USCIS Updates

USCIS is Changing the Fee Payment Process for Filing In-Person 

USCIS is Changing the Fee Payment Process for Filing In-Person 

The majority of immigration benefit requests that USCIS receives are sent through service centers or lockboxes. A USCIS form may, nevertheless, occasionally be received by USCIS through a local USCIS office. Applicants, petitioners, and requestors must set an appointment in advance with the USCIS Contact Center and physically visit a field office to make certain application fee payments in order…

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February 2024 Visa Bulletin

February 2024 Visa Bulletin

USCIS determined that for February 2024, applicants in all family-sponsored preference categories and all employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing chart. According to the February 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 September 1, 2023. Dates For…

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DOS Aims for Faster Visa Processing in 2024

DOS Aims for Faster Visa Processing in 2024

The Department of State provided an update, revealing that they granted more nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) globally in 2023 than in any year since 2015. They also indicated their commitment to minimizing wait times for in-person interviews, especially for visitor visa applicants in countries experiencing unprecedented demand. The Department of State aims to achieve a wait time of under 90 days…

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DOS Issues Notice of Resumption of Stateside Renewal of Certain H-1B Visas

DOS Issues Notice of Resumption of Stateside Renewal of Certain H-1B Visas

The Department of State (DOS) released information about a trial program allowing qualified H-1B visa holders in the U.S. to renew their visas locally. This program is online from January 29, 2024, to April 1, 2024, exclusively for H-1B principal holders renewing visas issued by specific Canadian and Indian missions within defined dates.

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H-1B Visa Cap Reached for FY2024

H-1B Visa Cap Reached for FY2024

USCIS has attained the required number of petitions to meet the set limits for H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2024. They have sent non-selection notifications to applicants. USCIS will continue processing certain exempt petitions and extensions for existing H-1B workers, along with petitions for changes in employment terms, employers, or additional positions. Remzi Guvenc Kulen Esq. Kulen Law Firm…

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