In recent years, many immigration applicants have filed mandamus actions with the federal courts, seeking them to compel U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State (DOS)
Continue Reading What Does the Change in Presidential Administration Mean for Pending Mandamus Actions?Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship: Understanding the Consequences and Benefits
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, every year a significant number of Americans renounce their U.S. citizenship. The reasons vary, and often include a stronger allegiance to another country, family…
Continue Reading Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship: Understanding the Consequences and BenefitsApril 2024 Visa Bulletin Updates
On March 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) published the April 2024 Visa Bulletin. This is the first bulletin in the second quarter, and it reflects advances…
Continue Reading April 2024 Visa Bulletin UpdatesReport on the US Department of State’s FY 2023 Visa Operations
On Nov. 28, 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released a press release highlighting its visa operations achievements in the federal fiscal year 2023 (FY 2023) from October 2022…
Continue Reading Report on the US Department of State’s FY 2023 Visa OperationsDepartment of State Updates FAM E Visa Provisions
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 ProvisionsUSCIS 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 2023December 2022 Visa Bulletin – Worldwide Cut-Offs for EB-2 Category
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the December 2022 bulletin which reflects an increased demand across multiple categories. As warned in last month’s bulletin, the December bulletin implements…
Continue Reading December 2022 Visa Bulletin – Worldwide Cut-Offs for EB-2 CategoryState 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