The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently started Known Employer, a pilot program in which potential hires are screened through specific visa categories.
The new program should cut back on paperwork and costs associated with enforcing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) employment-based immigration and non-immigration restrictions on employers hoping to hire out-of-country employees. It should also expedite the process. The USCIS will work alongside the DHS Office of Policy, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. State Department in conducting the pilot.
“Last year, DHS announced it would explore a Known Employer pilot to modernize and streamline the process for U.S. employers seeking to employ certain foreign workers," USCIS Director León Rodríguez said. "Today, we’re partnering with a select group of representative organizations across a variety of industries to determine how we can improve efficiency and cut costs. If successful, we will continue to build on this trial program and promote robust trade, travel and economic prosperity.”
Nine employers selected before the pilot's launch have been granted special access to Known Employer's application process, giving them early acceptance by USCIS concerning requirements and visa applications for immigrant and non-immigrant categorizations. Employers must submit a profile on the Known Employer website, upload particular documents and wait for the USCIS to review the information.
Once accepted, the employer can then move forward with applications for the foreign employees without submitting the company's information every time. The pilot is open for use for one year and will incur no extra costs to employers wishing to use it. However, USCIS can cancel or extend the pilot at will. The DHS and State Department will collect feedback from those using the program during the pilot.
Alerts Sign-up