The Department of Homeland Security’s final rules for the H-1B and H-2 visa programs took effect on January 17, 2025, introducing updated requirements to modernize and enhance these programs. On the same date, USCIS released a revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date 01/17/25), which incorporates changes aligned with the new rules. This revised form becomes mandatory…
As of January 22, 2025, USCIS no longer mandates that applicants seeking adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident provide documentation of COVID-19 vaccination on Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. The agency will neither issue Requests for Evidence nor Notices of Intent to Deny based on missing COVID-19 vaccination proof and will not deny applications…
Effective January 15, 2025, USCIS updated its policy guidance on evaluating EB-2 petitions with national interest waiver (NIW) requests. The update clarifies requirements for advanced degree professionals and individuals with exceptional ability, detailing how their qualifications and proposed endeavors are assessed. It also explains how USCIS evaluates evidence, such as support letters and business plans, to determine national importance and…
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…
