Compliance and Immigration Services Updates

Immigration Issues Relevant to Foreign Nationals at UVa.:

• Review of Requirements to Carry Immigration Documents and Report Address Changes

• US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Advisory
  This advisory from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement makes employers aware of significant fraud trends in the workplace.

• Consular Processing Delays: DECEMBER 2011:

IF YOU ARE A FOREIGN NATIONAL PLANNING TO TRAVEL ABROAD: Please be advised that security screenings of foreign nationals at U.S. Consulates abroad continue to be an issue. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conduct reviews of international visitors at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, at airports, and at border crossing posts with Canada and Mexico. The U.S. State Department processing time for a security screening at a consulate abroad is currently 12 weeks, with no option available for expediting the process.

Please be aware that if a foreign national is selected for additional security screening, the University of Virginia has no ability to appeal, expedite, or conduct a status inquiry regarding processing of the case.

Each foreign national, in consultation with their department if appropriate, should make their own decision regarding travel abroad. HR/CIS advises undertaking travel abroad with the understanding that returns to the U.S. may be significantly delayed, and that all foreign nationals traveling abroad should be certain to carry documentation supporting their current visa status.

In order to ensure the accuracy of your immigration documents, HR/CIS recommends you provide our office with your passport and immigration documents as soon as you return from a trip abroad.

Compliance Updates for the UVa. community:

• Passport Cards: USCIS adds new passport cards to the list of acceptable I-9 documents.