The CIS Ombudsman’s Office provides tips for F-1 students applying for optional practical training (OPT) to avoid processing delays with Form I-765. Tips include checking USCIS website for updates, ensuring Form I-20 is signed and dated, applying online for faster processing and easy access to case updates, submitting Form I-765 within specified timelines, including a properly completed Form I-20, updating…
ICE Extends Form I-9 Compliance Timeframe to Provide Employers with Additional Flexibility. ICE has announced that employers will be granted a 30-day window to comply with Form I-9 requirements after the expiration of COVID-19 flexibilities on July 31, 2023. It is strongly recommended that employers ensure all necessary physical inspections of identity and employment eligibility documents are conducted by August…
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has implemented a final rule that increases several application processing fees and the fee for a Border Crossing Card for Mexican citizens aged 15 and above. The rule will come into effect on May 30, 2023, as documented in the Federal Register (88 FR 18243, March 28, 2023). The following fee changes have been…
According to a report by Bloomberg, immigration officials have made significant strides in reducing the processing time for work permits of asylum seekers, following an unsuccessful attempt to hold the government accountable for worsening delays. Last year, the percentage of work permit applications processed by USCIS within the court-mandated 30-day timeframe dropped to less than 5% due to a surge…
Economists suggest that increasing immigration can help reduce inflation by expanding legal channels for temporary workers and admitting more family and employment-based immigrants. Polls show that Americans prioritize the issue of inflation over immigration. Research indicates that higher legal admissions can deter illegal entry. Recent economic news highlights the strong demand for labor. The decline in immigration due to Trump…
DOS posted the visa bulletin for May 2023. USCIS determined that for May 2023, all family-sponsored preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart and all employment-based preference categories must use the Final Action Dates chart in the visa bulletin. According to May 2023 visa bulletin, visa numbers will still be current for Second preference (F2A) – spouses and…
