--- title: | Policy Updates description: Policy Updates | --- [![Envoy Global company logo](https://info.envoyglobal.com/hs-fs/hubfs/eg_logo%20_2000.png?width=2000&height=218&name=eg_logo%20_2000.png "Envoy Global company logo")](https://www.envoyglobal.com/) # 2015 Old Blog ## [January 2016 Visa Bulletin](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/january-2016-visa-bulletin/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Dec 30, 2015 7:04:08 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.envoyglobal.com/hs-fs/file-3768226192-png/blog-files/dates-for-filing-family-sponsored-visa-applications_20151214-500x290.png) ](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/january-2016-visa-bulletin/) The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released its January 2016 Visa Bulletin highlighting the processing dates for employment- and family-based green card applications. The format of the bulletin recently changed. Each month the DOS will publish the updated Visa Bulletin and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue a subsequent announcement one week later, informing foreign nationals if they may use the Dates for Visa Application charts or not. For more information, read *[Introducing the new Visa Bulletin](http://www.visanow.com/introducing-the-new-visa-bulletin/).* [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/january-2016-visa-bulletin/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/january-2016-visa-bulletin/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates), [Immigration News](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-news) ## [H-1B fee hike, Visa Waiver Program reform passed in omnibus bill](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/h-1b-fee-hike-visa-waiver-program-reform-passed-in-omnibus-bill/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Dec 22, 2015 7:21:27 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The omnibus appropriations bill that was signed into law on Friday altered multiple immigration programs. The spending measure provides discretionary funding for the government until Sept. 30, 2016. [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/h-1b-fee-hike-visa-waiver-program-reform-passed-in-omnibus-bill/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/h-1b-fee-hike-visa-waiver-program-reform-passed-in-omnibus-bill/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates) ## [USCIS drafts policy clarifying requirements for work visa transfers](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-drafts-policy-clarifying-requirements-for-work-visa-transfers/) Posted by [kelly.caldwell](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/kellycaldwell) on Dec 10, 2015 9:37:52 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published [a draft policy memo](http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Outreach/Draft%20Memorandum%20for%20Comment/PED-Draft_Same_or_Similar_Policy_Memorandum_-_11.20.15.pdf) to help clarify wording in the requirements for H-1B Person in Specialty Occupation and other work visa transfers. Many foreign nationals waiting for employment-based green cards share the concern that a job change would cause them to lose their spot in the green card queue or invalidate their current visa status. According to USCIS, that concern often stems from misinformation about what USCIS considers a “same” or “similar” job, which is one of the requirements for a transfer. [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-drafts-policy-clarifying-requirements-for-work-visa-transfers/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-drafts-policy-clarifying-requirements-for-work-visa-transfers/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates) ## [House votes to add security restrictions to Visa Waiver Program](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/house-votes-to-add-security-restrictions-to-visa-waiver-program/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Dec 9, 2015 9:34:24 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In an overwhelming majority, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill tightening security restrictions of the [Visa Waiver Program](http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visa-waiver-program.html). Currently, nationals from 38 countries may travel to the United States for 90 days without obtaining a visa, however, the bill aims to add restrictions to countries deemed “high risk.” [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/house-votes-to-add-security-restrictions-to-visa-waiver-program/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/house-votes-to-add-security-restrictions-to-visa-waiver-program/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates) ## [USCIS adds 16 countries to H-2A/H-2B participation list](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-adds-16-countries-to-h-2ah-2b-participation-list/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Dec 3, 2015 5:10:56 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expanded the H-2A Temporary Agricultural and H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural visa programs. Beginning Jan. 18, nationals from 16 countries, including Andorra, Belgium, Brunei, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Singapore, Taiwan and Timor-Leste, will be eligible to apply for temporary work visa sponsorship. [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-adds-16-countries-to-h-2ah-2b-participation-list/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-adds-16-countries-to-h-2ah-2b-participation-list/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates) ## [December 2015 Visa Bulletin](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/december-2015-visa-bulletin/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Nov 18, 2015 4:28:16 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.envoyglobal.com/hs-fs/file-3768224557-png/blog-files/dates-for-filing-family-sponsored-visa-applications-500x291.png) ](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/december-2015-visa-bulletin/) The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released its December 2015 Visa Bulletin. However, the format of the bulletin has recently changed. Going forward, the DOS will publish the updated Visa Bulletin each month, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will issue a subsequent announcement one week later, informing foreign nationals if they may use the Dates for Visa Application charts or not. For more information, read *[Introducing the new Visa Bulletin](http://www.visanow.com/introducing-the-new-visa-bulletin/).* [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/december-2015-visa-bulletin/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/december-2015-visa-bulletin/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates), [Immigration News](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-news) ## [CIC issues new filing procedures for LMIA-exempt work permit requests](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/cic-issues-new-filing-procedures-for-lmia-exempt-work-permit-requests/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Oct 28, 2015 5:12:39 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) now requires Canadian employers requesting work permits that are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment, such as NAFTA, intra-company transferees, C10 Significant Benefit and others, to submit FORM IMM5802 via its newly established Employer Portal. [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/cic-issues-new-filing-procedures-for-lmia-exempt-work-permit-requests/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/cic-issues-new-filing-procedures-for-lmia-exempt-work-permit-requests/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates) ## [DHS proposes 24-month OPT STEM extension](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/dhs-proposes-24-month-opt-stem-extension/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Oct 19, 2015 12:46:12 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule in response to an August court decision that invalidated the 17-month extension of the F-1 Optical Practical Training (OPT) program for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students. [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/dhs-proposes-24-month-opt-stem-extension/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/dhs-proposes-24-month-opt-stem-extension/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates) ## [USCIS adds extra step to Visa Bulletin](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-adds-extra-step-to-visa-bulletin/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Oct 16, 2015 7:17:25 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented an additional step to the green card process. Beginning with the November 2015 Visa Bulletin, if there are more immigrant visas available for the fiscal year than known applicants, USCIS will issue an update. It will inform applicants that they may use the Dates for Filing Visa Applications chart to ascertain if they may file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This determination will be published one week after the Department of State (DOS) releases the Visa Bulletin. [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-adds-extra-step-to-visa-bulletin/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/uscis-adds-extra-step-to-visa-bulletin/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates), [Immigration News](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-news) ## [Immigration news brief: Congress discontinues H-1B, L-1 `50/50' fee](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/immigration-news-brief-congress-discontinues-h-1b-l-1-5050-fee/) Posted by [PJohnson](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/author/pjohnson) on Oct 5, 2015 1:02:31 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) On Sept. 30, Congress failed to renew Public Law 111-230 (the 50/50 fee). Enacted in August 2010, the 50/50 fee mandated companies with more than 50 employees based in the United States and more than 50 percent of workers employed under a nonimmigrant visa status to pay an additional fee — $2,000 for H-1B and $2,250 for L-1 applicants. [Read More](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/immigration-news-brief-congress-discontinues-h-1b-l-1-5050-fee/) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/immigration-blog/immigration-news-brief-congress-discontinues-h-1b-l-1-5050-fee/#comments-listing) Topics: [Immigration Blog](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/immigration-blog), [Policy Updates](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates) [All posts](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/all) [Next](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates/page/2) ## Something Powerful ### Tell The Reader More The headline and subheader tells us what you're [offering](https://info.envoyglobal.com/blog-old-test/topic/policy-updates#), and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for. 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