The release of the April 2024 Visa Bulletin by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) brings a mix of advancements and stagnations across various visa categories. This bulletin not only outlines the current state of visa availability but also casts a light on potential trends for the near future. Below, we break...
Category: Employment-Based
New USCIS Policy Update: Analyzing Employer’s Ability to Pay Wages in Employment-Based Visa Petitions
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance regarding the evaluation of an employer's ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in first, second, and third preference employment-based visa classifications. This is particularly relevant when the sponsored worker changes employers. Employers must demonstrate their ability to...
How Biden’s AI Executive Order Can Revolutionize Employment-Based Immigration
Introduction:
President Biden's recent executive order on artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize employment-based immigration in the United States. The order aims to modernize the Schedule A list, which is critical to fill labor shortages in high-demand fields and attract global talent to the country's crucial sectors.
USCIS Updates Guidelines on Maximum Validity Periods for New Employment Authorization Documents for Certain Applicants
Starting Sept. 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. USCIS making...
USCIS Decoupling Adjudication of EADs and Advance Paroles to Expedite EAD Issuance (AILA Source)
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel restrictions have made it difficult to acquire a nonimmigrant visa, which may be needed to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad. The suspension of routine visa processing at all US embassies and consulates around the world has resulted in backlogs and delays. Thus, “Advance Parole”...
USCIS Issuing RFEs for Documents Already Submitted to USCIS – A Problematic Trend Explained by the NPZ Law Group
Beginning Aug. 12, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is temporarily extending the validity period for Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, from two years to now four years due to COVID-19-related delays in processing.
USCIS may consider a completed Form I-693 as valid if:
• The civil surgeon’s signature is dated no...