News

The site prefers that interested persons E-mail the Site Coordinator to request an appointment. weatherheadtaxprogram@gmail.com

Chinese speaking tax preparers available.

Address: WSOM, 11119 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106

September 2011

Special Handling “PERM” Labor Certifications for University Teachers

It is now permissible to use an electronic or web-based national professional journal** instead of a print journal when conducting recruitment for university teachers. **[ If so, the electronic or web-based journal’s job listings must be viewable to the public without payment of subscription and/or membership charges. The ad for the job opportunity for which certification is sought must also be posted for at least 30 calendar days on the journal’s website. Documentation of the placement of an advertisement in an electronic or web-based national professional journal must include evidence of the start and end dates of the advertisement placement and the text of the advertisement.]**

April 28, 2011

Effective April 28, 2011, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is eliminating redundant programs by removing the following countries from, and relieving nonimmigrant nationals or citizens of the following countries from compliance with, the special registration procedures under the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS): Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Travel Alert

September 20, 2010

Employees who are required to, or desire to, undertake foreign travel (who must also apply for a new or renewal Visa) are advised that processing at US Consulates may result in a long delay, even if the consular website indicates a few days to process a Visa. While most delays are for security purposes, they can also concern technology control matters from other government agencies (i.e. FBI) regarding export issues.

Some delays are over 90 days, and can occur when the applicant applies in his/her home country; and/or for third country nationals applying in Canada or Mexico. We understand that some delays occur even though the applicant received visa clearance just months before; and in cases where an applicant received several visas in his/her home country without a visa clearance required previously. Although delays are more common for persons from countries subject to special registration (“NSEERS”) others may also experience delay.

Therefore, before undertaking international travel, we recommend that the employee and the Department consider the risk since s/he may be unable to return when anticipated and alternate arrangements should be planned.

Diversity Immigrant Visa Program - 2013

The Diversity visa program is open for 2013. The registration period runs from October 4, 2011 through November 5, 2011. You will find complete instructions via this link.

I-539 Applications to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status

The Office of Immigration and Human Resource Services will soon offer a new service to families of the University's international employees. Starting this June, IHRS will offer assistance with the preparation of I-539 Applications to Extend/Change Non-immigrant status on behalf of these family members. IHRS will provide explanations of the form and questions asked on the form, required supporting documents and filling information. Cost of the service is $100.00, with checks to be made payable to "Case Western Reserve University".

The service will be offered by appointment, only.

Please note: This service will be available after June 1, 2008.

J1 Policy Change

Effective April 18, 2008, there is a new policy from the US Department of State concerning J1 travel outside the USA. When a J1 will be traveling outside the USA for work purposes, it will be their responsibility to not only have their DS-2019 signed as is currently done, but to also provide the following:

• Their travel dates/ both departure and return dates
• The address at which they will be staying while out of the country

This information will be entered into their SEVIS record.

Green Card Policy Change

Effective October 1, 2007, there is a new University Policy for the employment of nonimmigrant workers and immigrant worker petitions (“green cards”). Departments are encouraged to call IHRS for complete details or when contemplating permanent residence for their workers.