END OF COVID-19 I-9 FLEXIBILITIES

The I-9 Employment Verification ProcessU.S. employers are required to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals they hire using the Form I-9:• After being offered the job, on or before the first day of employment, the employee must complete Part 1 of Form I-9.• Within three business days of the start of employment, the… Continue reading END OF COVID-19 I-9 FLEXIBILITIES

Premium Processing for OPT

Not to be too cynical but, whenever the USCIS fails to deliver services and benefits for which immigrants are entitled in a timely and efficient manner, they create a premium processing option at a sizable cost to the applicant. For a mere $2500, students entitled to certain types of OPT may now have their applications… Continue reading Premium Processing for OPT

Premium Processing Expands

As of January 30, 2023 I-140 EB1 petitions filed for multi-national execs and managers and I-140 EB2 petitions filed under he NIW category may be upgraded or initially filed requesting premium processing. The filing fee is $2500 and the timing for an adjudicatory action is 45 days. Further expansion to other types of applications is… Continue reading Premium Processing Expands

Filing Fee Increases ?

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 ?

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