As we celebrate this great country on the 4th of July, may we remember our blessings of living in a free country where we are all created equal. Warm wishes to you and yours on this Fourth of July! In observance of the Independence Day holiday our offices will be…
Visa Lawyer Blog
New ICE Change of Address Tool for Noncitizens Awaiting Immigrant Court Proceedings
We are happy to inform our readers that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a new online change of address form for noncitizens. What is the online change of address form? This new form gives noncitizens the option to update their information online instead of having to do…
All About the EB-3 Retrogression for India in the July Visa Bulletin
Readers of the July Visa Bulletin may have been surprised to learn that the final action date for the employment-based third preference category for nationals of India retrogressed by more than 3 years and 5 months from June 15, 2012 (in the June Visa Bulletin) to January 1, 2009 (in…
USCIS Announces Expansion of Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
The news you have been waiting for is finally here. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. For the…
Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases Effective June 17, 2023
Certain types of nonimmigrants will be expected to shell out more money for the nonimmigrant visa process. The State Department has announced that starting June 17, 2023, nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application processing fees for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs), and other non-petition based nonimmigrant visas such…
July Visa Bulletin: Big Advancements for Family Sponsored Categories, and EB-3 Retrogressions
It’s that time of the month again. Time to share the latest trends and projections of the July Visa Bulletin! To help you prepare for your upcoming immigrant visa or green card filing, in this blog post, we share what you can expect to see in the upcoming month’s visa bulletin…
Department of State Vows to Decrease Administrative Processing, but is it an Empty Promise?
The Department of State raised eyebrows earlier this month when it released information that it will be reducing the waiting period for 221(G) “administrative processing,” in an effort to process visas more efficiently. While this is welcome news, in practice it may not mean much. Consulates and Embassies have been…
Important Announcements for F or M International Students and Increases in Fees Starting May 30, 2023
In this blog post, we alert our readers to a new broadcast message issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) provided updated guidance explaining that Consular officers have the authority to issue F or M student visas for up to…
All About the June 2023 Visa Bulletin
In this blog post we share with you the latest trends and projections of the June Visa Bulletin, and updates on visa availability for family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories. To help you prepare for your upcoming immigrant visa or green card filing, we share what you can expect to see…
This Week in Immigration: CBP Releases Update ending COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for International Travelers, New CDC Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Civil Surgeons Completing Form I-693 Immigration Medical Examination
CBP No Longer Requires Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers from Any Country starting today May 12, 2023 The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now joins the State Department and Department of Homeland Security in announcing the end of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for international travelers starting…