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.…
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…
