US Immigration News

The US have announced that eleven countries will be added to the list of those eligible to participate in the H-2A and H-2B visa programs in 2015.

Employers can apply for H-2A (Agricultural) and H-2B (Non-Agricultural) visas to employ foreign workers for seasonal or temporary work within the US. The H-2A visa covers agricultural work such as fruit-picking, while the H-2B visa is for the non-agricultural sector, and is typically used for a wide range of lower skilled work.

Both Democrats and Republicans agree that the current US immigration system is broken and would like an overhaul of the system. However some observers have warned that President Barack Obama's recent 'executive action' on immigration may have done more harm than good to the long-term goal of implementing a new system that both parties can agree on.

British citizens are applying in increasing numbers for E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor visas. The high value of the pound against the US dollar has made investments in the US more attractive for British citizens. E-1 and E-2 visas are treaty-based visas for nationals of certain countries with which the US has agreed a trade related treaty. In addition, the spouse is entitled to work in the US.

US President Barack Obama announced in November a number of changes as part of his 'Executive action' on immigration reform. Workpermit.com has summarised the main changes that may benefit those applying for the EB-5 investor visa category.

On 20th November Obama released a Presidential Memorandum on Visa Modernisation, containing guidance on visa administration. Obama has set a deadline of 120-180 days for the changes to be implemented.

In recent years in the US, demand for H-1B visas for graduate level work exceeds the 85,000 annual quota for this type of visa. Tens of thousands of potential visa applicants hoping to come under the H-1B visa find they are unable to do so. Fortunately, migrants who have worked for one year in the last three years for an overseas business may be eligible for a transfer to the US on an L-1 intra-company transfer visa.

Between 2009 and 2013 there was an average of 68,000 L-1 visas issued per year. More could be issued as there is no annual visa quota.

Last month President Obama outlined his plans for 'executive action' to reform the US immigration system. This is after continued attempts at immigration reform via Congress failed.