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.…
USCIS has updated its guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule to clarify investment and revenue requirements that will automatically increase every three years based on the Consumer Price Index. This update reflects the Fiscal Year 2025 adjustments, which took effect on October 1, 2024. The investment amount from a qualifying investor increased from $264,147 to $311,071, while the government award…
On September 30, 2024, the Department of State (DOS) launched the Applicant Visa Information Tracking System (AVITS) to enhance services for visa applicants. AVITS is currently active in several countries, including Belgium, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, The Gambia, the Netherlands, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. If you are in…
Applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant tourist visa, or B-2 visa, can be complex. Some citizens may not need to apply at all, so it’s essential to review the Department of State’s information carefully. Here are ten key considerations for the application process: 1. Understand Visa Purpose: The B-2 visa is for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family; it does not…
To vote in U.S. federal elections, you must be a U.S. citizen (by birth, overseas to a U.S. citizen parent, or through naturalization), meet your state’s residency requirements, and be at least 18 years old by Election Day. You need to register by your state’s deadline and can check age requirements if you’ll be 18 by Election Day. Some states…
USCIS determined that for October 2024, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates For Filing chart. According to the October 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…
The Department of State has announced that all available EB-4 and EB-1 visas for FY2024 exhausted for Fiscal Year 2024. As a result, embassies and consulates was not able to issue visas in these categories until September 30, 2024. The annual limits will reset with the beginning of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2024.
