The USCIS has published a proposed rule that would increase filing fees for most immigration filings. The fee increases are huge with the L petition cost going up by over 200% and the H-1b over 70%. I-485 filings would double from $1225 to $2820 and H-1b registrations form $10 to $215. The new fees will… Continue reading Filing Fee Increases ?
Category: Government Agency Actions – USCIS, ICE, etc.
Visa Interview Waivers Extended
The Department of State ( DOS), has extended until December 31, 2023, the previously approved policy allowing consular officers to waive the in-person interview for certain visa applicants which include H-1, H-4, L, O, and P among others, who meet certain conditions, including that they are applying for a visa in their country of nationality… Continue reading Visa Interview Waivers Extended
Public Charge Rule Goes into Effect
The USCIS has announced that its public charge rule will go into effect on Dec 23, 2022. This has the practical result of requiring all I-485 applications in process but, not yet filed to be re-done to use the new I-485 form version that was just released. For employment based applicants, there should be little… Continue reading Public Charge Rule Goes into Effect
USCIS Progress Report
The USCIS recently released its Fiscal year 2022 Progress Report touting the agencies accomplishments and grand plans for the future. Read a bit of sarcasm into the sentence above.
DOL Processing Delays
In response to inquiries from AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) regarding the ever lengthening processing delays for PWD’s (prevailing wage determinations), the DOL provided several reasons including: higher volume, impact of increased filings for H-2b cases, and the implementation of the new SOC codes which went into effect on July 1st. With respect to the… Continue reading DOL Processing Delays
COVID Relief Again !
The USCIS has again extended the 60 day additional time to respond to certain USCIS notices dated through Jan 24, 2023. The additional times includes such common notices as RFE’s, NOID’s, and NOIR’s among others.
EAD Expedite for Healthcare Workers
Great news for healthcare workers ! The USCIS has updated its policy for expediting the issuance of EAD cards for healthcare workers and is now including initial requests in addition to renewals. Please see the updated policy here. If you have a pending EAD card and you are a healthcare worker, reach out to your… Continue reading EAD Expedite for Healthcare Workers
Green Card Expiring ?
The USCIS recently announced that they will extend the validity of expiring green cards to 24 mos. from 12 mos. when a person has filed an I-90 to renew. This extension is due to major processing delays in the processing of green card renewals.
Premium Processing News
The USCIS has announced a further expansion of premium processing for certain EB1 and EB2 NIW petitions already filed and pending. Check the date of your filing to see if you are now eligible to be upgraded.
Improvements to PERM ?
The DOL recently announced a $7.2 million dollar investment to improve the PERM system. The improvements focus on the areas of cybersecurity and technology upgrades. Many of us would love to see some automation, particularly in the area of Prevailing Wage Determinations (PWDs) Why should it take 7 months to determine the correct occupation for… Continue reading Improvements to PERM ?
USCIS Extends 60 Day COVID Rule Again
The USCIS has recently announced that it has extended the 60 day grace period for responding to RFE’s, NOIR’s, NOID’s and other filings if the request/action is issued prior to Oct. 23, 2022.