USCIS Update June 15, 2023 As of June 13, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now offer premium processing for individuals seeking to change their status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status, as well as their dependents. There are instances where foreign nationals enter the U.S. as or in another temporary [...]

US International Entrepreneur Parole Program Guide Launched US International Entrepreneur Parole Program Guide Launched: Some exciting news for Entrepreneurs! As part of an ongoing slate of new agency guidance regarding various immigration programs and visas, USCIS has issued comprehensive guidance regarding the International Entrepreneur Parole Program (“IEPP”). The published guidance introduces criteria for entrepreneurs who (a) [...]

U.S. State Department to Launch Pilot Program for Domestic Visa Renewals Pilot Program for Domestic Visa Renewals: The U.S. State Department is planning to launch a pilot program that would allow H-1B specialty occupation workers and other temporary visa holders to renew their visas in the U.S. The State Department will start with H and [...]

New USCIS Policy Update for Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation New USCIS Policy Update for Child Status Protection Act: On February 14, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has updated its policy manual on the calculation of noncitizen's age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) for immigration purposes. [...]

USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing Expansion USCIS Announces Final Phase of Premium Processing Expansion: On January 12, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is implementing the final phase of its expansion of premium processing for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. This phase [...]

COVID-19 Restrictions Return for Travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Macau   Effective Jan. 5, 2023, COVID-19 travel restrictions are back for those traveling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Individuals will have to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or of recovery from COVID-19 upon entry.   Who Does [...]

USCIS Extends Green Card Validity for Conditional Permanent Residents with Pending I-751 and I-829 Forms On January 23, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will be extending the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (i.e., Green Cards) for petitioners who filed Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence or Form I-829, [...]

Public Charge Rule   On December 23, 2022, the revised Public Charge Rule went into effect. This means all adjustment of status postmarked (or submitted electronically, if applicable) on or after that date, will be subject to the “new” public charge ground of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).   [...]

DHS Implements New Processes for Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans and Eliminates Cap for Venezuelans On January 5th, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new process that will provide Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans who are outside of the U.S., a safe, lawful and streamlined way to come to the U.S. by air and work temporarily. [...]

Extension of Interview Waiver for Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Applications December 23, 2022 In an effort to facilitate nonimmigrant travel and reduce the wait times for nonimmigrant visas, the Department of State (DOS) announced an extension of the waiver of in-person interviews to certain nonimmigrants through to December 31, 2023. The waivers will be authorized by [...]