On June 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of State nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application processing fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2) and non-petition-based NIV applications such as student
Continue Reading Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases Effective June 17, 2023U.S. Department of State (DOS)
Bipartisan Letter from the Senate Urges U.S. State Department to Address Ongoing Visa Delays
The global demand for non-immigrant U.S. visas skyrocketed during the COVID-19 health emergency, when travel was halted and U.S. embassies and consulates closed. Even after reopening, U.S. embassies and consulates…
Continue Reading Bipartisan Letter from the Senate Urges U.S. State Department to Address Ongoing Visa DelaysUSCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation for Certain Adjustment of Status Applicants
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued updated guidance in its Policy Manual, which makes a key change in the interpretation of when an immigrant visa number “becomes available”…
Continue Reading USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation for Certain Adjustment of Status ApplicantsU.S. Department of State to Pilot Domestic Visa Renewal Option in 2023
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) plans to test a program that would permit H- and L-visa holders to renew their visa stamps from within the United States, rather than…
Continue Reading U.S. Department of State to Pilot Domestic Visa Renewal Option in 2023State Department Extends Interview Waivers for Certain Nonimmigrant Visas
On Dec. 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of State announced an extension of interview waivers for certain nonimmigrant visas, and their qualifying derivatives, through Dec. 31, 2023.
Consular officers are…
Continue Reading State Department Extends Interview Waivers for Certain Nonimmigrant VisasTakeaways From State Department’s EB-5 Visa Delays
The federal government’s fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, and while the new fiscal year brings new visa numbers, many EB-5 regional center stakeholders and investors were surprised by the…
Continue Reading Takeaways From State Department’s EB-5 Visa DelaysFebruary 2022 Visa Bulletin Updates – Advancement for EB-2 India
The Department of State (DOS) February 2022 Visa Bulletin will move forward six months for EB-2 India and about one month for EB-2 China.
In the EB-1 category, all countries…
Continue Reading February 2022 Visa Bulletin Updates – Advancement for EB-2 India
State Department Updates Guidance on F-1/M-1 Student Intent to Depart and Residence Abroad Requirements
The State Department updated its Foreign Affairs Manual on intent to depart and residence abroad requirements for F-1 and M-1 students. The new guidance clarifies that although F-1 and M-1…
Continue Reading State Department Updates Guidance on F-1/M-1 Student Intent to Depart and Residence Abroad Requirements
State Department Expands Interview Waiver Program for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Through End of 2022
In response to the ongoing COVID-19-related circumstances that have significantly hampered visa processing, the State Department has announced that it will expand and extend the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program…
Continue Reading State Department Expands Interview Waiver Program for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Through End of 2022
Biden Administration Lifts Travel Restrictions to Allow Vaccinated Travelers into United States
To advance the safe resumption of global travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, on Oct. 25 President Biden issued a Proclamation emphasizing the continued enhanced measures against the spread of the…
Continue Reading Biden Administration Lifts Travel Restrictions to Allow Vaccinated Travelers into United States