USCIS
USCIS just issued a new policy on when and if officers need to issue a Request for Evidence, Request for Initial Evidence, or Notice of Intent to Deny before denying an application. In relevant part, the policy memo states: Generally, if a benefit requestor fails to demonstrate eligibility for a
A federal judge has struck down President Donald Trump's attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on employers hiring foreign workers in specialty occupations, ruling the charge an unauthorized tax that required an act of Congress to impose. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns found that the proposed
Immigration
Looking at many news headlines these days about the economy can make you feel confused? You're not alone in feeling this way, especially when it comes to the U.S. job market right now. We're seeing some interesting shifts, and a big part of the puzzle
Extraordinary Ability
USCIS routinly releases approval and denial rates for various application types. Looking at the self-sponsored applications (Extraordinary Ability (EA) and National Interest Waiver (NIW) those rates changed drastically over the last year. For the entire 2024 Fiscal Year (October 1, 2023-September 30, 2024) the following are the rates
history
Many people are concerned these days about going to their immigration interviews. Concerned they may be arrested, deported, etc. Well, a recent practice alert from the American Immigration Lawyers Association discusses what is happening. It states: Reports by AILA members and in the media indicate an increase in ICE arrests
F-1
According to a recent meeting between AILA and the Department of State in which Visa revocations by the consular posts was discussed. During this discussion the DOS indicated the following: In general, DOS issues NIVs with multiple entries for an extended period of time; every single visa holder is continually
Immigration
As you may know the President recently re-implemented a little known, and unused provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act — alien registration. Understanding whether you’re already registered and the steps you need to take if you're not is crucial for compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
H-1B
As announced today by USCIS, the registration period for the 2026 H-1B lottery will open at Noon, March 7, 2025. It will run through Noon, March 24, 2025. An employer wishing to sponsor an employee will need to file a registration during this time to be entered into the
H-1B
Recent developments under President Donald Trump's administration suggest potential delays and challenges in the H-1B visa processing system, which could significantly affect employers and visa applicants alike. Impact of Trump's Buyout on USCIS President Trump's recent executive orders and buyout offers to federal
Immigration
Just this week, the Department of State released its June 2024 visa bulletin. First, there has been no change in the Final Action Dates and Dates for Filing: The final Action Date is still January 15, 2023, and the Dates for Filing are still February 15, 2023. Unfortunately, the DOS
Fees
USCIS has, at last, published the final rule creating the new filing fees for all application types. Before looking into some of the actual changes, here is some general information about the changes (these are facts and figures from USCIS): * In the past fiscal year, USCIS received 2 million more
H-1B
The H-1B Cap Filing season will reopen in March of this year with some significant changes. The USCIS is introducing organizational accounts and adjusting how the lottery is conducted to ensure fairness. A. Organizational Accounts For both non-cap filings and the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap season,