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DHS/USCIS RIN: 1615-AC05 Publication ID: Spring 2017 
Title: Retention of EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Immigrant Workers and Program Improvements Affecting Highly-Skilled H-1B Nonimmigrant Workers 
Abstract:

In November 2016, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) amended its regulations affecting certain employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant classifications. This rule amended regulations to provide stability and job flexibility for the beneficiaries of approved employment-based immigrant visa petitions while they wait to become lawful permanent residents. DHS also updated its regulations to conform them with the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21) as amended by the Twenty-First Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act (the 21st Century DOJ Appropriations Act), as well as the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA). The rule clarified several interpretive questions raised by ACWIA and AC21 regarding H-1B petitions, and incorporated relevant AC21 policy memoranda and an Administrative Appeals Office precedent decision.

 
Agency: Department of Homeland Security(DHS)  Priority: Economically Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: Yes  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 to 205    8 U.S.C. 214    8 CFR 245    8 CFR 274a     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 112    8 U.S.C. 1154 and 1155    8 U.S.C. 1184    8 U.S.C. 1255    8 U.S.C. 1324a   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  12/31/2015  80 FR 81900   
NPRM Comment Period End  02/29/2016 
Final Rule  11/18/2016  81 FR 82398   
Final Rule Effective  01/17/2017 
Additional Information: 1615-AB97 will be merged under this rule, 1615-AC05.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Information URL: www.regulations.gov   Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Related RINs: Related to 1615-AB97 
Agency Contact:
Brian Hunt
Acting Chief, Business and Foreign Workers Division, Office of Policy and Strategy
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
20 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 1200,
Washington, DC 20529-2200
Phone:202 272-8377
Fax:202 272-1480
Email: brian.j.hunt@uscis.dhs.gov