The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at modernizing the H-1B specialty occupation worker program. The proposed changes seek to streamline eligibility criteria, enhance program efficiency, provide added benefits and flexibility to both employers and workers, and reinforce integrity measures. Furthermore, the rule suggests altering the H-1B registration selection process to…
USCIS released updated guidelines that extend the maximum validity period for both initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to five years for specific noncitizens who have employment authorization based on their status or circumstances. This includes individuals admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, granted asylum, and those with withholding of removal status. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm,…
On October 17, 2023, the Department of State sent a Federal Register notice for review, titled ‘Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens,’ to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. This document will outline the eligibility criteria for participation in the Stateside Visa Renewal pilot program (pilot program). It…
USCIS has initiated the issuance of advance parole documents with a five-year validity period. These extended validity dates for advance parole may be accessible to individuals who meet the criteria for five-year EADs as outlined in the guidance released on September 27, 2023. These extended validity advance parole documents are provided either in combination with the EAD card or as…
The online registration period for the FY2025 U.S. diversity visa (DV-2025) program opened on October 4 and ends on November 7. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm, P.C.
USCIS has announced that starting from November 1, 2023, all H-2A, H-2B, CNMI-related Form I-129 petitions, Form I-129CW petitions, and CNMI-related Form I-539 applications must be submitted directly to the Texas Service Center. During a 60-day grace period, incorrectly filed applications will not face rejection. Remzi Guvenc Kulen, Esq. Kulen Law Firm, P.C.
On June 8, 2023, USCIS released comprehensive guidance on the exchange visitor classification (J-1) in the Policy Manual. USCIS is currently in the process of updating this guidance to provide further clarification regarding how they assess whether a benefit requestor has fulfilled the two-year foreign residence requirement. This updated guidance, found in Volume 2 of the Policy Manual, is immediately…
USCIS determined that for October 2023, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart. According to the October 2023 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 September 1, 2023. Dates For…
The White House has unveiled a set of fresh initiatives aimed at bolstering border security. These measures encompass the expansion of Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM), the strengthening of the DHS’s facilities for detainment and processing, expeditious processing for parolees who have arranged appointments through CBP One for their EADs, and additional measures. USCIS is set to extend the maximum…
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced an exemption from the biometric services fee for Form I-539, the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Starting from October 1, USCIS is waiving the $85 biometric services fee as a part of the Form I-539 application process. If your application is postmarked on or after October 1, you won’t need to…
