Curran & Berger LLP

The USCIS announced that through the President's signing of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations Act of 2010 on October 28, 2009, the following USCIS programs have been extended until September 30, 2012:

• E-Verify
• Immigrant Investor (EB-5) Pilot Program
• Special immigrant visa category for non-minister religious workers
• Date by which J-1 nonimmigrant exchange visitors must obtain status in order to qualify for the "Conrad 30" program.

The law also includes statutory authority for USCIS to complete processing of permanent residence applications for surviving spouses and other relatives of immigration sponsors who die during the adjudication process (section 568). 

The newly redesigned USCIS website has been recently updated at www.uscis.gov. The new site allows customers to receive up-to-date notifications on their case status. Customers are now able to sign up to receive emails or text messages whenever their case is updated.

The Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) has been increasing the number of unannounced site visits to employers who participate in the H-1B program. An officer will typically perform a post-adjudication verification and inquiry specific to the H-1B petitions filed by the employer. The linked PDF document supplies more information on the role of FDNS. FDNS Information