ImmigrationBlog Posts
USCIS Announces Extension of Validity of Certain Green CardsUSCIS is extending the validity of conditional permanent residence cards, or green cards, for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date. The move is in response to the long processing delays for those filing petitions to remove conditions on residence – the Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence for certain individuals who gained... Continue ReadingFebruary 3, 2023 |
H-1B Cap Season for Fiscal Year 2024 Is Fast ApproachingThe H-1B cap season for Fiscal Year 2024 is fast approaching. USCIS announced on January 27th that cap registration begins on March 1st. Employers should assess their hiring needs and determine if they will sponsor foreign workers for H-1B classification this year. Now is the time to begin preparing. The H-1B visa category is for foreign... Continue ReadingJanuary 27, 2023 |
Temporary Protected Status Extended for HaitiThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti will be extended and redesignated for 18 months from February 4, 2023, until August 3, 2024. TPS for Haiti had been extended five times, until January 22, 2018, due to economic, security, political, health care, and humanitarian crises. DHS announced... Continue ReadingJanuary 26, 2023 |
USCIS Returns to Concurrent Processing of Nonimmigrant Primary and Dependent Applicants’ FormsIn a settlement agreement signed on January 19, 2023, USCIS agreed to “bundle” the adjudication of dependent applicants’ Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with the primary applicant’s Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) if the forms are filed together as one package. Stemming from a settlement... Continue ReadingJanuary 24, 2023 |
Humanitarian Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans with SponsorshipAs of January 6, 2023, Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans and their immediate family members may be eligible for safe passage into the United States for up to two years as parolees if they have a financial supporter. This program is like the Uniting for Ukraine program. Organizations, including companies, can provide the financial support... Continue ReadingJanuary 19, 2023 |
As J-1 Host Organizations, Businesses Can Hire Qualified Foreign STEM Students, GraduatesThe Biden-Harris Administration has taken steps to enhance the ability of U.S. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) businesses to hire qualified foreign students and graduates as exchange visitors. Interested STEM businesses could become Host Organizations for J-1 Visa Exchange Visitors. In a statement released by the White House, STEM talent is identified as “critical... Continue ReadingJanuary 6, 2023 |
USCIS Proposes Fee IncreasesHoping to recover some of its operating costs, reduce backlogs, and reestablish timely case processing, USCIS is proposing to adjust its fees for the first time since 2016. The proposed rule is predicted to generate close to an additional $2 billion per year, on average, for USCIS by keeping humanitarian case fees low and adding... Continue ReadingJanuary 5, 2023 |
Yemeni TPS Extended AgainThe Department of Homeland Security announced the redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and its extension from March 4, 2023, through Sept. 3, 2024. Individuals who have not previously held Yemeni TPS will have to show that they have continuously resided in the United States since Dec. 29, 2022, to be eligible to... Continue ReadingJanuary 4, 2023 |
COVID-19 Restrictions Return for Travelers from China, Hong Kong, MacauStarting on Jan. 5, 2023, COVID-19 travel restrictions are back for those travelling to the United States from China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Individuals will have to show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or of recovery from COVID-19. Restrictions will apply to everyone over the age of 2 boarding a flight from China, Hong... Continue ReadingJanuary 4, 2023 |
Update: Ethiopia Designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)Ethiopia has been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months beginning on December 12, 2022 and extending until June 12, 2024. Only Ethiopians already residing in the United States as of October 20, 2022, who can also demonstrate continuous physical presence since December 12, 2022, will be eligible to register. Eligible applicants will... Continue ReadingDecember 22, 2022 |