Premium Processing Available to Certain F-1 Students
Photo by Philippe Bout on Unsplash Earlier this month, USCIS announced Premium Processing Services (PPS) available for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions with a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. The Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service can be filed online or […]
ADIT Stamps: Who, What, and When?
Photo by Kerwin Elias on Unsplash An Alien Documentation, Identification, and Telecommunication (ADIT) stamp (also known as an I-551 stamp) is used for temporary evidence of legal permanent residence. USCIS recently announced mail delivery as an option for lawful permanent residents needing the ADIT stamp instead of visiting the nearest USCIS Field Office. You can […]
No Sign of Decrease in H-1B Cap Lottery Registration Numbers Despite Tech Layoffs
Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash Bloomberg Law reported at the beginning of this month that there’s no sign in the H-1B registrant numbers slowing down despite large tech company layoffs of H-1B visa holders. USCIS’ online registration was introduced in 2020. The annual cap is set at 85,000 H-1B visas, but registrations have been […]
AILA: FY’24 H-1B Cap Registration Flyer
Below is a flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) on how to register and what to expect for this year’s H-1B Cap Lottery. Registration closes next Friday, March 17th! If you or your company is interested in submitting a Petition for an H-1B-hopeful, now is the time to act.
AILA: Automatic Employment Authorization Announced for L-2, E, and H-4 Dependent Spouses
In 2021, USCIS announced that L-2, E, and certain H-4 dependent spouses are authorized to work by virtue of holding valid status. A spouse can still apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), but it is not required to work. This flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) further explains this new change that […]
USCIS Enhances Security on Redesign of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
Since January 30th, 2023, USCIS has been issuing a new design to Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This change brings many improvements to the security of these two immigration identification cards. Please see the graphic below, sourced from USCIS. It should be noted that the new cards […]
Stateside Visa Renewal Announced by Department of State
Photo by Artur Tumasjan on Unsplash The State Department (DOS) has recently announced a pilot program of domestic visa renewals for H and L visa holders later this year. Ever since 2004, H and L holders must travel back to their home country, renew their visa at the home-country’s U.S. Consulate, and then travel back […]
FY 2024 H-1B Cap Registration – By the Numbers
Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash As predicted, USCIS saw the largest number of total employer registrations in this last H-1B cap lottery. FY 2024 was the 4th year USCIS has utilized an electronic registration system for the H-1B cap. USCIS saw significant increases in every area; number of registrations, number of registrations submitted on […]