Congress created the R-1 visa classification to allow religious organizations to bring different categories of religious workers from affiliated religious organizations overseas to staff organizations in the United States for a temporary period. A basic overview of the R-1 nonimmigrant visa category is provided here...
This afternoon, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the H1B registration period for fiscal year 2024 (FY24) will start at noon Eastern Time (ET) on March 1, 2023, and end at noon ET on March 17, 2023. Background on Registration Process In order to...
A layoff can present significant challenges for any worker. But, for foreign nationals, a layoff can present an additional layer of difficulties. These FAQs are designed to provide general information regarding some of the more common issues that arise following layoffs for foreign nationals with...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has entered into a settlement agreement, whereas the agency has agreed to bundle an application to extend or change to H-4 or L-2 status and, if applicable, an employment authorization document (EAD) application, if the application/s are filed...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the premium processing service soon will be made available for all new and pending I-140 petitions filed under the EB1(c) multinational executive and manager category and EB2 national interest waiver (NIW) I-140 petitions. The USCIS...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the February 2023 Visa Bulletin. There is almost no movement in the employment-based categories from the previous month. All cutoff dates listed refer to those in the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified. Visa Bulletin...
Many foreign nationals who are hoping to become lawful permanent residents (LPRs) face extended backlogs in visa number availability. Since visa number backlogs vary enormously by the country against which an applicant is counted or "charged," it is important to understand the options for favorable...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be conducting a nationwide trial of updates to the naturalization test. The trial will include changes to the English-speaking and civics portions of the test, while leaving the reading and writing portions unchanged. Goal of Improving Naturalization Process This...
Many aspects of immigration law are tied to expiration dates, grace periods, filing deadlines, and other date-driven matters. So, it is vitally important to keep informed and on top of calendar items and timelines specific to one’s immigration process. Many serious problems can be avoided...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy manual so that a receipt for an application for naturalization (form N-400) now also will provide a 24-month extension of the applicant's "green card" (I-551). Prior to this change, if an N-400 applicant wished...
