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2023

Blog Posts in 2023

  • Updated Guidance on F-1 Visa Issuance

    In February 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) provided updated guidance that consular officers can now issue an F or M student visa up to 365 days in advance of an international student’s program start date. This new guidance does not change the requirement for issuing Forms I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information ...
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  • Can an H-2B Visa Lead to a Green Card?

    The H-2B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign workers to come to the United States to perform temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work for up to one year. Despite being on a temporary visa, many H-2B visa holders dream of obtaining permanent residency in the United States or a green card. The H-2B visa cannot lead to a green card directly, but it can be a pathway to obtain one ...
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  • FY 2024 H-1B Initial Registration Period Updates

    As previously announced, USCIS received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap, including the advanced degree exemption also known as the master’s cap. FY 2024 H-1B Registration Overview During the registration period for the FY 2024 H-1B cap, USCIS saw a significant increase in the number of registrations submitted compared to ...
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  • USCIS Extends Temporary Suspension of Biometrics Submission for Certain Form I-539 Applicants

    USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status . The previously announced suspension, which was initially in place until May 17, 2023, has been extended through September 30, ...
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  • New Procedure for Obtaining ADIT Stamp

    New Procedure for Obtaining ADIT Stamp USCIS recently announced a new procedure to obtain an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp, which constitute temporary evidence of permanent residence, typically issued while Form I-90, I-751, or N-400 applications are pending. Under the new procedure, USCIS will mail temporary evidence of permanent residence to those who ...
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  • USCIS Removes 60-Day Rule for Form I-693

    USCIS recently issued a guidance on the permanent removal requirement that the civil surgeon’s signature on the Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (Form I-693) be dated no more than 60 days before an applicant file for the underlying immigration benefit. USCIS is now removing this requirement permanently. In general, noncitizens applying for certain immigration ...
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  • 5 Requirements Needed to Obtain an H-2B Visa

    If you seek seasonal employment in the United States, you might be interested in obtaining an H-2B visa . This visa allows you to work in the U.S. for up to nine months and is a great opportunity to earn money while experiencing American culture. However, applying for an H-2B visa can be complex, and you must meet some requirements to be eligible. This blog post will discuss the five top ...
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  • What Are H-2B Visas: What Employers Need to Know

    In today's fast-paced world, it is common for businesses to hire foreign workers. Whether you're trying to find a skilled worker or fill a temporary position, the H-2B visa program can make this possible. H-2B visas are temporary, non-immigrant visas that allow businesses to bring foreign workers to the United States. In this blog, we will discuss what the H-2B visa program is, who is eligible for ...
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  • USCIS Announces Premium Processing; New Online-Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions

    USCIS has announced the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , and wish to request a premium processing upgrade. Online filing of Form I-907, Request for Premium ...
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  • Can You Work Multiple Jobs in the United States on an H-1B Visa?

    For many foreign nationals, the prospect of living and working in the United States is a dream come true. If you’re looking into obtaining an H-1B visa but are considering working multiple jobs, there are certain restrictions you must know. Knowing these rules can help determine if having multiple jobs is a viable option. Can I Work Multiple Jobs on an H-1B Visa? The H-1B visa is designed to allow ...
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  • USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation for Certain Adjustment of Status Applicants

    USCIS has issued guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update when an immigrant visa number “becomes available” for the purpose of calculating a noncitizen’s age in certain situations under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). For a child to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the United States based on their parent’s approved petition for a family-sponsored or employment-based visa, ...
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  • State Department Plans Pilot Program For Visa Renewals in the United States

    The Department of State (“DOS”) plans to launch a pilot program later this year that will offer visa renewals of H-1B specialty occupation workers and other temporary visa holders who are currently required to travel abroad. Specifically, the initial option will be available to H and L visa holders and there are plans to eventually expand the visa categories. Juliet Stufft, the deputy assistant ...
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  • What Happens If You Get Laid Off on H-1B?

    Many H-1B visa holders have found themselves out of a job with the massive tech company layoffs. But what happens when an H-1B visa holder loses their job? The answer lies in understanding the implications and legalities of the H-1B visa. H-1B Visas & Layoffs The H-1B visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant work visa that allows foreign citizens to live and work in the United States for up to six years. ...
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  • USCIS Redesigns Green Card and Employment Authorization Document

    USCIS announced today new designs to improve security of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). USCIS will begin issuing the redesigned cards on January 30, 2023. The new Green Card and EAD designs contain state-of-the-art technology that continue to safeguard national security and improve service for our customers. Changes include ...
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  • FY 2024 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

    Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using our online H-1B registration system. Prospective H-1B ...
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