USCIS 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…

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USCIS 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…

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Challenges 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…

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Delayed 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…

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Visa 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…

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USCIS 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…

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CSPA 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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DHS to End Temporary COVID-19 Flexibilities on I-9 Verification

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has signaled a significant shift in the way businesses handle their I-9 Verification processes. As of July 31, 2023, the temporary COVID-19 flexibilities that were introduced in March 2020 will come to an end. What’s more, businesses will have an additional 30 days to complete in-person physical inspections for…

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DOL to soon Begin Accepting PERM Applications in FLAG System

Immigration can be a complex and often frustrating process for many individuals seeking to work or reside in the United States. The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), a division of Employment & Training Administration within the Department of Labor (DOL), plays a crucial role in this process, as it is responsible for ensuring that…

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Compelling Circumstances EAD: A Comprehensive Guide

In the complex world of immigration and visa-related issues, the term ‘Compelling Circumstances Employment Authorization Document (EAD)‘ may not be as familiar as others. This blog post aims to demystify this crucial aspect of nonimmigrant visas in the United States, shedding light on the nuances of this benefit, the eligibility criteria, and the application process.…

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