L-1 Visa
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 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 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 MoreL-1 for sole proprietorship: USCIS updates it policy
The L-1 nonimmigrant visa classification is an essential instrument for multinational companies that need to temporarily transfer employees from foreign offices to U.S. locations. This visa classification allows managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge staff to come to the U.S. temporarily for work purposes. However, not all entities can petition for the L-1 visa, and the…
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 MoreDHS 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…
Read MoreUSCIS Extends Temporary Suspension of Biometrics for certain Nonimmigrants
The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or a change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. The suspension was originally set to expire on…
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