USCIS Conducts Second H-1B Lottery, Visa Bulletin Updates, and more!
USCIS to Conduct Second FY 2025 H-1B Lottery
On July 30, 2024, USCIS announced a second random selection of FY 2025 H-1B cap registrations. This additional lottery will be drawn from previously submitted electronic registrations.
✅ Selected petitioners will be notified through their USCIS online accounts, which will display when and where to file H-1B cap-subject petitions.
USCIS will publish an announcement once the selection and notification process is complete.
Biden Administration Streamlines 212(d)(3) Waivers for DACA Recipients and Dreamers
The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a new streamlined process allowing DACA recipients, Dreamers, and other eligible individuals to apply for nonimmigrant employment-based visas using the 212(d)(3) waiver.
This process eliminates the need to depart the U.S., avoiding potential immigration bars. The waiver helps resolve inadmissibility issues for eligible applicants.
DHS Updates STEM Degree Program List
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated the STEM Designated Degree Program List, which determines eligibility for 24-month STEM OPT extensions.
Check the updated list to confirm whether your field of study now qualifies as a STEM field.
DHS Streamlines Deferred Action Requests for Workers
DHS has improved the process for noncitizen workers to request deferred action if they are victims of, or witnesses to, labor law violations.
The update aims to:
- Empower noncitizens to assert their rights
- Support law enforcement efforts by labor agencies
- Streamline submission through DHS.gov
Naturalization Applicants Can Request Social Security Card via Form N-400
Starting April 1, 2024, applicants filing the new Form N-400 (edition 04/01/2024) can:
- Request a Social Security Number (SSN) or replacement card
- Update immigration status with SSA
- Complete the process without visiting an SSA office
This functionality is not available on older editions of the form.
Work Authorization Extended for Haitian F-1 Students
Beginning August 4, 2024, DHS is temporarily suspending certain F-1 visa rules for Haitian students experiencing economic hardship due to the crisis in Haiti.
📅 Effective through February 3, 2026, eligible students may qualify for:
- Increased work hours
- Other flexibilities to maintain status and employment
Employment Authorization for Palestinians under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
As of February 14, 2024, eligible Palestinian nationals may apply for employment authorization valid through August 13, 2025, under the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) directive.
Key points:
- Removal of certain individuals will be deferred for 18 months
- Eligible individuals may receive work permits
- Certain F-1 student rules may be suspended for Palestinians
Parole Extension for Ukrainians
USCIS has announced that eligible Ukrainian parolees and their immediate family may request reparole for two more years.
📌 Work authorization may be extended for:
- Up to 90 days for new hires
- During I-9 reverification for current employees
✅ Approved individuals should print their updated Form I-94 from the CBP site.
Visa Bulletin – September 2024: Final Action Dates
For September 2024, USCIS will use the Final Action Dates chart from the Department of State.
| Category | All Chargeability | China (Mainland) | India | Mexico | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EB-1 | C | 01NOV22 | 01FEB22 | C | C |
| EB-2 | 15MAR23 | 01MAR20 | 15JUL12 | 15MAR23 | 15MAR23 |
| EB-3 | 01DEC20 | 01SEP20 | 22OCT12 | 01DEC20 | 01DEC20 |
| Other Workers | 01JAN21 | 01JAN17 | 22OCT12 | 01DEC20 | 01MAY20 |
| EB-4 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| Religious Workers | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 | 01JAN21 |
| EB-5 Unreserved | C | 15DEC15 | 01DEC20 | C | C |
| EB-5 Set-Aside (All Types) | C | C | C | C | C |
Legend:
- C = Current (can file)
- U = Unauthorized
- Only applicants with a priority date earlier than listed can move forward
Need Legal Help? We’re Here for You
Our team at Monty & Ramirez LLP is ready to help with all immigration matters, including:
- H-1B petitions
- DACA and waivers
- Work permits and employment eligibility
- Family-based petitions
- Green card eligibility
📞 Call us at 713-289-4546
📧 Email: info@montyramirezlaw.com
We Know What Works.