Posts
Notes and updates on immigration law.
Update on How Embassies/Consulates are Prioritizing Immigrant Visa Applications
Update post 09/21/2021 DOS provides an update stating that consular sections, where possible, are scheduling some appointments within all four priority tiers every month. Also, the guidance states that, “Recognizing the emergence of the COVID Delta variant and the continued demand for healthcare professionals during the pandemic, U.S. embassies and consulates were instructed that they…
There Will Not Be ICE Enforcement at Locations where Disaster Relief related to Hurricane Ida is Being Provided
On August 28, 2021, DHS provided assurances that they will not conduct enforcement activities at locations where disaster and emergency relief related to Hurricane Ida are being provided. “Absent exceptional circumstances, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will not conduct immigration enforcement at locations where disaster and emergency relief related…
USCIS Changes its Mind: H-1B Cap Start Date Can Be October 1 or Later
USCIS has now officially stated that H-1B cap-subject petition may have a start date of October 1 or later (and six months or less from the receipt date of the petition). Previously, USCIS required that the start date be only October 1. In FY 2021, USCIS rejected H-1B filings for stating a start date that…
USCIS Creates New Page for Lockbox Filing Location Updates
There is now a specific webpage for customers to keep track of updates lockbox filing locations. USCIS will provide updates regularly and will also announce updates on social media. However, applicants are encouraged to follow the “Where to File” section of each form’s webpage for the most up-to-date filing address and instruction.
COVID Vaccination is Now Required for USCIS Medical Exams
Update Post 09/16/2021 USCIS releases policy guidance highlighting the following: “..beginning October 1, 2021, applicants who are required to undergo the immigration medical examination must complete the COVID-19 vaccine series before the civil surgeon can complete the immigration medical examination and sign Form I-693.” Original Post 08/31/2021 On August 25, 2021, the CDC announced that…
EB1a, Aliens of Extraordinary Ability (2021)
Since March of 2021, visa numbers have been current for Chinese or Indian nationals filing for green card under the employment-based first preference (EB1) category. This means that an applicant may file their green card applications (I-485) concurrently with their I-140 petition instead of waiting 3 to 10 years for visa number availability under second…
USCIS is Seeking Comments on New Public Charge Rules
USCIS is seeking feedback from the public that will help the development of new public charge regulations. Since the previous public charge rule (2019) under President Trump was vacated on March 9, 2019, USCIS has been applying the public charge inadmissibility statute consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance, the policy that was in place before…
US is Issuing Next Generation Passports
Please go to DOS website for more info or see attached pdf below:
Temporary Extension of I-693 Validity from 2 Years to 4 Years
Update August 18, 2021 The USCIS has updated its website to clarify that: if an I-485 applicant receives a Request for Evidence (“RFE”) for a new I-693 medical exam because the I-693 on file with USCIS is over two years old, but the applicant’s I-693 on file with USCIS is valid under the temporary extension to four…
Did You Receive a Text from USCIS about I-693?
Update August 18, 2021 We responded to one I-693 RFE on 08/16/2021. Green card was approved today, 08/18/2021. Please respond to I-693 RFEs ASAP! It does not seem like USCIS is working hard to approve I-485s before 10/01/2021. Original Post August 10, 2021 On or around August 3, 2021, some of our clients informed us…