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Posted By
Akula & Associates P.C.
USCIS is updating its guidance to increase the maximum validity period to 5 years for initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for certain noncitizens who are employment authorized incident to status or circumstance, including those admitted as refugees, paroled as refugees, and granted asylum, as well as recipients of withholding of removal. USCIS is also increasing the ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
USCIS announced that it is exempting the biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Beginning October 1, 2023, USCIS will exempt the $85 biometric services fee as part of the application process for Form I-539. You do not need to pay the fee if your application is postmarked Oct. 1 or later. However, if you file Form I-539 prior to Oct. 1, certain ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students to remove language requiring wet signatures. Students and employers may continue to physically sign the Form I-983 or input their own electronic signatures. SEVP accepts electronic signatures in the following formats: Electronic signature using software programs or applications and ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
Immigrating to the United States as a spouse of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident is an important step toward building a life together. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be eligible for an adjustment of status , which allows you to change your immigration status and become a lawful permanent resident. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process, eligibility ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
USCIS has launched a new online form for individuals, attorneys, and accredited representatives to request an in-person appointment at their local field office without having to call the USCIS Contact Center. This online appointment request form allows individuals or legal representatives to request an in-person appointment at a field office only, for ADIT stamps, Emergency Advance Parole, ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
Are you planning to apply for an adjustment of status in the United States? If so, it's crucial to understand the significance of proper documentation throughout the application process. Submitting complete and accurate paperwork can make a world of difference in the outcome of your application and ensure a smooth transition toward permanent residency. Understanding the Adjustment of Status ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
On July 27, 2023, USCIS announced that it will conduct a second random selection from previously submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 H-1B cap, including beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exception. Only those petitioners with selected registrations for FY 2024 are eligible to file H-1B cap-subject petitions. The initial filing period for those with ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
On June 28, USCIS launched a new self-service tool allowing benefit requestors, and their attorneys and accredited representatives, to reschedule most biometric services appointments before the date of the appointment. Previously, benefit requestors and accredited representatives could only request to reschedule a biometric services appointment by calling the USCIS Contact Center. With this new ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
For immigrants seeking to obtain permanent residency in the United States, Adjustment of Status (AOS) is a common option. AOS is the process of applying for permanent resident status while one is already in the United States. However, this process can be lengthy, and it is important to understand the timeline for AOS. Filing the Application The first step in the AOS process is filing form I-485 ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
If you are an immigrant in the United States looking to obtain a green card, you may have heard about two different ways of doing so: Adjustment of Status (AOS) and Consular Processing (CP). Both methods ultimately lead to obtaining a green card, but there are significant differences between the two. In this blog post, we will break down the differences between AOS and CP and help you decide which ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
In today's globalized economy, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity in the workplace and the value of having a global workforce. By hiring foreign workers , companies can tap into an extensive pool of talent, boost innovation, and create a more inclusive work environment. This blog post will explore the advantages of employing a diverse workforce, including access to ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
USCIS announced the expansion of premium processing for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. These applicants will be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service , online or via paper form. The premium processing expansion for these ...
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Akula & Associates P.C.
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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Akula & Associates P.C.
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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Akula & Associates P.C.
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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