Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 11 JANUARY 2022

Five 2021 Business Immigration Trends That Could Affect Your Workforce In 2022

Phelps Dunbar LLP
Explore more from Phelps Dunbar LLP

As we prepared for a productive new year, we took time to consider the numerous changes that the Biden administration made to the U.S. employment-based immigration system in 2021.

United StatesImmigration
Brandon Davis
Brandon Davis
Laura N. Buck
Laura N. Buck

As we prepared for a productive new year, we took time to consider the numerous changes that the Biden administration made to the U.S. employment-based immigration system in 2021. Many of those changes were productive, and some presented challenges in the human resources space. Employers should expect similar changes in 2022.

1. Employers Should Understand COVID-19's Impact on Travel and Immigration

Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of the U.S. immigration system in 2020, the rollout of vaccines, increased testing and other public health measures moderately eased certain restrictions on travel and employment-based immigration in 2021. Employers should cautiously plan to take advantage of certain eased restrictions in 2022.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

October 2026 Visa Bulletin Advances EB-5 Filing Date For Mainland China By 4 Years

The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, marking the start of fiscal year 2027 with significant changes to employment-based immigrant visa categories. How will the advancement of priority dates, particularly the substantial four-year leap for mainland China-born EB-5 investors in the Dates for Filing chart, impact eligible applicants seeking adjustment of status benefits?
GlobalImmigration
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

DHS Continues Work Authorization For Ukrainian, Sudanese TPS Beneficiaries; I-9 Guidance Remains Unclear

The Department of Homeland Security has not issued formal determinations for Temporary Protected Status designations for Ukraine and Sudan despite the October 19, 2026 expiration date, creating uncertainty for employers navigating Form I-9 compliance and employment authorization documentation. USCIS states that affected individuals retain TPS protections and work authorization, but has not updated operational guidance to explain how employers should document continued employment eligibility or handle
United StatesImmigration
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

DHS Proposes $70,000 And $30,000 Fees For F-1 Optional Practical Training

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a controversial new rule requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay substantial fees—$70,000 for a student's first Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT application, including STEM extensions. With only a 30-day comment period and potential annual costs reaching up to $16.5 billion across nearly 2,500 affected institutions, the proposed regulation is expected to face significant legal challenges if finalized.
United StatesImmigration
Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP
Article

DHS Proposes New OPT Fees: What It Means For F-1 Students, Schools, Employers

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed imposing fees of $70,000 for initial Optional Practical Training periods and $30,000 for subsequent periods including STEM extensions, with schools bearing the direct cost burden. The proposal aims to combat fraud and abuse within the OPT program while protecting U.S. workers, but could significantly impact international student hiring strategies and the availability of OPT talent for employers.
United StatesImmigration
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Jackson Lewis P.C.