On January 24, 2024, USCIS issued a policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address when USCIS may, in its discretion, excuse untimely filed extensions of stay and change of status requests - if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the person. Generally speaking, examples of what USCIS considers extraordinary circumstances beyond...
H-1b Stamping in USA from January 29 to April 1, 2024 pursuant to a Pilot Program
The US Department of State announced a pilot program to resume Visa stamping in USA that is, stateside visa renewal for qualified H-1B nonimmigrant visa applicants who meet certain requirements. The pilot program will accept online applications from 1/29/24 to 4/1/24. The pilot program will be limited to H-1B principals...
The $500,000 EB-5 ruling
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...
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...
What is Parole for Entrepreneur?
Watch as Bhavya Chaudhary explains what Parole for Entrepreneur is and how does it work.
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...
Immigrant Visa Backlog – Frequently Asked Questions
Immigrant Visa Backlog - FAQs Q: Why are there still immigrant visa interview backlogs? A: Our number one priority is the safety of our applicants and our staff. The IV interview backlog has developed because of limitations in staffing and other COVID-related operational constraints preventing us from processing the same...
DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA)
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a U.S. immigration policy that provides a quasi-legal status and employment authorization to certain individuals unlawfully present in the United States after being brought to the country as children. Individuals may qualify for DACA if they: Were under the age of 31 as...