Immigration
Yesterday, USCIS announced that they would be suspending premium processing for 2019 Cap-subject applications until September 10, 2018. This means you can only file cap-subject applications via regular processing. Those applications that are cap-exempt, including those filed by universities and those for extensions of H-1B status,
Adjustment of Status
Charlie Oppenheimer and the Department of State have determined that, because of increased usage of the EB-1 immigration visas that, come April 1 they will have to backlog this category for both India and China. Both have been backlogged to January 1, 2012 (a date for which there will
Adjustment of Status
It appears that USCIS is preparing to release a new rule by June, 2018 to remove the provision that allows certain H-4 spouses of H-1B visa holders to apply for work authorization. If you have been following this issue, you know that the new administration has been looking
Immigration
USCIS Now Accepting Credit Cards for Most Filings USCIS has issued a new form G-1450 that will allow people to pay for form filing fees via credit card directly with USCIS. This form is available for all applications filed at lockbox facilities. It cannot be used for filings at
Immigration
In the last year, USCIS has certainly increased its scrutiny on all cases, especially on H-1B cases.One tact that USICS has taken is to insist that, if an employer has used a Level 1 wage, then, without any further review of the position, USCIS can assume that it
AAO
According to the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association, USCIS is changing the process for making InfoPass Appointments. According to their press release: Once the new pilot program is implemented, in order to schedule an InfoPass appointment at one of the above listed USCIS field offices, stakeholders will first need to
Adjustment of Status
Charlie Oppenheim has released some more information on how he sees immigrant visa usage heading this year. Overall his predictions are largely positive, with forward movement predicted in most categories. However, it should be noted that the new USCIS policy requiring transfer of employment-based I-485s to field offices
Adjustment of Status
USCIS has released the February 2018 Visa Bulletin. While there is certainly some movement forward, the guidance given by Mr. Oppenheim last month is still in effect and has not changed. Relevant changes are listed below. Employment Based Immigrant Visas: EB-1A: Still current for all Countries EB-2: Current
Adjustment of Status
There have been some movements on the immigrant visa front, and some setbacks. Below is an update on where things are and where they may be going. Employment Based Immigration Visas: EB-1: Current across the Board for now, however according to Charlie, India and China may backlog by summer.
Immigration
Beginning on October 2, 2017, USCIS started sending out interview notices for I-140 based adjustment of status applications. As of that date, all I-140 Adjustment of Status applications filed after March 6, 2017 will be subject to interviews. In case you were unaware, March 6, 2017 is the
Adjustment of Status
Charlie Oppenheim recently released a new update on possible movement of various visa categories. While for the most part there are no surprises, it is good to review what he says on your particular category to ensure you are not surprised in future months. However, overall, it was a short
Executive Orders
Many of you may know that USCIS has had a policy in place that allowed those filing an application to renew their status (H-1B, L-1, E-1, etc.) to file a ‘bare bones’ application - an application with just new information and none of the initial documentation sent in