Tucked away in the Code of Federal Regulations is a statute that provides employment authorization to nonimmigrants – such as holders of E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, or O-1 visas –
Continue Reading USCIS Introduces New Guidance for EADs Based on Compelling Circumstances
On May 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated four provisions of the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) relating to E visas. The updates relate to E-2 substantiality; E
Continue Reading Department of State Updates FAM E Visa Provisions
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, 2023
On March 10, 2023, U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided clarification on the 60-day grace period offered to nonimmigrant workers who have been terminated or who have resigned from
Continue Reading USCIS Clarifies Start Date for Maximum 60-Day Grace Period Following Termination of Employment
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 Delays
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 2023
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 Visas
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
Continue Reading U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China Suspend All Visa Services
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) is carrying out its intention to expand the premium processing program by implementing the second phase of premium processing expansion for certain petitioners that
Continue Reading In Progress: Second Phase of Premium Processing
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