Employer-petitioners selected have 90 days to submit their petitions.

Land Travel between the U.S. and Canada and Mexico Remains Restricted: CBP has continued the temporary travel restrictions limiting travel of individuals from Canada and from Mexico into the United States at land ports of entry along the United States–Canada border through 5/21/21 due to COVID-19. Such travel is limited to ‘‘essential travel,” which includes, but is not limited to U.S. citizens; LPRs; members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members; those traveling for medical purposes and to attend educational institutions; those traveling for emergency response and public health purposes; and some others. Travel by air is not limited.

NIV Interview Waiver Policy Extended: DOS has extended interview-waiver eligibility for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa in the same classification until December 31, 2021. Applicants whose nonimmigrant visa expired within 48 months are eligible.