From uscis.gov, 1/24/23 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is extending certain COVID-19-related flexibilities through March 23, 2023. Under these flexibilities, USCIS considers a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date set forth in the following requests or notices before taking any action, if the request or notice was issued between March … Read more
From uscis.gov U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is implementing the final phase of the premium processing expansion for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. Unlike previous phases of the expansion, this phase applies to new (initial) petitions, in addition to all previously filed Form I-140 petitions under an … Read more
Thursday, January 5, 2023 The U.S. State Department recently updated its visa reciprocity schedule for citizens of Mexico, and now provides two visa validity period options for TN visa applicants. Mexican citizens may request a 48-month TN visa validity period by paying a visa reciprocity fee of $382. Alternatively, they can request a 12-month TN … Read more
Highlights of the Proposed Rule • The fee for H-1B Cap Registration would be raised from $10 to $215 per registration. • Premium processing times would be lengthened from 15 calendar days to 15 business days. Weekends and holidays would no longer be included thereby increasing the time for the USCIS to respond. • A … Read more
From uscis.gov on 1/3/23: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives approximately 96 percent of its funding from its customers in the form of filing fees, not from taxpayers in the form of Congressional appropriations. The last fee adjustment occurred in 2016. USCIS conducted a comprehensive fee review as we are required to do every … Read more
From USCIS on 12/19/22: On Dec. 23, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility final rule will go into effect. This final rule, which was previously announced, provides clarity and consistency for noncitizens on how DHS will administer the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This final rule restores the historical understanding of a … Read more
From uscis.gov on 12/19/22 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is providing information for nonimmigrant workers whose employment has terminated, either voluntarily or involuntarily. These workers may have several options for remaining in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on existing rules and regulations. Below is a compilation of options that … Read more
From USCIS.gov via email: On Sept. 26, 2022, USCIS automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 24 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). USCIS is in the process of sending out amended receipt notices for individuals with a … Read more
From USCIS.gov on 12-13-22: If you file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, on or after Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 12/23/22 edition of Form I-485 or we will reject your filing. If you file Form I-485 before Dec. 23, 2022, you must use the 07/15/22 edition of Form … Read more
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is announcing important filing updates for petitioners who will be requesting additional H-2B workers for fiscal year 2023 under the upcoming temporary final rule. We are announcing these updates prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register to assist petitioners who begin preparing their petitions in advance. Centralized … Read more
