Update: H-1B processing times
H-1B Processing Update
Visa Bulletin Update FY 2023
September 2023 September 2023 Visa Bulletin Highlights Family-Sponsored Second Preference (F2A) Retrogression: A significant update has been made regarding the F2A category. A cutoff date of 09/01/2023 has been assigned to the dates of filing chart. This indicates that I-485 based on F2A should be filed within this month, August 2023. Steady Employment-Based Number Use: Employment-based number...
Changing Consulate Interview Venue for LGBT Applicants
Oftentimes, LGBT beneficiaries of family-based (I-130) and fiance(e) visa petitions (I-129F) may want to change the visa interview location where the safety of the LGBT applicant may be at issue. The Department of State understands these concerns and has provided the following procedure for changing venue. File I-130 or I-129F petition and designate the consular post in the beneficiary's home...
Unlawful Presence for H-1B Beneficiaries in F-1 Status
If you are an H-1B beneficiary and have recently received a denial or denial of a change of status, know that unlawful presence (ULP) for F-1 students will begin to accrue on the day after the request is denied (date of H-1B decision). (ii) Nonimmigrants Admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). If USCIS finds a nonimmigrant status violation while adjudicating a request for an immigration benefit,...
Update: H-4 / H-4 EAD Processing Times
USCIS Processing Update: H-4 / H-4 EAD
I-485 EB Processing Time (Filed in FY 2023)
Final Update ***Final update to finish off the processing times for FY 2023. Updates for FY 2024 will be here. *** In this update, we finalize the update for for I-485 EB approvals received before October 2023. Sample Cases: Case 1: Filed on 10/06/2022, approved on 08/11/2023. No RFE or interview. Total processing time: 10 months. Case 2: Filed on 10/06/2022, approved on 08/11/2023. No RFE or...
USCIS No Longer Recognizes ACICS-Accredited Schools Impacting Some STEM OPT, H-1B and I-140
On August 19, 2022, the US Department of Education no longer recognizes the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. On November 1, 2022, USCIS announced how the loss of recognition will impact certain immigration benefit applicants. Students from impacted schools should contact their DSO immediately and discuss how to maintain their status....