U.S. Citizenship And Immigration Services Announces Increased Scrutiny For H-1B Visa And Other Work Visa Extensions

In October 2017, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it would increase its scrutiny of extension petitions for certain work visas, including H-1B, L-1A and L-1B work visas. Under the previous policy, USCIS gave deference to previously approved petitions, as long as there were no material changes and no evidence of fraud with the prior petition. This policy has now been rescinded, and as a result, extension petitions will now be reviewed by USCIS with the same level of scrutiny as initial filings. Citing integrity of the immigration system as a reason for the change, USCIS Director L. Francis Cissna stated that this "updated guidance provides clear direction to help advance policies that protect the interests of U.S. workers."