This evening, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule that, if finalized, would end the random selection process used in the current H1B lottery system, and replace it with one that prioritizes H1B registrations based on wage-levels. If this rule is...
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) reports that the November 2020 Visa Bulletin is still awaiting clearance at the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Per AILA, the delay is the result of some sort of dispute regarding language in the visa bulletin, but that the...
On October 21, 2020, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced that the agency had arrested 15 students in F-1 status with approved optional practical training (OPT), who allegedly committed fraud by reporting employment with "companies that don't exist."In addition, ICE reportedly intends to...
Answer If you are currently in H1B status and are traveling based on a valid H1B visa "stamp" in your passport, you do not need to wait for your advance parole document. (22.Oct.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information...
Answer Currently, the standard filing fee for most I-485 applications, including biometrics, is $1,225 (or $750 for derivatives under 14.) This fee covers the cost of filing for one's employment authorization document (EAD) and advance parole (AP) until such time that the I-485 is adjudicated.There is...
Answer The report of medical examination and vaccination record (form I-693) is not required with the initial I-485 filing. It can be submitted following the issuance of an RFE or during the I-485 interview. Further, even if it is included with the initial filing, if the...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that, effective October 19, 2020, the filing fee for premium processing is increasing to $2,500. The only exception to this is for I-129 petitions being filed requesting H2B or R-1 status, the fee is increasing to...
Answer UPDATE: The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) reports that some members have successfully made premium processing requests with I-140 downgrade petitions. However, many others have reported that their premium processing requests were rejected, and some even had their entire petitions rejected because of the accompanying...
Answer There are two main issues to consider when trying to estimate how long it may take to obtain your green card after the I-485 has been filed. First, you need to look at I-485 processing times at your local field office. This can be found...
Answer For our clients who are on H1B, we normally recommend that they remain on H1B until the green card is issued, if possible. The main reason for this is as a simple precaution in case the I-485 is denied. (i.e., If an I-485 applicant maintains...
