Naturalization Following the Passing of your U.S. citizen spouse
In the face of a terrible tragedy, foreign national spouses can face even more hardship after their U.S. citizen husband or wife passes. Typically, foreign nationals who are green card holders through their U.S. citizen (USC) spouse have the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship following a period of three years in the U.S. Unfortunately,…
Read MoreFee for Premium Processing Rises (DHS & USCIS)
Premium processing will now cost nearly $1,500. A service that significantly shortens the wait period for immigration benefits, premium processing allows applicants an opportunity to receive a decision from the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) within 15 calendar days. Thus, premium processing permits petitioners to know whether their application is approved, denied, or…
Read MorePremium Processing Suspended: USCIS Delays
On August 28th, the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) issued a notice of further suspension to premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions while expanding the premium processing suspension for additional H-1B petitions. The new suspension took effect on September 11, 2018. Impacts The suspension of premium processing continues to impact H-1B petitions filed at…
Read MoreTPS Re-Registration Period Open for Somalis
Unlike many beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Somalis will have an opportunity to maintain their protected status until 2020. USCIS announced an 18-month extension period of TPS benefits for Somalis ending on March 17, 2020. Re-Registration Applicants who wish to re-register for TPS must submit a Form I-821 before October 26thof this year. Beneficiaries…
Read MoreUSCIS Permits Negative Consultation Letters from Labor Unions: O-Visa
In a recent decision, USCIS will now accept copies of negative consultation letters directly from labor unions in regards to a current or future O visa petition request. Now, labor unions will have the opportunity to speak against potential O-Visa beneficiaries without interference. O- Visa Program The O-1 Visa benefits individuals with extraordinary ability or…
Read MoreCBP Issues Travel Reminder: Departure Date
This year, the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a new electronic reminder system for foreign national travelers. The new emailing system sends reminders to travelers about the period of time remaining for their particular travel visa. Not only does the email reminder system help travelers keep track of their period of stay,…
Read MoreOPT Extensions for STEM: New Worksite Changes
On August 17th, USCIS updated guidelines for OPT STEM extensions. The student visa program allows international students the opportunity to gain practical training. For F-1 student’s with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math, extensions are available to receive temporary employment privileges by an additional duration of 24 months. To qualify, applicants must have a…
Read MoreMajor USCIS Changes: Update on RFE & NOID
On September 11, 2018, the United States Customs and Immigration Service will adopt new guidelines for the issuance of Request for Evidence (RFE) and Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). Through no change to the laws of legal immigration, these new guidelines present one of the greatest threats to legal immigration in recent history. Overview of…
Read MoreUncertain Future for Spouse EAD (H-4)
The H-4 EAD program allows certain dependents of H-1B highly skilled nonimmigrant workers the opportunity to apply for employment benefits. The work program is administrated by the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, the program is under threat by both a federal court…
Read MoreDenaturalization in the Face of Criminal Charges
As previously reported, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) started a collaborative effort to find cases of fraud or misrepresentation in applications for naturalization. Already, this joint effort succeeded in denaturalizing several citizens who misrepresented themselves on their applications. Recently, naturalized citizens, who did not misrepresent themselves on their…
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