The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the updated Visa Bulletin for June 2023, resulting in retrogression for some and advancement for others. The EB-1 category remains current for all
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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
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USCIS 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”
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Available Options for Completing Form I-9 in Remote-Work Scenarios
The American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA), through its Verification and Documentation Liaison Committee (“Verification Committee”) recently issued an FAQ compiling updated information related to employment verification (I-9) compliance requirements during
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USCIS Starts Issuing 48-Month I-829 Petition Receipt Notices
On Jan. 23, 2023, USCIS announced it will issue new Form I-797 receipt notices to newly filed I-829 petitions and eligible conditional permanent residents (CPRs) whose Form I-829 was still
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USCIS Agrees to Bundle H-4, L-2, and EAD Applications Filed with Principal’s Petition
As a result of a class action lawsuit, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has entered into a settlement agreement to “bundle” an application to extend or change H-4 or L-2
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Congress Needs to Fix Immigration Visa Quotas to Boost Economy
Business immigration visa quotas have long presented a major hurdle for employers and employees. There is no logic to the quota systems that Congress has in place, and quotas are
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USCIS Proposed Rule Increases Many Filing Fees as Country Expects to Enter Recession
USCIS has issued a Proposed Rule to increase filing fees for many visa applications, with the majority being employment-based. USCIS will host a public engagement session to discuss the proposed rule on Jan. 11, 2023.
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Updates to the E Visa: New Residency Requirements and Portuguese Nationals Eligible
On Dec. 15, 2022, Congress passed the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (the “2023 NDAA”), which contains two key changes to the eligibility for
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U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China Suspend All Visa Services
The U.S. Mission in China is temporarily suspending all visa services due to China’s recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Only emergency consular services are available at the U.S. Consulates in
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