The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the first visa bulletin of the government’s new fiscal year (FY2025). The monthly bulletin published by the DOS summarizes the availability of
Continue Reading October 2024 Visa Bulletin Updates: Advancements in Priority Dates and USCIS to Use Date for Filing Chart for Employment-Based ApplicationsChina Expands Visa-Free Access for Six Countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia
To foster greater global connections and enhance bilateral relationships, China has announced an expansion of its visa-free policy for travelers from certain countries. Starting in early December 2023 and…
Continue Reading China Expands Visa-Free Access for Six Countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and MalaysiaPractice Spotlight: Chinese Communist Party Membership I-601 Waiver Approval
In a June 2023 decision, USCIS approved our client’s I-601 Waiver Application two months after filing. Our client is the derivative spousal beneficiary of an approved employment-based EB-1 petition. At…
Continue Reading Practice Spotlight: Chinese Communist Party Membership I-601 Waiver ApprovalJune 2023 Visa Bulletin Updates
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…
Continue Reading June 2023 Visa Bulletin UpdatesCDC Announces New COVID-19 Test Requirement for Travelers Coming from China: How Policies Abroad Impact Travel to the United States
On Wednesday Dec. 28, 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a new COVID-19 testing requirement for air passengers traveling from China to the United States.
Continue Reading CDC Announces New COVID-19 Test Requirement for Travelers Coming from China: How Policies Abroad Impact Travel to the United StatesU.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…
Continue Reading U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China Suspend All Visa ServicesFebruary 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
Department of State Issues Guidance Extending Validity of NIEs
On July 6, 2021, the Department of State issued guidance extending the validity of certain National Interest Exceptions (NIEs) granted to travelers through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad for those…
Continue Reading Department of State Issues Guidance Extending Validity of NIEs
Issues with Visa Issuances from Countries Subject to PP10143
As part of the U.S. government’s response to the pandemic, entry to the U.S. has been restricted for certain foreign nationals who have been physically present during any part of…
Continue Reading Issues with Visa Issuances from Countries Subject to PP10143
President Trump Lifts Travel Ban from Schengen Countries, UK, Ireland, and Brazil
On Jan. 18, 2021, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation terminating his previous Presidential Proclamations restricting travel from certain Schengen areas (Proclamation 9993), UK/Ireland (Proclamation 9996), and Brazil …
Continue Reading President Trump Lifts Travel Ban from Schengen Countries, UK, Ireland, and Brazil