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 …
Category: News and Events
USCIS Updates Guidelines on Maximum Validity Periods for New Employment Authorization Documents for Certain Applicants
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 …
USCIS Updates Criteria and Policy for Requests to Expedite Application 
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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DHS Makes More International Students Eligible for STEM OPT
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 …
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Dallas Attorney Ann M. Badmus Honored By Texas Bar Foundation
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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USCIS Announces Potential Interview Cancellations due to COVID-19 Omicron Variant
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 …
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Department of State Expands Waiver of In-Person Interviews for Certain Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants at U.S. Embassies through December 31, 2022
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 …
(USCIS NOTICE) Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances
Regarding natural disasters like the recent tornadoes in Kentucky, the USCIS published this important reminder: USCIS is reminding the public that we offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the recent tornadoes in Kentucky and surrounding states. The …
All Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Applicants May Now File Forms I-821 and I-765 Online
As of Nov. 29, all applicants eligible to file for TPS under one of the current designations may file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online. The following countries are currently designated for TPS: Burma (Myanmar)El SalvadorHaitiHondurasNepalNicaraguaSomaliaSouth SudanSudanSyriaVenezuelaYemen First-time TPS applicants and TPS beneficiaries who are re-registering …
DHS Announces Fee Exemptions, Streamlined Processing for Afghan Nationals as They Resettle in the U.S.
Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will exempt filing fees and streamline application processing for Afghan nationals who were paroled into the United States for humanitarian reasons on or after July 30, 2021. These actions will help facilitate their resettlement in the U.S. by streamlining the processing of requests for work …
Ann Massey Badmus 