USCIS PREMIUM PROCESSING EXPANSION 2022: Possible implementation date: June 1, 2022 Case Types: I-765s, I-539s (F-1, M-1, Js, H-4s, E-2 dep, L-2s etc.) Fees: Note in the Table Below: Form Number Description of Eligible Applications Fee Timeframe Form I-140 EB-1 – Multinational Executive or Manager (EB-1C) EB-2 – Members of...
News & Updates
What is Crimmigration? Crimmigration Principles Explained
Crimmigration is a type of immigration law that deals with immigration criminal charges and the consequences on a person’s immigration status. What is Crimmigration? Crimmigration is a mix between two types of law – immigration and criminal defense. The term itself was coined sometime during the 1980s. Although citizens and...
USCIS Announces New Actions to Reduce Backlogs, Expand Premium Processing, and Provide Relief to Work Permit Holders
This rule expands the categories of forms eligible for premium processing services, includingForm I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status;Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; andAdditional classifications under Form I-140.USCIS intends to begin implementing, through a phased approach, premium processing availability of Form I-539, Form I-765 and Form I-140 in fiscal...
EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act effective from March 15 2022 makes dramatic and sweeping changes that rewrite many aspects of the EB-5 Program rules governing both Direct and Regional Center (RC) investments. Some major changes include:
Reauthorizes and extends the RC Program to September 30, 2027.Increases the minimum investment amount for Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs) from $500,000 to $800,000.Increases the standard (non-TEA) minimum investment amount from $1 million to $1,050,000.High unemployment TEAs are now determined only by USCIS (no State letters).Grandfathering Protections - maintains eligibility of all pre-enactment investors,...
Practice Alert: EB-5 Regional Center Program Authorization Expected Imminently Dated March 9, 2022
It is expected that Congress will pass its Omnibus legislation this week or early next week, and with it, the reauthorization of the EB-5 Regional Center Program, which has lapsed since June 30, 2021.A quick summary of its provisions: The EB-5 Regional Center program will be reauthorized through September 30, 2027. If...
JOB AD: Legal/Office Assistant Job Duties
1. Answer Phone 2. Schedule appointments 3. Seat clients, intake, water 4. Check them out 5. Sort and process mail – scan, save and save in folder 6. Email them to clients 7. Required to know English and Hindi or Gujarati 8. Process payments, make Invoices and Receipts
USCIS is returning Filing Fees of $410 paid for Bonafide Work permits for U Visas.
There is NOTHING TO WORRY!! USCiS is ISSUING BONA FIDE WORK PERMITS FOR FREE UNDER U VISAS! USCIS DOES NOT NEED FILING FEES. These fees were initially required by USCIS but later USCIS changed the law and decided not to charge for such Work permits.
Mission Statement from USCIS Director, Ur Jaddou:
“USCIS upholds America’s promise as a nation of welcome andpossibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve.” WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services DirectorUr M. Jaddou announced the agency’s new mission statement. Last year,USCIS leadership empowered employees to submit words that they feltbest illustrated the agency’s work. The new mission statement is...
L-2, E-2 and H-4 EADs – Auto Extension or No Need to Apply for EADs
Pursuant to the settlement agreement in Shergill v. Mayrokas (to be implemented 120 days from January 31, 2022): New E and L Class of Admission (COA) codes implemented on January 31, 2022. Upon entry, I-94s generated for spouses of E and L holders will reflect these new codes (COA).DHS recognized that these dependent nonimmigrant spouses are...
Guide for Interview Waivers (no interview) for Nonimmigrant Visas at Consulates.
From USCIS: Update on COVID-19 Omicron Variant
From USCIS: Update on COVID-19 Omicron Variant Due to increased spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19, USCIS field offices may need to reschedule appointments based on local conditions. We will send notices to applicants and petitioners with previously scheduled appointments for interviews and naturalization ceremonies if we need to reschedule....
Immigration Court has suspended all standing orders through Jan. 31, 2022 in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Immigration Court has suspended all standing orders through Jan. 31, 2022 in light of the ongoing pandemic. Hearing will be held via WebEx or Phone forNon-detained people who have Attorneys and Detained people. People (respondents) do not need to be in the same location as their Attorneys. Hearings will be postponed for Non-detained people who do not have Attorneys If...
EB-5 Update January 5, 2022
On January 5, 2022, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed on unopposed motion to dismiss DHS’ appeal of Behring Regional Center LLC v. Alejandro N. Mayorkas, et al. (formerly Behring Regional Center LLC v. Wolf, 20-cv-09263-JSC). This is welcome news and clears up questions and uncertainty for pending I-526 petitions that may have been impacted...
Dept. of State (Embassies) issued a temporary rule where in person interviews and OATH may be waived by consular officers of certain repeat immigrant visa applicants due to COVID19 – effective 12/13/21 through 12/13/23.
Dept. of State (Embassies) issued a temporary rule where in person interviews and OATH may be waived by consular officers of certain repeat immigrant visa applicants due to COVID19 - effective 12/13/21 through 12/13/23 To qualify for the discretionary in-person waiver, an applicant must: Have been issued a U.S. immigrant...
The Diversity Visa Lottery Explained
Living, working or becoming a US student is a dream for many people around the world. America is, at its core, an immigrant-friendly nation where everyone has the chance to fulfill their dreams. In the same time, due to various economic and security-related reasons, there are strict rules concerning who...