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
Processing times for employment authorization documents (EAD) can exceed 8 to 12 months, even for renewals. On December 28, 2021, the USCIS announced that certain healthcare workers who have a pending EAD renewal application (Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization) are eligible for expedited processing. To qualify for expedited processing,the applicant must be an essential …
Continue reading USCIS Announces New Expedited Processing Policy For Healthcare Worker EAD Renewals
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 …
While having a green card (permanent residence) allows you to live and work in the United States indefinitely, U.S. citizenship affords you many more rights and benefits. Generally, a permanent resident can apply for citizenship 57 months after their green card is issued (33 months for spouses of U.S. citizens). In part one, we described …
Continue reading 10 Reasons Why U.S. Citizenship May Be Right for You (Part 2)
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 …
H-1B visas authorize highly educated non-citizen professionals to work for U.S. employers in specialty occupations. Current law limits the number of new H-1B visas issued each fiscal year. The H-1B quota for this fiscal year is 65,000 for those who hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. In addition, 20,000 H-1B visas are …
Continue reading Preparing Now for the FY2022-2023 H-1B Cap Registration Lottery
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is temporarily waiving the requirement that the civil surgeon sign Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no more than 60 days before an applicant files an application for the underlying immigration benefit (including Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), until Sept. 30, 2022.This …
Continue reading USCIS Temporarily Waiving 60-Day Rule for Civil Surgeon Signatures
While having a green card (permanent residence) allows you to live and work in the United States indefinitely, U.S. citizenship affords you many more rights and benefits. Generally, a permanent resident can apply for citizenship 57 months after their green card is issued (33 months for spouses of U.S. citizens). Here are five of the …
Continue reading 10 Reasons Why U.S. Citizenship May Be Right for You (Part 1)
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 …
In settlement of several lawsuits, the USCIS recently announced significant changes to its policy regarding employment authorization documents (EAD) for certain H-4, E-2, and L-2 dependent spouses. The following policy guidance is effective as of November 12, 2021: The automatic extension rule will apply to renewals of H-4, E-2, and L-2 EAD if (1) the …
Ann Massey Badmus 