F-1
The new STEM OPT rule that we discussed here, is in final review by USCIS. Expectations are that it should be published by March 10, 2016 with an effective date no later than May 10th, the last day of the hold issued by the Court. At this point we do
Adjustment of Status
The American Immigration Lawyer's Association (AILA) recently talked with Mr. Charlie Oppenheim of the Department of state about visa availability in the coming months. Mr. Oppenheim is the person in charge of the Visa Bulletin. Below are some of the highlights of his predictions: 1. EB-3 China: The
Adjustment of Status
USCIS in the last couple of days, has updated their timeline processing reports for all service centers. Below is a summary of some of the Highlights. I-140s For I-140's, Nebraska, which was processing all I-140s in 4 months, now has a 5 month processing timeline for EB-2 NIWs
Adjustment of Status
The Department of State released the March, 2016 visa bulletin earlier today. Below I will go through both the family and employment based backlogs. After reviewing the current backlogs I will discuss the projections by the DOS for further movement. Family Based Backlogs Final Action Dates: Most categories saw little
Immigration
While we can point to many examples of USCIS process times lengthening significantly in the past year, perhaps one of the hardest to understand is that for H-1B renewals. In its September 30, 2015 processing time reports, USCIS stated that they were processing H-1B renewals filed as of June 2,
Adjustment of Status
When you go in to USCIS to be interviewed for your I-485 application, it has been the practice for USCIS to take your EAD card at that time. Why did they develop this policy? Really who knows. It makes no sense as you are not yet approved and need the
H-1B1
Several days ago we wrote about the final rule that was about to be published (See this blog post). The final rule has been published this week and all provisions have been implemented as we reported. To refresh your memory, below is a summary of the changes: Changes for those
Immigration
The US District Court granted USCIS an additional 90 days (until May 10, 2016) to provide the new STEM OPT rule by extending its stay of the vacatur of the previous STEM OPT rule be stayed until that date as well (May 10, 2016). This is a very good development
Immigration
If you have an interview scheduled or fingerprint appointment, be aware that USCIS office in Maryland (Baltimore Offices), Virginia (Washington DC Field Office and the Arlington Asylum Office) and DC (Washington DC Offices) are all closed today, January 25, 2016 because of the snow. USCIS will reschedule all those with
Immigration
WHEN: January 27, 2015, 12:00 pm WHAT: A free seminar detailing the self-sponsored green card application requirements for the National Interest Waiver (EB-2) application and the Extraordinary Ability (EB-1) application. We will also touch on the various types of evidence that can be submitted to meet the regulations and
passport
We recently blogged about the change in rule being implemented by USCIS regarding the Visa Waiver Program. Basically, those who have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria or who are nationals of those countries (even if they are nationals of another country as well) cannot use the visa waiver program.
Immigration
WHEN: January 27, 2015, 12:00 pm WHAT: A free seminar detailing the self-sponsored green card application requirements for the National Interest Waiver (EB-2) application and the Extraordinary Ability (EB-1) application. We will also touch on the various types of evidence that can be submitted to meet the regulations and