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News & EventsSeptember 2018 Visa Bulletin Issued
The Department of State (DOS) has issued its September 2018 Visa Bulletin. Most notably, there continues to be no advancement for the priority dates for EB-1 for China and India. While there were slight advancements for the remained of EB-1 priority dates, the EB-2...
USCIS Extends and Expands Suspension of H-1B Premium Processing
In March 2018, the United States and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a temporary suspension of premium processing for H-1B petitions that are subject to the H-1B CAP. On August 28, 2018, USCIS announced an extension of the temporary suspension and expanded it...
USCIS Issues Revised Final Policy Memorandum for Unlawful Presence
On August 9, 2018, the United States and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised final policy memorandum related to unlawful presence. Effective August 9, 2018, nonimmigrants with F (student) and M (vocational student) visas who fall out of status and file in...
USCIS Updating Information on STEM OPT
The United States and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of their website in order to provide important clarifications. Specifically, students and employers will be required to report...
Prudential Revocation of Nonimmigrant Visas
In accordance with The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 and its amendments, the Secretary of State has the authority to revoke a visa at any time. The State Department (DOS) has revoked visas based on receipt of derogatory information, such as an arrest (i.e.,...
USCIS Postpones Implementation of Guidance on Notices to Appear
Previously, our office reported that the United States and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided new guidance on June 28, 2018 regarding issuances of Notices to Appear (NTA). Specifically, this new guidance stated that USCIS officers would issue NTAs for a wider range...
August 2018 Visa Bulletin Issued
The Department of State (DOS) has issued its August 2018 Visa Bulletin. Most notably, there continues to be no advancement for the priority dates for EB-1 for China and India and significant retrogression for EB-1 for all El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico,...
New Guidance for No Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny
On July 13, 2018, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided a new policy memorandum. According to this new guidance, effective September 11, 2018, USCIS adjudicators will have full discretion to deny applications, petitions, and requests...
Notices to Appear and Harsh Consequences Possible for H and L Holders
According to a recent new guidance regarding issuances of Notices to Appear (NTA), USCIS will greatly expand its mandate for issuing NTAs without first consulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). USCIS officers will now issue NTAs and thereby place...
USCIS Issues New Guidance on Notices to Appear
On June 28, 2018, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided new guidance regarding issuances of Notices to Appear (NTA). This new guidance states that USCIS officers will now issues NTAs for a wider range of cases where the individual is...