Guide to Social Security Numbers (SSN) for Foreign Nationals in the United States

Obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is a critical step for foreign nationals authorized to work in the U.S., as it serves as an essential identifier for income reporting, tax filing, and other federal processes. This guide provides an overview of how foreign nationals can apply for an SSN, work while awaiting issuance, and upgrade…

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Volunteering While on a Non-Immigrant Status: What You Need to Know

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration laws can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding what activities are permissible under a non-immigrant status. One common question we receive at Sharma Law Offices, LLC, is whether individuals on non-immigrant visas, which do not allow work authorization, can engage in volunteer activities. Understanding the U.S. Department…

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How to Schedule an Emergency Advance Parole

Navigating the intricacies of U.S. immigration laws and regulations can be daunting, especially when it comes to traveling outside of the United States for those who are not yet U.S. citizens but are in the process of adjusting their status. One key tool in this process is the Advance Parole document, which allows individuals who…

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Immigration document requirements for non-US citizens in the U.S

In the United States, immigration laws mandate that all non-U.S. citizens carry proof of their legal status. This requirement, rooted in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), emphasizes the importance of having immediate access to documentation that verifies one’s right to be in the U.S. Whether you are a visitor, a student, or a permanent…

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Filing H-4, E-3D, & TD Extensions

In the complex world of U.S. immigration, staying compliant with visa regulations is paramount for non-citizens working in the country. This is especially true for individuals holding H-1B, E-3, or TN visas and their dependents on H-4, E-3D, or TD visas, respectively. Understanding these visa categories and the importance of maintaining valid dependent status is…

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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,…

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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…

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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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Proposed 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…

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