News Updates

USCIS Announces Expansion of Premium Processing Service for Certain I-140 Immigrant Petitions

18:25 24 May in News Updates by Larrabee

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today the first implementation phase of the previously announced premium processing expansion. This expansion applies to certain petitioners who have a pending Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 (E-13) multinational executive and manager classification or the EB-2 (E-21) National Interest Waiver (NIW) classification. This will NOT apply to new I-140 petitions. The new premium processing expansion will apply only to certain pending I-140 cases in these categories per the schedule below. Effective June 1, 2022, USCIS will accept Form I-907/ premium processing requests for EB-1 multinational executive and manager petitions received on or before Jan....

Can Blockchain be Used for Travel or Immigration?

16:58 16 May in LAC Blog by Larrabee

We all have heard about blockchain and crypto currency or Bitcoin, but some of us may not fully understand it. There are many definitions of blockchain, but essentially, it is a decentralized, publicly accessible network that is highly secured. In other words, blockchain is a type of shared database that differs from a typical database in the way that it stores information; blockchains store data in blocks that are then linked together via cryptography. As new data comes in, it is entered into a fresh block. Once the block is filled with data, it is chained onto the previous block,...

USCIS Announces Automatic Extension of Up to 540 Days for Certain EAD Renewals

20:42 03 May in News Updates by Larrabee

Highlights: The 540-day automatic extension only applies to EAD categories currently eligible for an automatic 180-day extension A timely-filed Form I-765 EAD renewal application is still required The temporary 540-day extension is effective from May 4, 2022 through October 26, 2023. Beginning October 27, 2023, automatic EAD extensions will revert to the up to 180-day period. If the EAD validity plus 180-day auto extension has already expired, beginning May 4, 2022 the holder is eligible for up to 540 days’ additional work authorization from the expiration date on the face of their EAD. Such individuals may resume employment if they are still...

Ukraine designated for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months

16:37 04 March in News Updates by Larrabee

Secretary Mayorkas Designates Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians forced to seek refuge in other countries,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “In these extraordinary times, we will continue to offer our support and protection to Ukrainian nationals in the United States.” A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation:...

IMMIGRATION UPDATE 2.28.2022

19:31 01 March in News Updates by Larrabee

IMMIGRATION UPDATE - February 28, 2022 HEADLINES Biden Administration Considers TPS, Other Measures for Ukrainians; Advocacy Organizations Weigh In; Consular Services Suspended in Kyiv – The Biden administration is considering implementing protections for Ukrainians in the United States, as Russia invades Ukraine in a rapidly developing situation expected to result in many refugees and displaced persons. Consular services are suspended in Kyiv; help is available at the border. DHS Announces National Interest Exception for 'Noncitizen Nonimmigrants' Traveling From Ukraine With a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident – In light of the current situation in Ukraine, Homeland Security Secretary...

FY 2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

19:09 28 January in News Updates by Larrabee

USCIS Announces FY2023 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Will Open on March 1 KEY DATES: February 21 Employers may create new accounts March 1 to March 18 Registrations for individual beneficiaries (employees) may be submitted March 18 to March 31 USCIS will conduct lottery and notify account holders of selections USCIS PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 18, 2022. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using our...

IMMIGRATION UPDATE 1.24.2022

20:13 24 January in News Updates by Larrabee

IMMIGRATION UPDATE - January 24, 2022 HEADLINES 1. Biden Administration Implements New Actions to Increase Opportunities for STEM Students, Professionals, Others – Highlights of the new actions announced by the Departments of Homeland Security and State are summarized. 2. USCIS Notes 'Exceptionally High Number' of Employment-Based Green Cards Available This Fiscal Year – USCIS said many more visas are available in the first (priority workers) and second (workers with advanced degrees of exceptional ability) employment-based green card categories than there are adjustment of status applications pending with USCIS. 3. State Dept. Issues Final Rule Allowing Certain Fee Exemptions –The Department is allowing an exemption...

What is the New COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Land Border Travel to the United States from Canada and Mexico?

18:35 21 January in News Updates by Larrabee

Starting tomorrow, January 22, 2022, people entering the United States from Canada or Mexico by land or ferry for essential or non-essential activities, are required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. This does not apply to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and U.S. nationals. Also exempt from the vaccine requirement for land/ ferry entry to the U.S. from Canada and Mexico are: Children under 18; Foreign nationals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine; Foreign nationals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 or B-2 visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified by...

IMMIGRATION UPDATE 1.19.2022

20:35 19 January in News Updates by Larrabee

IMMIGRATION UPDATE - January 19, 2022 HEADLINES IMMIGRANT VISA BULLETIN February Visa Bulletin Warns of High Demand in Employment Fourth Category, Notes Upcoming Expiration of SR Religious Workers Category – High demand in the employment fourth preference category may necessitate the establishment of a worldwide final action date in the coming months. Also, no SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after February 17, 2022, and all individuals seeking admission as a non-minister special immigrant must be admitted into the U.S. by February 17, 2022. USCIS ADJUDICATIONS USCIS Clarifies Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants...

May I apply online to extend or change my nonimmigrant status?

21:23 10 January in LAC Blog by Larrabee

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 significant case backlog, any changes that lead to faster processing are welcome. Does this apply to all I-539 applications? No. You can utilize online I-539 filing option only if you are looking to extend your status or change your nonimmigrant status to the following categories (B-1/B-2, H-4, E dependent spouse, TD, J-1, J-2. L-3, K-4, L-2, M-1,...