USCIS has implemented a new policy update that establishes eligibility criteria for obtaining employment authorization documents (EADs) based on “compelling circumstances.” If you are currently waiting for your green card and experiencing delays due to visa backlogs, you may qualify for an EAD. This provision offers temporary assistance during challenging situations, such as job loss and the risk of losing…
Starting from June 17, 2023, revisions were made to the fees for nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications. These changes applied to various visa categories, including visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs) and other non-petition-based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J visas). The processing fee for these visas increased from $160 to $185.…
The Department of State (DOS) has recently made an important announcement regarding the Diversity Visa (DV) program for fiscal year 2024 (DV-2024) and subsequent years. Effective immediately, selectees are only required to submit the DS-260 immigrant visa application form for themselves and any accompanying family members to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). No other supporting documents should be submitted to…
The DOS Liaison Committee has issued an alert regarding the May 2023 updates in the DOS FAM concerning E visas. The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), published by the United States Department of State and accessible on their website, provides comprehensive information on the functional statements, organizational responsibilities, and authorities of each major component within the department. On May 1, 2023,…
USCIS has recently announced important updates regarding the filing location and documentation requirements for specific affirmative asylum applications submitted by mail. As part of these changes, a new edition of Form I-589 has been introduced, and certain documentation procedures have been modified. Under the revised guidelines, applicants are no longer required to include passport-style photos, multiple copies of the form,…
DOS posted the visa bulletin for June 2023. USCIS determined that for June 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 June 2023 visa bulletin, visa numbers will still be current for Second preference (F2A) – spouses and…
In 2021 the Biden- Harris Administration announced COVID-19 vaccination requirements to promote the health and safety of individuals and the efficiency of workplaces, protecting vital sectors of our economy and vulnerable populations. Since January 2021, COVID-19 deaths have declined by %95, and hospitalizations are down nearly %91. Globally, COVID-19 deaths are at their lowest levels since the start of the…
In February 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) provided updated guidance that consular officers can now issue an F or M student visa up to 365 days in advance of an international student’s program start date. This new guidance does not change the requirement for issuing Forms I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” in the Student and…
A clarification has been provided regarding the resubmission process for Form I-693 (Medical Report) envelopes that were mistakenly returned as opened alongside rejected applications like Form I-765 and Form I-131. It has been confirmed that these envelopes can be resubmitted in their original condition. However, it is strongly advised that applicants thoroughly review any rejected applications before resubmitting. Common reasons…
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has embraced innovative technology and improved coordination to decrease the number of visa applications necessitating administrative processing for security reasons. As of October 2022, a significant majority of cases that would have previously undergone additional administrative processing are now promptly resolved. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm, P.C
