Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or the creation of any attorney and client relationship. Legal advice must be obtained for specific questions from your immigration lawyer after formal engagement. On Tuesday,...
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EB-5 Regional Center Program Extended for Five Years!
As of the evening of March 10, 2022, the very important appropriations bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. At the time of writing this article, we are still waiting for President Biden to sign the bill. He is expected to sign it. Included in...
USCIS Guidance on O-1 Applicants Working in the Arts / Motion Picture & Television
USCIS has issued a Policy Alert and updated the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify how USCIS determines whether an O-1B Applicant is evaluated as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts (O-1B Arts) or as a person of extraordinary achievement in the motion...
Immigration News: USCIS Conducts 3rd Round of H-1B Lottery Selection for FY 2022 Cap Registrations
On November 19, 2021, USCIS announced that it had just completed a third round of H-1B visa lottery selection for Fiscal Year 2022 H-1B Cap Registrants. This is the first time since the new online H-1B registration system started that a third round of selection...
Immigration News & Policy Alert: Direct EB-5 Current for All Countries, Including China, in December 2021 Visa Bulletin
On November 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released its December 2021 visa bulletin. While visas continue to be unavailable (or “U”) for regional center-based EB-5 investors, visas associated with the Direct EB-5 Program are available or “current”...
Immigration News: Changes to Work Permits for E, H-4, and L-2 Visa Spouses
As a result of settling the Shergill et al, v. Mayorkas case against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there are critical updates to the process of obtaining work permits for E, H-4, and L-2 spouses. With these changes effective immediately, E-1...
U.S. Establishes Procedures for Hong Kong Residents Covered by Deferred Enforced Departure to Apply for Employment Authorization
On August 5, 2021, President Biden issued a Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) memorandum directing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to defer for 18 months the removal of certain Hong Kong residents who are present in the United States and have...
Starting 11/8/2021: New COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Requirements for Travel to the USA
Effective November 8, 2021, all travelers to the United States by air must attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status and undergo testing. All foreign nationals who are not immigrating to the US must be fully vaccinated. This includes all non-immigrant visa holders....
Croatia Designated as a New Participant in Visa Waiver Program & ESTA
On September 28, 2021, the US government designated Croatia as a new participant in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This development will allow Croatian citizens to be eligible to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program, starting no...
Immigration News: COVID-19 Vaccination Required for All Green Card Applicants Starting 10/1/2021
On September 14, 2021, USCIS publicly announced the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all green card applicants: Starting on October 1, 2021, all applicants who apply for a green card will need to be fully-vaccinated for COVID-19 in order to successfully complete...