A Judge orders a return to $500,000 On June 22, 2021, the EB-5 new July 2019 Rule, which had become effective in November, 2019, was vacated by Judge Jacqueline Corley of the US District Court Northern District of California – the Rule is no more and never really was.The July...
PRACTICE ADVISORY: IMMIGRANT VISA(GREEN CARD) PROCESSING DELAYS
After enduring the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year, most U.S. embassies and consulates are not operating at full capacity. Due to limited appointment availability, a significant backlog was created for immigrant (IV) and nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants waiting a visa interview. IVs are for those seeking to come to...
All U Visa Applicants with pending U Visas can apply for EAD (Work permit) if their petitions are found bona fide by USCIS:
The principal petitioner properly filed Form I-918, including Form I-918B U Nonimmigrant Status Certification; The principal petitioner properly filed a personal statement from the petitioner describing the facts of the victimization; and The result of the principal petitioner’s biometrics has been received. USCIS will issue employment authorization and deferred action if, after conducting and...
Types of Immigrant Visas in the US
Immigrating to the United States can be challenging. Working with an experienced immigration lawyer will help you figure out which types of immigrant visas you are eligible for. Let's take a closer look at the main types of immigrant visas or green cards available for individuals who wish to attain...
USCIS Updates Process to Reschedule Biometric Services Appointments
USCIS announced that applicants, petitioners, requestors, and beneficiaries may now call the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) to reschedule their biometric services appointments scheduled at a USCIS ASC. Previously, applicants had to submit requests in writing to reschedule biometrics appointments. For tips to help you navigate the USCIS Contact Center, see: Tips...
International Entrepreneur (IE) parole program Reinstated
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that the International Entrepreneur (IE) parole program, first introduced in 2017, will remain a viable program for foreign entrepreneurs to create and develop start-up entities with high growth potential in the United States. Under the IE program, Parole may be granted to up to three entrepreneurs...
USCIS to Suspend Biometrics Requirement for Certain I-539 Applicants Beginning May 17, 2021
On May 3, 2021, USCIS announced that it will suspend biometrics requirements for certain I-539 applicants for a two-year period beginning on May 17, 2021.The biometrics suspension will apply to the H-4, L-2, and E-1, E-2, and E-3 categories of Form I-539 applications if they are pending on May 17, 2021, and have...
U.S. Supreme Court hands victory to immigrants facing deportation
Supreme Court decision opens doors for immigrants to possibly cancel their deportation On April 29, 2021, the Supreme Court issued a decision, Niz-Chavez v. Garland, that will allow many individuals in immigration court to apply to cancel their deportation. The case was about a form of relief called Cancellation of Removal,...
Additional 22,000 H-2B – Temporary, Non-Agricultural Worker Visas To Become Available
In light of increased labor demands, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing a supplemental increase of 22,000 H-2B visas for Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker program. The additional visas will be made available in the coming months via a temporary final rule in the Federal Register. Those from Guatemala, Honduras...
Reminder of Current Policy Boarding of Lawful Permanent Residents
Unexpired Valid Permanent Resident Card • Passengers with valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (PRC or “Green Card”) may be boarded without any additional documentation. Re-Entry Permit (I-327): Valid and Unexpired • Passengers with valid, unexpired re-entry permit are permitted to board without additional documentation.• The document must be the original...
House Democrats approved two separate bills on immigration
House Democrats approved two separate bills on immigration Thursday, marking the first time Congress has voted on a pathway for citizenship for undocumented immigrants since Democrats won slim majorities in both chambers of Congress with President Joe Biden in the White House. The two bills are: American Dream and Promise...
H-1b Selection Process Back to Random Selection (Not WAGE BASED SELECTION) for FY2022
DHS is delaying the effective date of the new Registration Requirement for Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions based on Wage levels from March 9, 2021, to Dec. 31, 2021. For the upcoming H-1B cap season, USCIS will apply the current regulations (random selection) to any registration period that...
H-1B Final Rule to end H-1B visa lottery: published on January 8, 2021, goes into effect on March 9, 2021
What Would the Rule Do and Who Would It Exclude?: Instead of the H-1B lottery, the USCIS will receive registrations before the start of a new fiscal year (probably before the first of April) and if more registrations are submitted than the current H-1B limit allows, the agency will approve...