Sistema de Determinación de Buena Fe para Solicitantes de la Visa U

Angelica Rice • June 16, 2021

Grandes Noticias para los Solicitantes de Visa U 🎉

       Los inmigrantes que solicitan una visa U después de ser víctimas de un delito aquí en los Estados Unidos, tienen que esperar meses, a veces años para que su solicitud sea procesada y, con suerte, aprobada. Mientras tanto, estos solicitantes no tienen estatus y no pueden obtener autorización de trabajo. Este hecho ha disuadido a muchas personas de presentarse y ayudar a las fuerzas del orden con sus investigaciones, lo que significa que cada vez más delitos no se resuelven. ¡Afortunadamente, USCIS ha reconocido este problema y a partir del 14 de junio de 2021, ha implementado una nueva política que cambiará el tema del permiso para trabajar!


 Click here to read this article in English and Portuguese

       El 14 de junio de 2021, USCIS anunció un nuevo sistema llamado "Determinación de Buena Fe", que se utilizará para las solicitudes de Visa U. A través de este nuevo proceso, USCIS emitirá autorización de empleo y otorgará acción diferida a los peticionarios en los Estados Unidos con peticiones de visa U pendientes que determine que son de buena fe (hechas de buena fe y sin intención de engaño o fraude) y que merecen un ejercicio favorable de discreción. Para ser considerada de buena fe, la petición debe incluir una certificación de la policía de que el peticionario fue víctima de un delito y que la víctima ha sido, está siendo o es probable que sea útil en la investigación o el enjuiciamiento de ese delito.


Más específicamente, USCIS considerará una petición de buena fe si:



       USCIS will issue employment authorization and deferred action if, after conducting and reviewing background checks, the agency determines, in its discretion, that petitioners merit a favorable exercise of discretion and do not pose a risk to national security or public safety.

 

       Esta guía es efectiva de inmediato y se aplica a todas las peticiones del Formulario I-918 y el Formulario I-918A que actualmente están pendientes o presentadas a partir del 14 de junio de 2021.


       Este sistema sirve para beneficiar tanto a los Estados Unidos como a los peticionarios inmigrantes, ayudando a aquellos que son víctimas de delitos y promoviendo simultáneamente la seguridad pública. Ahora los peticionarios podrán trabajar en los Estados Unidos mientras su solicitud de visa U está pendiente, y minimizar su temor a la deportación. 


   Si usted o alguien que conoce se beneficiaría de esta nueva política, comuníquese con Santos Lloyd sobre su caso hoy mismo.

This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.



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Angelica Rice

Translated by Natalia Hynes

USCIS Changes H-1B Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Increase in issuance of EB-1A RFEs

By April Perez • January 9, 2026
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence.  If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
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