The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the designation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, will be eligible for TPS. “This TPS designation will help to protect Afghan nationals who have already been living in …
Continue reading Secretary Mayorkas Designates Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status
The Department of State (DOS), which heads all U.S. embassies worldwide, recently shared the information below for Ukrainian national regarding various U.S. visa procedures: Nonimmigrant visa for temporary stays in the U.S. Other than sponsored work visas, most nonimmigrant visas require proof that an applicant will return to their home country. They are not “the …
Continue reading Department of State Update for Ukraine Nationals
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “In these extraordinary times, we will continue to …
Continue reading Secretary Mayorkas Designates Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months
Applicants for adjustment of status receive a special permission to return from international travel called Advance Parole (AP). If you have an approved, valid AP travel document, you may use it to re-enter the U.S. without a visa. In fact, most adjustment of status applicants must use an AP travel document for international travel, unless …
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today published updated policy guidance to change the maximum validity period that may be granted for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued to certain applicants, as well as to provide general guidance on adjudicating Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.Starting today, USCIS will generally grant new and renewed EADs that are …
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect new guidance on how it determines whether a case warrants expedited treatment. The new guidance is effective immediately. The policy update: Clarifies the criteria and circumstances of expedite requests from nonprofit organizations as determined by the Internal Revenue Service;Provides additional examples of …
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The Biden administration recently announced the expansion of STEM OPT to retain and benefit more STEM students. STEM students are F-1 visa students completing a degree in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. OPT stands for optional practical training employment authorization typically given to F-1 visa students for a period of 12 months …
Continue reading DHS Makes More International Students Eligible for STEM OPT
Ms. Ann Badmus with Badmus & Associates has been elected to membership in the Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation. Fellows of the Foundation are selected for their outstanding professional achievements and their demonstrated commitment to the improvement of the justice system throughout the state of Texas. Election is a mark of distinction and recognition …
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A recent update has been issued on the USCIS Response to COVID-19 webpage due to the surge of the COVID-19 omicron variant. From USCIS:Due to increased spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19, USCIS field offices may need to reschedule appointments based on local conditions. We will send notices to applicants and petitioners with previously scheduled appointments …
Continue reading USCIS Announces Potential Interview Cancellations due to COVID-19 Omicron Variant
Most visa applications at U.S. embassies require in-person interview before approval of a non-immigrant visa. Consequently, visa applicants typically have to schedule a visa appointment, which could be many months away. However, embassies always had some ability or authorization to waive the need for an in-person interview. . On December 23, 2021, the Department of …
Ann Massey Badmus 