January visa bulletin stayed the same as December 2024. USCIS determined that for January 2024, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart. According to the January 2024 visa bulletin, the priority date for the Second preference (F2A) – spouses and children (unmarried and under 21 years of age) of…
Effective from December 9, 2024, the Department of State (DOS) updated the J-1 Exchange Visitors Skills List, which determines if J-1 visa holders must fulfill the two-year home residency requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Turkey is among several countries removed from the updated list, including China, India, Argentina, and others. While the skills categories remain…
Effective from December 2, 2024, USCIS requires applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Applications missing this form may be rejected to reduce Requests for Evidence (RFEs) during processing. USCIS has not clarified which applications might be accepted or rejected without the required…
Starting January 13, 2025, DHS permanently extended the automatic renewal period for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to 540 days for eligible categories such as pending asylum applicants, spouses of principal E-1, E-2, E-3 and L-1 unexpired I-94 showing their status. This measure addresses significant processing delays and aims to reduce employment disruptions for affected individuals. Please see the following link…
The incoming Trump Administration may try to end DACA and DACA Advance Parole, prompting many DACA recipients to explore ways to secure H-1B or other visas abroad. Around 40% of DACA beneficiaries can get H-1B visas without additional waivers, but about 60%—mostly older recipients—might face challenges due to unlawful presence bars. On July 15, 2024, the Department of State introduced…
Effective from December 17, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced updates to improve the efficiency and integrity of the H-1B program. Changes include stricter requirements for specialty occupations, requiring degrees directly related to job duties, and expanded eligibility for employers with a U.S. presence and Tax ID, enabling self-petitioning. A new Form I-129 will be mandatory for H-1B…
The O-1 Visa: Your Ticket to Extraordinary Success The O-1 visa is the ultimate gateway for individuals of extraordinary ability to live and work in the U.S. Designed for those at the top of their field, this visa is a symbol of elite recognition, whether you’re a scientist, artist, athlete, or business leader. But how do you secure an O-1…
USCIS recently updated its policy guidance on how evidence is evaluated for individuals applying under the “extraordinary ability” classification (typically EB-1A). Here are the key points: 1. Team Awards: Clarification: USCIS now explicitly considers team awards as qualifying under the criterion for “lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.” Implication: If an applicant was part of a…
USCIS determined that for November 2024, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates For Filing chart. According to the November 2024 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 July 15, 2024. Dates For…
USCIS has updated its guidance on expedite requests, allowing for expedited processing of cases deemed urgent by any level of U.S. government due to public interest, safety, or national security. When a federal agency requests expedited processing, USCIS will generally defer to that agency’s assessment. For travel-related requests, USCIS may expedite Form I-131 for individuals needing to leave the U.S.…
