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
If there is an error that is made in your admission record by a border inspector, it is necessary to visit a local CBP Deferred Inspection Site to have the admission corrected. A comprehensive list of Deferred Inspection Sites can be found on CBP’s official website, located at https://www.cbp.gov. Look for the “Ports” link at the bottom of the page.…
On March 27, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that it had received a sufficient number of electronic registrations during the initial registration period to meet the H-1B numerical allocations for fiscal year 2024, including the master’s cap. The electronic registration process, introduced in 2020 for the FY 2021 H-1B cap, has significantly streamlined processing, reducing paperwork, data…
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…
