USCIS began accepting H-1B petitions subject to the FY2015 cap on April 1, 2014.  The regular H-1B cap limits the amount of available H-1B visas to 65,000. The first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals with a U.S. master's degree or higher are exempt from the 65,000 cap. USCIS will accept cap-subject H-1B filings through the first five business days in April, and it anticipates receiving more than enough petitions to reach both caps by April 7. The agency is prepared to use a random selection process to meet the numerical limit. Due to the high level of premium processing receipts anticipated, USCIS has announced that it will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases no later than April 28, 2014.

Steady Increase in L-1B Denials

The National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) published a policy brief in March 2014 finding that the denial rate for L-1B petitions rose to 34 percent in FY2013 - a more than five-fold increase in the rate of denials since FY2006, despite no new regulation changing the adjudication standard.  To access the full policy brief, please refer to the following link: Policy Brief

Chile Now Eligible for Participation in Visa Waiver Program

Starting May 1, 2014, eligible Chilean passport holders will be able to visit the United States without nonimmigrant visitor visas.  The Visa Waiver Program permits visa-free travel to the United States for eligible travelers visiting the United States for 90 days or less for business or pleasure.

NIV Interview Waiver Program Now Permanent

In January 2012, the Department of State introduced a two-year visa interview waiver pilot program, and this program has now been made permanent.  Consular officers can waive the interview for applicants seeking to renew any nonimmigrant visa within 12 months of expiration of the initial visa in the same classification.