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News & EventsUSCIS Updating Information on STEM OPT
The United States and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page of their website in order to provide important clarifications. Specifically, students and employers will be required to report...
Prudential Revocation of Nonimmigrant Visas
In accordance with The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 and its amendments, the Secretary of State has the authority to revoke a visa at any time. The State Department (DOS) has revoked visas based on receipt of derogatory information, such as an arrest (i.e.,...
USCIS Postpones Implementation of Guidance on Notices to Appear
Previously, our office reported that the United States and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided new guidance on June 28, 2018 regarding issuances of Notices to Appear (NTA). Specifically, this new guidance stated that USCIS officers would issue NTAs for a wider range...
August 2018 Visa Bulletin Issued
The Department of State (DOS) has issued its August 2018 Visa Bulletin. Most notably, there continues to be no advancement for the priority dates for EB-1 for China and India and significant retrogression for EB-1 for all El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico,...
New Guidance for No Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny
On July 13, 2018, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided a new policy memorandum. According to this new guidance, effective September 11, 2018, USCIS adjudicators will have full discretion to deny applications, petitions, and requests...
Notices to Appear and Harsh Consequences Possible for H and L Holders
According to a recent new guidance regarding issuances of Notices to Appear (NTA), USCIS will greatly expand its mandate for issuing NTAs without first consulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). USCIS officers will now issue NTAs and thereby place...
USCIS Issues New Guidance on Notices to Appear
On June 28, 2018, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided new guidance regarding issuances of Notices to Appear (NTA). This new guidance states that USCIS officers will now issues NTAs for a wider range of cases where the individual is...
Department of Homeland Security Proposes Removing Obama-era International Entrepreneur Rule
The Department of Homeland Security holds the discretionary power to permit entry into the United States in humanitarian or public benefit cases. In the final months of the Obama administration in 2016, the Department of Homeland Security amended its regulations...
USCIS Implements Targeted Anti-Fraud Initiatives
On June 28, 2018, Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman Julie Kirchner published her most recent annual report to Congress, revealing USCIS’ intensified anti-fraud initiatives as well as confirming processing delays for multiple applications. The Ombudsman’s...
USCIS Confirms Processing Delays for Many Application Types
On June 28, 2018, Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman Julie Kirchner published her most recent annual report to Congress, revealing USCIS’ intensified anti-fraud initiatives as well as confirming processing delays for multiple applications. The Ombudsman’s...