FY19 CW permit window reopens

Enactment of the U.S. Workforce Act had immediate impact. An additional 8,001 CW permits for FY19 are now available, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced, the day after the Act became law. The notice was posted online, while I met with USCIS officials at their office to go over fine points of the implementation process.

The Workforce Act resets the FY19 CW cap to 13,000, one more than in FY16. Employers who had applications rejected because of the previous USCIS cap of 4,999 may now apply again. Employers must use the new CW application issued in May; and pay a new $50 anti-fraud fee, in addition to the regular application costs. Other new requirements of US Public Law 115-218, including the preference for renewal applications, will not go into effect until next year.

For now, applications are strictly first-come, first-served; so, it would be wise not to wait to apply. Employers should review the announcement for guidance and additional information.