Posted by Before the mid-term elections, the Trump administration, in collaboration with the U.S. Immigration Service, DHS Department of Homeland Security and USCIS, formally announced the "2019 U.S. Immigration Reform Key Plan". The overall plan includes:
- Change H1B lottery rules
- Limit F1 stay time
- Cancel H4 job opportunities
- Designated EB5 investment area
- Speed up green card processing time
- ……
These regulatory reforms have covered almost all visa types for immigrants and non-immigrants, and therefore have varying degrees of impact on most Chinese immigrant families.
Regarding the immigration and visa policies that readers are more concerned about, what are the huge changes in the reform plan this time, we will interpret them one by one, and analyze these future policies, for Chinese individuals who are planning to purchase and apply for American life insurance Or family, what's the impact.
Raise the H1B threshold
"H1B prefers outstanding and smart foreigners"
Affected people:
H1B work visa holders, people applying for H1B
Estimated effective time:July 2019
Content of report:
Homeland Security Proposal
1. Revise the definition of Specialty occupation to restrict H1B applications and issuance to ensure that work visas are issued to the "smartest and best foreigners".
If this proposal is finally implemented, "it will be the largest reform of H1990B since 1."
2. Change the H1B lottery rules.First, all applicants will be included in the 6 regular quotas for lottery. If the upper limit is reached, 5 places will be drawn from the remaining masters and above applicants. Therefore, the H2B winning rate for masters and above will increase by 1% . (The current lottery method is to draw 15 places for a master's degree or above. After that, applications for a master's degree or above in the United States that are not drawn will have another opportunity to participate in the lottery process together with regular applications, grabbing 2 Places.)
3. Require employers to pay reasonable wages to H1B holders.This proposal hopes to grant H1B to more professional talents and avoid the abuse of H1B. Moreover, H1B is only a supplement to the lack of talents in the United States, and the interests of American workers should be protected most.
Analysis of American Life Insurance Guide Network:This proposal is expected to be officially implemented next year.Once implemented, it will be more difficult for Chinese students with a bachelor's degree to stay in the United States directly through H1B.But once H1B is passed, holders can directly apply for American life insurance products.As long as the payment is guaranteed, the policy will continue to be effective regardless of any changes in your status and country of residence.
H4 may be disqualified from legal work
"Spouse's job opportunities affect Chinese families"
Affected people:
H1B work visa holders and their spouses
Estimated effective time:July 2018
Content of report:
In 2015, the Immigration Bureau issued a notice stating that when a person holding an H1B work visa meets certain conditions, his/her spouse (holding an H4 visa) can legally work in the United States and obtain an EAD card.
Previously, staying in the U.S. through a work visa was also a hard way, but fortunately, when one of the couples wins H1B and submits a green card application or the H1B is approved for extension, the other spouse holding an H4 visa You can also work legally.
But since Trump came to power, this benefit has been facing the risk of being cut. In the 2017 fall charter, it has been mentioned that the legal work qualification of H4 will be cancelled, but it has not been implemented for a long time.This time, it is mentioned again in the autumn regulations, and it is very likely to be implemented in the near future.
The USCIS report pointed out that H4 legal work has greatly affected Americans’ job opportunities.But as of fiscal year 2017, there are more than 4 H4 EAD holders from mainland China, and 90% of them are women.There are also many Chinese families who use this method to increase the chances of legally staying in the United States and working legally. The cancellation of H4 EAD will cause some families to face financial difficulties.
Analysis of American Life Insurance Guide Network:For H1B spouses, generally, they can successfully apply for American life insurance products on a family basis. The cancellation of H4 EAD may reduce family income, affect the Fund strategy of the insurance policy, and may affect future retirement income.
F1 visa reform
"The maximum length of stay in the United States is stipulated"
Affected people:
F類學生簽證、B類旅遊簽證、H1B、H4、J1、J2、M1、E1、E2、I類等所有非移民簽證
Estimated effective time:July 2019
Content of report:
US Customs ICE plans to introduce new regulations in fiscal year 2019: to establish a maximum length of stay in the United States for these non-immigrant visas, including F1 student visas.
Before the deadline, you can apply for an extension, but you must give sufficient reasons and a more specific extension of the time, otherwise it will affect their legal stay in the United States.
Under the current laws, when a person holding an F1, H1B, or L visa enters the United States, the customs will enter D / S (duration of status) to indicate the length of stay, and will not give a specific end time, because of the F student visa The length of stay is often determined based on the time on the I-20 issued by the school.In other words, although the visa is valid for one year, as long as you do not leave the United States and stay in the United States within the valid time on the school’s I-1 form, you can do so without any other documents/or application. Legal residence in the United States.The current total time allowed to stay in the United States is: the time to remain a full-time student in the United States + the time allowed to stay in the United States for an internship (OPT) + and the 20 days before you must leave the United States.
This practice will be cancelled starting next year. It is not clear how long ICE may set the duration of stay, but it is certain that after international students enter the United States in the future, if they need to switch schools, apply for OPT, continue to study in other departments or seek more change Higher degrees, etc., must apply for an extension of stay in the United States.
The procedure helps reduce the probability of illegal residence.
Analysis of American Life Insurance Guide Network:F1 international student visa, or OPT, CPT status, is not a necessary factor to apply for American life insurance.Around us, there are indeed some international students with CPT status who have successfully applied for an American life insurance policy. However, the underwriting standard is based on their holdings of American real estate and their connections with the United States.Once the application is successful, the policy is a global joint guarantee.
Clearly distinguish the purpose of B1 and B2 visas
"Be transparent to applicant standards"
Affected people:
B1 business temporary visitor, B2 tourist visa
Estimated effective time:July 2019
Content of report:
The new regulations require a distinction between B1 visas and B-2 visas to apply for entry into the United States. The standards are more transparent and facilitate the customs to make fairer rulings and enforcement during immigration inspections.
B-1/B-2 business travel visas are mainly for applicants who are short-term business travel (B1)/tourism (B2)/seeking medical services (B2).However, for a long time, the boundaries have been blurred and the two are often combined. In fact, the most B2 tourist visas we apply for are only visas for pure tourism or short-term medical consultation. You need to apply for B1 visas to deal with real estate, negotiate contracts, and participate in conferences.
Analysis of American Life Insurance Guide Network:Under the New Deal, the two types of visas will be defined more clearly, and applicants will also need to be more clear about the purpose of visiting the United States.As of October 2018, those who have entered the United States with a tourist visa can also apply for insurance policies of some life insurance companies.For specific conditions, please see "How do foreigners buy U.S. insurance"One article.
Standardize the area of EB5 investment immigration
"Redefining the criteria for job creation"
Affected people:
EB5 investor
Estimated effective time:July 2019
Content of report:
The Department of Homeland Security will redefine the criteria for "job creation" and may designate investment regional centers and operating conditions in the future.The Department of Homeland Security will strengthen the management and inspection of investment plans and encourage more investment in rural areas of the United States.
Analysis of American Life Insurance Guide Network:EB5 investment immigrants often buy American life insurance.Because they have established an association with the United States through investment relationships, the success rate of applying for American life insurance is very high.
Speed up the processing of green card applications
"Prevent the occurrence of setbacks"
Affected people:
Green card applicants
Estimated effective time:July 2019
Content of report:
The Bureau of Homeland Security proposed to improve the processing efficiency of permanent residence registration applications or adjustment status (I-485), reduce the possibility of visa regression, remove accumulated inventory, and prevent visa fraud.
In addition, it is recommended that applicants who cancel priority immigrant visas submit their visa application and I-485 form at the same time.
Use of face recognition technology in immigration management
"Prevent terrorists from entering the United States"
Affected people:
Everyone
Estimated effective time:July 2018
Content of report:
The Department of Homeland Security requires the implementation of an automated access data system: for exampleFace recognition technology.Data and biometric identification of all foreigners and citizens entering and leaving the United States to prevent foreign terrorists from entering the United States.These systems are currently all ready and are expected to begin implementation in December this year.
And, in order to be more accurate and efficient, the Department of Homeland Security is revising its regulations to require all foreigners to take photos when entering or leaving the country.The customs also proposes to further expand the biometric collection of American citizens. This proposal on American citizens will be announced in February 2019.
The cost of studying abroad may increase
"F1 SEVIS fees will increase"
Affected people:
Category F (international students and their families), Category J (exchange visitors and their families), Category M (training students and their families)
Last effective time:July 2019
Content of report:
According to the latest research by SEVP, American overseas students and exchange scholars, in order to maintain its operations, it is necessary to adjust the expenses of individuals and organizations.Next year, there will be plans to increase the school management fees for SEVP certification, as well as the SEVIS fee (currently US$200) and school certification fees that every international student needs to pay.
Revise visa fee, passport application fee
"Fees may change in the near future"
Affected people:
Everyone
Effective time:July 2018
Content of report:
The US State Department has stated that it will revise the service fees for certain non-immigrant visas, immigrant visas, special visas and certain citizen services, and it will revise the fees for passport applications.
Strengthen the review of officials of educational institutions
"A small but significant move"
Affected people:
F, M and exchange visiting scholars
Last effective time:July 2019
Content of report:
For schools that accept F, M, and exchange visiting scholars, the Department of Homeland Security will designate some school officials the right to access student data. Prior to this, it will strengthen their review to avoid potential fraudulent criminal activities or leaking state secrets. information.
This is a new rule in the charter. It seems small. We believe it is a measure to prevent academic penetration and maintain the national security of the United States in the context of the new era.
Strengthen the supervision of technical practice schools
Affected people:
F and M students
Effective time:Long-term action
Content of report:
The main purpose of this action is to strengthen the supervision of practical training and school institutions to prevent abuse of resources and possible fraud.The deepest purpose is to strengthen the protection of American workers. They believe that the employment internship training for F and M students may have a negative impact on American workers.
Establish standards for the English proficiency of foreign medical staff
Affected people:
Foreign medical staff who want to work in the U.S.
Effective time:Has entered the final decision process
Content of report:
The Department of Homeland Security spends to formulate English language standards for foreign medical staff, and to develop examination standards and minimum scores to better communicate with patients’ families.
