September 2023 » ImmigrationUSA

EB-1

Understanding EB-1 Immigrant Visa and Processing Times

Our office is experiencing renewed interest in the EB-1 immigrant visa program. Understand the timing, filing, and process to maximize your odds of a successful outcome.

September 29, 2023

EAD

EAD Extension Announced by USCIS

The maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) is extended to 5 years for eligible individuals per USCIS. This extension applies to both initial EADs and EAD renewals.

September 28, 2023

visa waiver program

Visa Waiver Program Adds Israel

Israel is now included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for travel to the United States. Under this program, individuals from participating countries can apply for travel to the U.S. for both business and tourism purposes, with a maximum stay of 90 days, without the need for a prior visa application.

September 27, 2023

Form I-693

RFE Recipients Urged to Submit Responses Quickly

Individuals who receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) concerning their Form I-693, the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, are strongly encouraged to respond promptly.

September 26, 2023

biometric fees

Exemption of Biometric Fees for Form I-539

Starting October 1, 2023, individuals filing Form I-539, known as the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, are no longer required to pay the biometric fees. Applies to filings postmarked on or after October 1, 2023.

September 26, 2023

temporary legal status

Temporary Legal Status Offered to Qualifying Individuals from Venezuela, Including Work Authorization

The Biden administration is granting temporary legal status to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans already residing in the United States, allowing them the right to work. This decision comes as the U.S. is seeing a rise in the number of Venezuelan migrants arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border.

September 21, 2023

federal funding

Immigration Policy Debate Included in Proposed Government Funding

The looming shutdown of the U.S. government, scheduled for September 30, 2023, if a federal funding agreement is not reached, is bringing immigration policy into the budget discussions.

September 21, 2023

DHS

H-2B Program Updates Proposed by DHS

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced a proposal aimed at strengthening protections for temporary workers within the H-2A agricultural and H-2B nonagricultural worker programs. These proposed changes focus on improving worker rights, preventing exploitation, and enhancing the efficiency of these programs.

September 21, 2023

October 2023 Visa Bulletin

October 2023 Visa Bulletin: Advancement for India Employment-Based Visas

In the October 2023 visa bulletin, the biggest change is seen in the advanced of the Employment-Based (EB) dates. This shows the new allocation of visas due to the new fiscal year.

September 18, 2023

DACA

DACA Ruled Unlawful by Texas Federal Judge

The Biden Administration’s DACA program has been ruled illegal by a Texas federal judge. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) provides work authorization and protection from deportation for children brought to the U.S. under the age of 18.

September 14, 2023