H-1B Work Visa
Automatic Visa Revalidation in case of Change of Status
The concept of automatic visa revalidation is a vital tool for nonimmigrants in the United States, allowing for the ease of travel and flexibility in maintaining legal status. Particularly, individuals who have changed their visa status while residing in the U.S. may find themselves in a unique position when considering short trips to Canada, Mexico,…
Read MoreWork with A Pending STEM OPT Extension
In the realm of U.S. immigration law, specific provisions enable international students to extend their stay and gain valuable work experience in their field of study. One critical aspect of these provisions is the ability of students on F-1 visas to apply for a STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. Under 8 CFR 274a.12(b)(6)(iv), students…
Read MoreUSCIS 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 MoreRole of KCC’s Fraud Prevention Unit
The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), integral to the U.S. visa application process, has reportedly begun a new practice that could significantly impact the clarity and transparency of fraud checks and background inquiries. The American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) Department of State (DOS) Liaison Committee has recently learned that the KCC Fraud Prevention Unit may now…
Read MoreUSCIS Announces Customer Experience Enhancements for H-1B Cap Season
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to revolutionize the H-1B cap season with a series of customer experience improvements, marking a significant stride in increasing efficiency and collaboration for organizations and their legal representatives. Introduction of Organizational Accounts The USCIS has planned the launch of organizational accounts for non-cap filings and the…
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 MoreProposed Changes to the H-1B Program: Quick Summary
On October 23, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register concerning the H-1B visa program which may also impact other nonimmigrant classifications, like F-1, L-1, O, R-1, E-3, TN, etc. While these proposed rules are not yet in effect and are open for…
Read MoreUpdate on H-1B Visa Renewals: Introduction of Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Program for 2024
On October 17, 2023, the Department of State (DOS) made a significant announcement, sending a Federal Register notice for review, which is titled “Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens.” This forthcoming document promises to bring a change in the landscape of domestic visa renewals,…
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…
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