Recent years have seen significant changes in high-skilled immigration to the United States, with a notable increase in approvals for O-1A visas and National Interest Waivers (NIW). These shifts come in the wake of favorable guidance from the Biden Administration, which is focused on attracting top talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Category: O-1 Visas
Navigating the O-1 and O-2 Visas: A Path for Extraordinary Talent
If you are a top performer in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, the United States offers unique opportunities for you to share your talents. The O-1 and O-2 visas are tailored for individuals with exceptional abilities and achievements. In this blog, we’ll guide you through what these visas are, who...
Surge in O-1A Visas and National Interest Waivers Following Biden Administration Guidance
Filings and approvals for O-1A visas and national interest waivers have surged following the Biden administration's 2022 immigration guidance. The guidance aimed to attract high-skilled talent in STEM fields by clarifying eligibility and easing the process. Data shows a significant rise in applications and approvals for both O-1A visas and national interest...
Visa Options for Olympic Athletes: Navigating the Path to the Games
The Olympics are a global celebration of athletic excellence, uniting the world in a shared appreciation of human potential. For athletes representing the United States, participating in the Olympics often involves navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. This blog post explores the key visa options available to athletes and support staff, focusing...
From O-1 Visa to EB-5 Investor Visa: A Concise Guide
The O-1 Visa permits individuals with exceptional talents in fields such as arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics to work in the United States. For those aiming to achieve permanent residency, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers a potential pathway. This guide details the process for O-1 visa holders to transition to...
New Changes in the H-1B Visa Lottery System: What Employers and Employees Need to Know
The H-1B visa system has undergone significant changes in the past year, which are reshaping the way employers and employees approach the application process. These changes have led to a substantial drop in applications and have introduced new rules to prevent fraud and...
Navigating the Upcoming USCIS Fee Changes: Strategies for Employers
In the face of rising operational costs and the relentless march of inflation, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant update to its fee structure for various immigration-related filings. Effective April 1, 2024, these changes mark the first fee adjustment since 2016, underscoring a critical development for employers...
New USCIS Premium Processing Fees Now in Effect: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2024 Adjustments
As previously announced, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect today, increasing the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. USCIS published a final rule announcing the change on Dec. 28, 2023.
The USCIS Stabilization Act established the current premium processing fees and...
Understanding The Different Employment Visa Options
On July 29, 2016, DHS published a final rule expanding the availability of the provisional unlawful presence waiver to individuals who would be statutorily eligible for an unlawful presence waiver under INA §212(a)(9)(B)(v). The rule also makes additional changes to the current provisional waiver process. The following provides background information on the unlawful presence...
The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Initiative
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a final rule expanding the existing provisional waiver process to allow certain individuals who are family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and who are statutorily eligible for immigrant visas, to more easily navigate the immigration process. The provisional...