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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Delayed Medicals Impact on Immigrant Visa at the USCON in Sydney, Australia

For those dreaming of living in the United States, navigating the immigrant visa process can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. While you’re eagerly waiting to start your new life, even the smallest hiccup can set you back, causing delays and endless stress. One such hiccup many applicants overlook is the significance of timely medical exam…

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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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L-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…

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Citizens of Israel Can Now Travel to the U.S. Visa-Free

Today marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Israel relations as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces visa-free travel for eligible Israeli citizens and nationals. Beginning October 19, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to apply for permission through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Israel Joins…

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Visa 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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State Department Announces Delay in Domestic Visa Renewal for H & L Visas

The U.S. State Department has recently confirmed plans to initiate a pilot program for domestic visa renewal for qualified H & L visa applicants. Initially flagged in early 2023, the announcement offers promising developments that could benefit both foreign workers and U.S. employers. This blog post will delve into what this means for H-1B and…

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USCIS 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…

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E-3 Visa Extensions and Change of Employer

The U.S. immigration system is a tapestry of rules and regulations, and when it comes to the E-3 visa – a visa category exclusively for Australians working in specialty occupations – there are nuances that potential applicants and their employers should be aware of especially when it comes to extensions or change of employer. One…

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