USCIS Changes
The Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) no longer accepts walk-in inquiries. You must first obtain an appointment by logging in to the CIS website: www.uscis.gov.
The USCIS dramatically increased filing fees beginning July 30, 2007.
H-1B visas have the following surcharge fees: Employers with more than 25 employees must pay a $1,500.00 fee in addition to the regular $320.00 filing fee. (Employers with 25 or less employees pay a reduced $750.00 fee in addition to the $320.00 filing fee). Also, as of March 2005, there is an additional “Fraud-prevention” fee of $500.00 for new H-1B visa petitions. Certain non-profit employers will continue to be exempt from these new surcharges.
The Department of Labor implemented the electronic PERM program in March 2005. It is aimed at reducing the substantial backlogs of Applications for Alien Labor Certification.
Congress is currently in the process of debating ratification of the Free Trade Agreement between the U.S. and Peru.(TLC).