When an H1B visa foil (commonly referred to as a visa 'stamp') is issued, the consular officer typically annotates the visa with the petition number and expiration date of the I-797 approval notice presented at the U.S. consular post abroad. At the time of admission...
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...
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...
For many, the close of each calendar year brings with it holidays and good cheer. For some, however, there looms the possibility of layoffs as employers assess their needs for the coming year. This is now true in the tech industry and its many H1B...
Mr. Don Heflin, the Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in India, recently conducted a question-and-answer session to update the public on the state of visa appointments at U.S. consulates in India. Staffing Levels Mr. Heflin noted that staffing levels at the consulates have...
Under U.S. immigration law, if a foreign national applies for a nonimmigrant visa or for admission to the United States as a nonimmigrant, the application often can only be approved if the individual can demonstrate a lack of immigrant intent. There are a few notable...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that the response time flexibility, initially announced on March 20, 2020, is being extended. This extension applies to qualifying USCIS requests issued through January 24, 2023. Response Time Flexibility The USCIS has extended the response time flexibility for...
A foreign national may be found to be inadmissible (i.e., ineligible to enter the United States, adjust status from within the U.S., or apply for certain other immigration benefits) for a variety of reasons. Some categories of inadmissibility result in a permanent bar to the...
On August 10, 2022, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) shared a briefing where Ms. Julie M. Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, discussed the status of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates around...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced two accommodations being made related to the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the USCIS again has extended the response time flexibility, initially announced on March 20, 2020. Second, the USCIS has made permanent the policy that allows all...
