Word to the Wise

WORD TO THE WISE Many employers wait until one year before the end of the authorized nonimmigrant status or even afterwards to start the immigrant visa processing for H and L visa holders. Our staff is finding that the US Department of Labor processing of a labor certification will take more than one year to […]

COVID-19 Testing For Travelers from China to U.S.

COVID-19 Testing For Travelers from China to U.S.   Due to the recent volume of COVID-19 cases in China, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is requiring certain travelers to provide a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of recent recovery effective January 5, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time.   Specifically, this policy applies […]

Opportunities to streamline Immigration processing

Opportunities to streamline Immigration processing Biden’s Philosophy The new era ushered in by the Biden administration brings with it encouraging signs that the government, including USCIS, is starting to emphasize operational efficiency in its policies and practices, focusing on building a fair and accessible system of legal immigration. For example, in his first 100 days […]

Biden Administration Extends U.S. COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Biden Administration Extends U.S. COVID-19 Travel Restrictions On January 25, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order effectively extending the country-specific COVID-19 travel restrictions that apply to the UK, Ireland, Schengen area, and Brazil. This new version of the COVID-19 travel ban also adds South Africa. These changes are effective January 26, 2021. The separate […]

New U.S. COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

New U.S. COVID-19 Travel Restrictions   The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an order requiring airline passengers intending to arrive in the United States, including U.S. citizens and LPRs, to provide documentation that they do not have COVID-19. This order will be effective beginning January 26, 2021.   Specifically, the […]

DOS Update on National Interest Exceptions to Travel Bans

DOS Update on National Interest Exceptions to Travel Bans   H/L Travel Ban   The Department of State (DOS) provided further guidance as to which visa applicants may be considered for a national interest exception under Executive Order 10052. Pursuant to this executive order, the DOS currently prohibits the issuance of new visa stamps to […]

Update: ICE Rescinds Online Education Policy in Win for Colleges & Int’l Students

Update: ICE Rescinds Online Education Policy in Win for Colleges & Int’l Students Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will rescind its recent policy requiring international students to depart the U.S. if all of their classes are taught online. The rescission resolves a lawsuit filed […]

COVID-19 Update: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Changes and Responses

COVID-19 Update: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Changes and Responses U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made several changes and accommodations in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the most relevant of which we detail below. Our summary and assessment of USCIS’ COVID-19 responses are a selection of the most current updates. However, many […]

USCIS Requiring In-Person Interviews for Employment-Based Adjustments

Starting October 1, 2017, USCIS will require in-person interviews for employment-based Adjustment of Status applicants. USCIS indicated on its website that the program will be phased-in, but no additional details have been provided regarding implementation. The most recent USCIS data indicates that approximately 122,000 persons obtained their permanent residency through employment-based Adjustment of Status in […]