A ruling from a U.S. district court judge in New Jersey has blocked an attempt by H-1B visa opponents to stop an extension of student visas from one year to 29 months. The measure, which was put in place earlier this year, was a move that the Bush administration claimed would give students a better chance to get an H-1B visa. The 85,000-visa cap, which includes 20,000 visas for foreign workers with advanced degrees, is being reached before the close of the academic year, making it difficult for new graduates to get a new visa before their old visa expires.

The Programmers Guild, the Immigration Reform Law Institute and other groups sought an injunction to stop the visa extension, arguing that such a measurer is, in effect, a backdoor visa increase that will hurt U.S. workers.

Immigration Direct helps individuals handle their own everyday legal immigration matters and learn about applying for U.S. citizenship, regardless of whether they are applying themselves or working with a lawyer. Immigration Direct provides updated information about changes in immigration law in an easy-to-use, plain English online service.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection site provides information on the procedures, forms, and basic requirements that immigrants need to enter the United States. Helpful for temporary residents (for work or study), visitors to the U.S., and legal residents.

Available in 11 languages, including Spanish and Portuguese

Nationwide Listing of Motor Vehicle Departments.

(required for all male non-citizens between the ages of 18 up to 26 who permanently reside in the United States)

The Department of Labor issues labor certifications for permanent and temporary employment under the following programs:

• Permanent Labor Certification
• H-1B Specialty (Professional) Workers
• H-1C Nurses in Disadvantaged Areas
• H-2A Temporary Labor Certification (Seasonal Agricultural)
For more information, please visit: http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/foreign/hiring.asp

Detailed Employer Q&A from the Dept. of Labor covering everything from application filing to wage information.