The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented significant regulatory updates to modernize, clarify, and enhance the H-1B visa program and related employment-based nonimmigrant classifications. These updates provide greater clarity, improve program integrity, and offer additional benefits and flexibilities. Below,…
Background The recent Supreme Court decision in Department of State v. Muñoz represents a significant missed opportunity to advance the principles of a “living constitution,” one that evolves with societal changes and values. Instead, the Court’s ruling perpetuates outdated and discriminatory policies…
On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a new policy aimed at assisting DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants who have graduated from U.S. colleges. This policy introduces a streamlined process for obtaining employment-based nonimmigrant visas, significantly improving access to legal…
On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a major new policy aimed at assisting long-time undocumented immigrants, specifically focusing on spouses of U.S. citizens. This policy introduces a new process called “parole in place,” which is designed to help keep…
Changes to USCIS Filing Fees In early 2024, USCIS changed the filing fees for certain immigration and naturalization forms and also released new versions of several forms. According to USCIS, the new fees will help to cover more of its…
On December 20, 2024, DOS announced a pilot program for renewing certain nonimmigrant visas within the United States, starting on January 29, 2024, and concluding on April 1, 2024. This program aims to test and improve the process for renewing…
The October 2023 visa bulletin is out and it shows EB3 Final action dates have moved by three years from 1st January 2009 in September 2023, to 1st May 2012 in the October 2023 Visa bulletin. EB2 Final action dates…
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, will also be…
As part of the agreement to settle the Edakunni class action lawsuit challenging H-4 and L-2 adjudication delays, on January 20, 2023, USCIS agreed to resume bundling the adjudication of Form I-539 and Form I-765 for the spouses and minor children of H-1B and…
How long can I remain in H-1b Status? A person can normally only remain in H-1B status for six (6) years. Time spent in L status counts towards the six years. If a person spends less than six months a…
