Employment Based Green Card
USCIS Fee Increase Expected Soon
The landscape of immigration fees is changing. In early 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to implement a significant increase in its filing fees, a development that has been looming on the horizon for some time. This move follows the agency’s previously announced proposal, which we discussed in detail in our…
Read MoreWhat to Do If You Lose Your Green Card While Traveling Abroad
For many individuals holding a U.S. green card, the thought of losing it while traveling abroad can be a source of significant stress and uncertainty. This vital document is not just a proof of your residency status but a key that allows you to re-enter the United States. In the unfortunate event that you find…
Read MoreGreen Card Approval When Priority Date Not Current
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, especially when unexpected scenarios arise. Recently, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) reported a peculiar situation: some applicants have received Green Card approvals even when their priority dates were not current. This blog post delves into this issue, highlighting the potential challenges and offering guidance for affected…
Read MoreUSCIS Revises ‘Ability to Pay’ Criteria for Employment Based Visas
The landscape of employment-based immigration is constantly evolving, and keeping abreast of these changes is crucial for employers and immigrants alike. A significant aspect of this process involves establishing an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage to beneficiaries under specific employment-based immigrant visa classifications. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently updated its…
Read MoreUSCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fee
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant update that impacts many seeking expedited processing of their immigration-related applications. Effective from February 26, 2024, there will be an increase in the filing fee for Form I-907, known as the Request for Premium Processing. This change, influenced by inflation rates and aimed at…
Read MoreChallenges with the New US Visa Scheduling System
In the past few weeks, several posts worldwide—including those in India, Australia, South Korea, and Japan—have switched from the US Traveldocs system to a new platform for appointment scheduling: US Visa Scheduling. As visa applicants navigate this change, a myriad of issues have arisen. We had previously reported about this in our blog Visa Appointment…
Read MoreDelayed Medicals Impact on Immigrant Visa at the USCON in Sydney, Australia
For those dreaming of living in the United States, navigating the immigrant visa process can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. While you’re eagerly waiting to start your new life, even the smallest hiccup can set you back, causing delays and endless stress. One such hiccup many applicants overlook is the significance of timely medical exam…
Read MoreVisa Appointment Scheduling Issues at Sydney, Australia
The recent launch of Sydney’s new visa appointment scheduling website was supposed to be a technological leap towards streamlined and efficient visa processing for the U.S Consulates in Australia. Instead, it has proven to be a source of frustration, confusion, and stress for visa applicants. From failed email correspondences to vanishing MRV fees, the new…
Read MoreUSCIS Introduces New Self-Service Tool for Change of Address
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken another leap towards digital transformation by unveiling the Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool. This user-friendly platform promises improved convenience for USCIS customers who have ongoing applications, petitions, or requests and need to keep their address details updated. What is the E-COA Tool? E-COA stands out…
Read MoreCSPA Policy Change to be considered ‘Extraordinary Circumstance’ by USCIS
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a significant policy update on February 14, 2023, concerning the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). This act allows children who have aged out—reached 21 years old—to maintain eligibility for certain immigration benefits under particular conditions. Recently, the USCIS provided further clarification on August 24, 2023, about…
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