On October 24, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released guidance clarifying aspects of the two-year foreign residency requirement for certain J-1 visa holders. The policy update provides guidance on how the USCIS determines whether an individual has met the foreign residency requirement...
Answer The H1B prevailing wage requirements generally do not go into effect until the H1B petition is approved. So, this typically would not create any issues. (08.Nov.2023)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...
While foreign nationals are typically mindful about confirming the permissibility of international travel prior to boarding a plane, an individual may be less mindful about another, less common form of travel – international cruises. However, like air travel, a foreign national should understand the nature...
On October 12, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) launched the new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool for an individual to notify the USCIS of a change in address. The tool is intended to improve the speed and efficiency of updating...
Beginning October 1, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will exempt all I-539 applicants from paying the $85 biometrics service fee. This exemption will apply indefinitely. Background Information In 2019, the USCIS implemented a policy that required most form I-539 applicants to complete biometrics screening...
Answer If you do not take care of your biometrics appointment, your case eventually will be denied. Fortunately, you may be able to reschedule. Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283, be prepared to provide evidence of the emergency, and hopefully they will exercise discretion and...
On September 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of States (DOS) issued a reminder to visa applicants that all machine-readable visa fee receipts issued prior to October 1, 2022, will expire on September 30, 2023, unless immediate action is taken. If an affected individual does not...
Are you seeking to pursue higher education in the United States as an F-1 student? This Special Podcast, produced in association with Telugu Association of North America (TANA), is tailored just for you. Join our team of experienced immigration lawyers as they delve into the...
Answer In the preamble to the regulation that created the 24-month STEM OPT program, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) laid out the rule regarding travel while a STEM OPT extension is pending: "Students on STEM OPT extensions (including those whose application for a STEM OPT extension...
Answer Generally speaking, one of the requirements for OPT eligibility is that the individual must have been enrolled in a college or university on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. The USCIS has clarified that, for pre-completion OPT, the one-full-academic-year requirement does...
