Last week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that four programs have been extended pursuant to a new law signed by President Obama on October 28, 2009. The following programs have now been extended through September 30, 2012: E-Verify, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program Visa, the Special Immigrant visa category for non-minister religious workers, and the date by which J-1 non-immigrant exchange visitors must obtain that status to qualify for the "Conrad 30" program.
E-Verify for Employers Hiring Immigrants
The E-Verify program is an electronic system through which employers can verify whether prospective employees are eligible for employment based on their immigration status. Currently, more than 168,000 employers are using the E-Verify system across the nation.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program
Under the EB-5 program known as the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allows the use of "indirect job creation" relative to the job creation requirements applied to approved "Regional Centers" of which there are now more than 70 throughout the country.
Special Visa Category for Non-Minister Religious Workers
The special immigrant visa category for non-minister religious workers covers immigrants employed in "religious vocations or occupations." It allows for visas for the spouses and children of such immigrants as well.
"Conrad 30" Program for Medical Graduates
Finally, the new law requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to continue adjudicating immigration benefits covered by the "Conrad 30" program. This program allows each state health department to submit a waiver request for foreign medical graduates who obtained J-1 status and who would otherwise be required to fulfill the two-year foreign residence requirement which forces many immigrants to return to their home country rather than contribute their medical skills to the U.S.
From the author: Philadelphia Immigration Lawyers
