The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows for electronic filing of certain applications for immigration benefits, including certain Forms I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. The agency claims that this will get your application into their processing queue faster than mail delivery. Given the...
November 15, 2021 As a result of a settlement agreement in a federal lawsuit Shergill et al, v Mayorkas (21-cv-1296-RSM)., U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will change its employment authorization (EAD) policies with respect to some H-4, L-2 nonimmigrants. The new USCIS policy guidance applies to...
All green card applicants seeking adjustment of status in the U.S. through the filing of Form I-485 are required to complete Form I-693, Medical Examination and Vaccination Record (“Medical Report), prepared by a USCIS authorized civil surgeon (https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor). The U.S. Citizenship and immigration Service (USCIS),...
Those who vet outside counsel look at a variety of factors in the selection process, such as competence, cost and reputation. Beyond this, companies want counsel that understands the needs specific to their industry, will be proactive, and will act as a trusted partner with...
Pre-completion: An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT after he or she has been enrolled for one full academic year. The pre-completion OPT must be directly related to the student’s major field of study. Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT...
HOW SPECIAL IS SPECIAL? CHALLENGES TO H-1B SPECIALTY OCCUPATION CLASSIFICATION...
Advanced Issues for E-2 Treaty Investor Petitions: The Statute, the Regulations, The Foreign Affairs Manual -- and the Realities of Practice You Won’t Find in Any of the Above...
In the economic environment following what many have dubbed "The Great Recession", the discussion regarding the costs and benefits of immigration continues with great passion adn occasionally vitriol from both sides. In the arena of skilled professionals, the debate centers on whether an employer's ability...
If the downturn in the economy has taught us anything, it is that changes in the corporate landscape are inevitable. Corporate mergers and acquisitions are more prevalent now than in years past. Immigration practitioners need to understand the immigration consequences of such mergers and acquistions...
Many immigration practitioners have been there - the day the certifying officer (CO) at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) thrusts an unexpected obstacle in the dramatic saga we've all come to know as Program Electronic Review Management (PERM). The CO has denied PERM application,...