The USCIS is devoting a lot of resources to adjudicate as many employment based I-485 cases as possible this fiscal year. They have recently published an FAQ to provide suggestions for applicants with pending I-485 cases to insure that they are timely adjudicated. These hints include: not filing a new I-485, not mailing medical exams… Continue reading Get Your GC This Year !
Author: Mike Hammond
July Visa Bulletin
The Department of State (DOS) has released the July Visa Bulletin and very little changed. On the Final Action Date chart, EB2 for India moved forward 2 mos. and for China 1 mo. All other categories stayed the same. There was limited movement in the Dates for Filing chart but, the USCIS is not honoring… Continue reading July Visa Bulletin
Help for Age-Out Children?
As immigration backlogs grow and the competition for talent increases, there is a growing coalition of technology companies and others such as AILA and the US Chamber of Commerce who are advocating on behalf of children turning 21 and and ageing out of their parent’s green card applications. A letter was recently sent to the… Continue reading Help for Age-Out Children?
H-1b End Client Letters leading to an Indictment !
Remember when every H-1b working for a staffing company required an end client letter ? Recall how difficult it was to obtain them and remember hearing anecdotes about certain companies being “creative” in obtaining them ? In at least one instance, a Federal Indictment has been issued and charges have been brought alleging the preparation… Continue reading H-1b End Client Letters leading to an Indictment !
Premium Processing for EB1 and EB2 I-140’s ! Kinda !
The USCIS recently announced that it will accept premium processing requests for certain EB1 and EB2 I-140’s but, only if they were filed prior to selected dates. Please read the announcement carefully to determine if you may qualify. We expect further announcements regarding the expansion of premium processing for other filings as the year continues.
June Visa Bulletin
The Department of State (DOS) has released the June Visa bulletin and the news was disappointing for most with retrogressed dates. The Dates for Filing chart did NOT move forward. The Final Action Dates chart only moved forward for India EB2; but, it moved forward a full year to Sept 1, 2014. There had been… Continue reading June Visa Bulletin
Great News for EAD Renewals !
The USCIS has issued a Temporary Final Rule that extends the automatic renewal time period for EAD renewals from 180 days to 540 days. This new rule, which takes effect on May 4, 2022 applies to all classes of EAD cards that are currently entitled to an automatic extension. The current list can be found… Continue reading Great News for EAD Renewals !
TPS Announced for Ukraine and Sudan
The DHS has officially announced the designation of Ukraine and Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) This will allow persons covered to have work authorizations for up to 18 months without the need for corporate sponsorship.
May Visa Bulletin
The Department of State (DOS) has released the May Visa Bulletin with very little movement and a warning. The Final Action Date chart showed forward movement for India EB2 of approximately 2 months but, no other retrogressed category moved. The Dates For Filing chart also remained unchanged except for India EB2 which moved forward 3… Continue reading May Visa Bulletin
I-485 Cases Transferred
As of April 4, 2022, it has been reported that pending I-485 applications at both the NSC and TSC have been transferred to the National Benefits Center so they may have faster processing. The USCIS has taken a number of steps to speed up the processing of I-485 applications with current priority dates (under the… Continue reading I-485 Cases Transferred
More Premium Processing Coming Soon ?
A Final Rule has been released which will authorize the USCIS to expand premium processing to I-539, I-765, and more classes of I-140 applicants. There is no effective date nor further details but, this publication in the Federal Register is a necessary step for these actions to take place.