Retention Of EB-1, EB-2, And EB-3 Immigrant Workers And Program Improvements Affecting High-Skilled Nonimmigrant Workers

On November 18, 2016, the USCIS issued its Final Rule amending certain regulations related to employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visa programs. In issuing this Final Rule, USCIS' stated goal is to benefit both U.S. employers and foreign workers participating in these programs by "streamlining the processes for employer sponsorship of nonimmigrant workers for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, increasing job portability and otherwise providing stability and flexibility for such workers, and providing additional transparency and consistency in the application of DHS policies and practices related to these programs." The changes contained in the Final Rule are intended to benefit both U.S. employers and foreign national workers and go into effect on January 17, 2017.