USCIS determined that for November 2023, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart. According to the November 2023 visa bulletin, the priority date for the Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of lawful permanent residents is September 1, 2023. Dates For…
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at modernizing the H-1B specialty occupation worker program. The proposed changes seek to streamline eligibility criteria, enhance program efficiency, provide added benefits and flexibility to both employers and workers, and reinforce integrity measures. Furthermore, the rule suggests altering the H-1B registration selection process to…
USCIS released updated guidelines that extend the maximum validity period for both initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to five years for specific noncitizens who have employment authorization based on their status or circumstances. This includes individuals admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, granted asylum, and those with withholding of removal status. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm,…
On October 17, 2023, the Department of State sent a Federal Register notice for review, titled ‘Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens,’ to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. This document will outline the eligibility criteria for participation in the Stateside Visa Renewal pilot program (pilot program). It…
USCIS has initiated the issuance of advance parole documents with a five-year validity period. These extended validity dates for advance parole may be accessible to individuals who meet the criteria for five-year EADs as outlined in the guidance released on September 27, 2023. These extended validity advance parole documents are provided either in combination with the EAD card or as…
The online registration period for the FY2025 U.S. diversity visa (DV-2025) program opened on October 4 and ends on November 7. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm, P.C.
