Changes for L-2, E and H-4
Changes Affecting Employment Authorization for L-2, E, and H-4 Dependent Spouses On November 12, 2021, USCIS announced that L-2 and E dependent spouses are no longer required to apply for an EAD to work in the United States. Instead, L-2 and E dependent spouses are authorized to work in the United States just by virtue […]
USCIS increases Automatic Extension Period for Work Permits
Certain Applicants received an automatic extension period for work permits. Recently Announced – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) that increases the automatic extension period for employment authorization and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), available to certain EAD renewal applicants, to up to 540 days. The increase, which will be effective immediately on […]
Admission to the US
What happens upon admission to the US? During the admission to the US process Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stamp your passport and enters your admission record in the database. Always check the expiration date of your stamp before leaving the port of entry! Passport Expiration Expiration dates are different for different visa categories, […]
Combo Cards
What Is a Combo Card? Here is the definition of a Combo Card: In 2011, USCIS announced that they would begin issuing employment and travel authorization on a single “combo” card for those green card applicants already living lawfully in the United States and filing an adjustment of status (AOS) application. By combining the documents, […]
Expediting NIV Appointments
Here are some tips for Expediting NIV Appointments Following are some tips provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association for expediting NIV (non-immigrant visa) appointments. 1. Have realistic expectations First, consult https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html to find the Visa Wait Times for the consulate where you intend to apply. Every consulate updates the wait times on a regular […]
DOL Audit
What is a DOL Audit in the context of the H-1B employment visa? H-1B provisions are designed to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the employment of foreign nationals. The law establishes certain standards in order to protect similarly employed U.S. workers from being […]
Form I-9
What is Employment Eligibility Verification? Form I-9 is used by employers to verify both the identity of employees as well as their employment eligibility. This form is required for each hired individual in the U.S. whether a U.S. citizen or not since the 1980s. The I-9 form, completed by the hired employee and an authorized […]
E-Verify
What is E-Verify? E-verify is a web-based system that allows registered employers confirm their employees’ eligibility to work in the U.S. E-Verify electronically matches information provided by the employee on the Form I-9 against records available to the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. The E-Verify program is available in all 50 […]
O-1 and P-1 Visas
What is an O-1 or P-1 visa? The O category is for persons of “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics. A P-1 visa is for individuals coming temporarily to the U.S. to perform at a specific athletic competition or entertainment event. REQUIREMENTS O-1 Requirements: In order to qualify for an O-1 […]
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Fee Increase
Per Department of Homeland Security – Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Fee Increase A recent Homeland Security document amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations pertaining to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is the online system through which nonimmigrant visitors intending to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program […]