H-1B Work Visa
Role 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…
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 MoreF-1 Students from India Sue U.S. Government Over Denied Visas
The recent lawsuit filed by 70 F-1 students from India against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over denied visas highlights a growing concern within the immigration community. This situation brings to light the complicated interplay between governmental regulations, the rights of visa applicants, and the responsibility of employers, particularly in the Optional Practical…
Read MoreB in Lieu of H: Who can Benefit from it
In the multifaceted world of U.S. immigration, navigating visa categories and their unique requirements can be a daunting task. Among the various options, the concept of a B visa in lieu of an H-1B visa has emerged as a popular alternative. But what exactly does this entail, and who can benefit from it? In this…
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