Analysis of New DHS and DOL H-1B and PERM Regulations

WHAT’S HAPPENING

On October 6th, 2020, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) announced that they will publish new regulations that would significantly impact the rules governing the H-1B visa, as well as wage requirements in connection with the H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 visas and the PERM labor certification process.

Both rules are expected to be published as Interim Final Rules (IFRs) in the Federal Register on Thursday, October 8th. The DHS Rule will take effect 60 days after publication and while stakeholders can comment on the rule during this 60 day period, comments will not be considered before the rule takes effect. The DOL Rule will take effect immediately upon publication and will not have a delayed effective date, though DOL will accept public comments for 30 days. Both rules are likely to be challenged in court, meaning that injunctions could halt their implementation, at least temporarily, pending litigation.

Read More

DHS & DOL Announce New Regulations Significantly Impacting H-1B and PERM Filings

WHAT’S HAPPENING

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) are in the process of introducing new regulations that would significantly impact the rules governing the H-1B visa as well as wages used in connection with the PERM labor certification process.

Both rules are expected to be published as Interim Final Rules (IFRs) in the Federal Register on Thursday, October 8th. Because they are being published as IFRs the agencies are able to forgo the normal notice and comment period. The DHS Rule will take effect 60 days after publication. The DOL Rule will take effect immediately upon publication and will not have a delayed effective date.

Read More