Posted by Nishu Sharma | Feb 05, 2025 |
On February 05, 2025, USCIS announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap will open at noon EST on March 7, 2025, and run through noon EST on March 24, 2025. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives must use a USCIS online account to regis...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Jan 22, 2025 |
Effective January 22, 2025, USCIS is waiving any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccin...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Jan 20, 2025 |
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for specific categories. The executive order noted that the Fourteenth Amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States. The Fourteenth Amen...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Jan 14, 2025 |
On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule to modernize and improve the efficiency of the H-1B program, add benefits and flexibilities, and improve integrity measures. These provisions mainly amended the regulations governing H-1B specialty occupation...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Nov 05, 2024 |
As discussed in our previous blog, the Applicants of Certain Nationalities are issued special nonimmigrant work visas in addition to highly popular H-1B Nonimmigrant Work Visa. Accordingly, E3 Nonimmigrant visa is granted only to citizens ofAustralia, who have a legitimate offer of employment in ...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Nov 04, 2024 |
As discussed in our previous blog, the Applicants of Certain Nationalities are issued special nonimmigrant work visas in addition to highly popular H-1B Nonimmigrant Work Visa. Accordingly, NAFTA Professional (TN) Nonimmigrant Visa is available to citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professio...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Oct 31, 2024 |
Applicants of Certain Nationalities are issued special nonimmigrant work visas in addition to highly popular H-1B Nonimmigrant Work Visa.
i) H-1B1 Nonimmigrant Work Visa: This visa is available to citizens of Chile and Singapore. This program provides for the temporary employment...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Oct 31, 2024 |
The entry submission period for the FY2026 Diversity Immigrant Visa program began from 12:00 pm (ET) on October 2, 2024, and will continue till 12:00 pm (ET) on November 7, 2024. The entry form is only available for submission during this period. Entries must be submitted online through DOS's web...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Oct 25, 2024 |
A nonimmigrant worker may lose employment either voluntarily or involuntarily. These workers may have several options for remaining in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on existing rules and regulations.
Below is a compilation of options that may be available to nonimmigrant...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Oct 22, 2024 |
A nonimmigrant worker may lose employment either voluntarily or involuntarily. These workers may have several options for remaining in the United States in a period of authorized stay based on existing rules and regulations.
60-Day Grace Period
Regulations permit a discretionary grace period th...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Oct 22, 2024 |
Coming November 05, 2024, the United States of America will go to vote in the US Presidential Elections to elect the 47th U.S. President. Our blog discusses in brief who can vote in the upcoming US Presidential Elections.
To Vote in U.S. Federal Elections, You Must:
1. Be a U.S. citizen.
•...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Oct 16, 2024 |
Effective September 10, 2024, USCIS automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Oct 02, 2024 |
Visa Bulletin for October 2024 Summary:
Visa Bulletin for October 2024: What You Need to Know
The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2024 Visa Bulletin, and there are significant updates that could impact your immigration case. Whether you're pursuing fam...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Sep 28, 2024 |
The FY2026 Diversity Immigrant Visa program registration runs from October 2 to November 5, 2024, with entries only accepted online via the Department of State’s website. While applying is free, visa processing fees may apply if selected. Due to heavy website traffic during the final week, early submission is recommended. The results of the DV-2026 lottery will be available in May 2025.
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Aug 22, 2024 |
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a significant piece of U.S. legislation aimed at increasing transparency in corporate ownership to combat illegal activities like money laundering, terrorism financing, and tax evasion. Here's a more detailed look at the key aspects:
1. Beneficial Ownershi...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Apr 04, 2024 |
On April 04, 2024, USCIS announced (PDF, 317.28 KB) that any Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023, does not expire and can be used indefinitely as evidence to show that ...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Apr 04, 2024 |
On April 04, 2024, USCIS announced a temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. EADs are generally valid for the length of the authorized parole period. This TFR does not extend...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Mar 05, 2024 |
On February 02, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security published a final rule to improve the H-1B registration selection process and program integrity. This rule created a beneficiary-centric process, under which registrations will be selected by unique beneficiary rather than by individual re...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Mar 05, 2024 |
With the new fee rule that goes into effect on April 1, 2024, you must use the new 04/01/24 editions of the following forms:
· Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker;
· Form I-129 CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker;
· Form I-140, Immigrant P...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Feb 01, 2024 |
Recently, USCIS announced a final rule to strengthen the integrity of and reduce the potential for fraud in the H-1B registration process, including by reducing the potential for gaming the registration system and ensuring each beneficiary would have the same chance of being selected, regardless ...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Feb 01, 2024 |
On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, DHS published a final rule adjusting the USCIS fee schedule in the Federal Register. The Final Rule will be effective on April 01, 2024. Any benefit request postmarked on or after this date must be accompanied by the fees established by this final rule. The Final R...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Dec 28, 2023 |
On December 27, 2023, USCIS announced a final rule that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation.
DHS is increasing the premium processing fees USCIS charges for all eligible forms and categories to reflect the amount of inflation from ...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Dec 26, 2023 |
On December 21, 2023, the Department of State announced that, beginning January 01, 2024, consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for:
First-time H-2 visa applicants (temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers); and
Other nonimmigrant vis...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Dec 22, 2023 |
On December 20, 2023, USCIS issued policy guidance regarding the F and M student nonimmigrant classifications, including the agency's role in adjudicating applications for employment authorization, change of status, extension of stay, and reinstatement of status for students and their dependents ...
Posted by Nishu Sharma | Dec 20, 2023 |
On December 21, 2023, US Department of State in the Federal Register published a notice of pilot program to resume renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens. The notice describes the following requirements, the procedure for participation in the pil...