Consular Processing
What is Consular Processing? Consular processing is one of two paths to lawful permanent residency, generally for those who are outside the United States. Instead of applying for a green card with USCIS, a Foreign National living outside the U.S. may apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad in order […]
Travel of US Citizens with Expired Passports
U.S. Citizens can travel home on Expired Passports On May 28, 2021, a bulletin was issued permitting U.S. citizens to use their expired U.S. passports, whose passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, to return to the U.S. through Dec. 31, 2021. This exception is hereby extended to allow the use of certain expired […]
Adjustment of Status (“AOS”)
What is Adjustment of Status (“AOS”)? AOS is the process that is used to apply for lawful permanent resident (“LPR”) status while inside the U.S., also known as applying for a Green Card. Being a Legal Permanent Resident, or having a Green Card, allows a Foreign National to a live and work permanently in the […]
Prevailing Wage Rule Vacated
Prevailing Wage Rule enacted by Trump is vacated In the Federal Register latest edition, the Department of Labor (DOL) Implemented a Final Rule Vacating a Trump Era Final Rule on Computation of Prevailing Wage Levels. The rule restores the regulatory text to appear as it did before the 10/8/20 interim final rule. (86 FR 70729, […]
Labor Certification (“PERM”)
What is a Labor Certification (“PERM”)? A permanent labor certification issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to permanently work in the United States based on job skills, education and/or experience. The labor certification application is the first step in obtaining an employment-based green card (immigrant […]
E Visa: Treaty Traders E-1 & Treaty Investors E-2
What is an E-1/E-2 visa? Treaty trader (E-1) and treaty investor (E-2) is available for certain foreign nationals of countries who have Treaties of Commerce and Navigation, or a bilateral investment treaty with the U.S. It is especially useful for business owners, principal investors, managers and employees who remain in the U.S. for extended lengths […]
TN Visas: Canadian and Mexican Professionals
What is a TN visa? The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), currently known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), creates special economic and trade relationships within North America. As such, this agreement offers TN classification to qualified Canadian or Mexican citizens seeking temporary entry into the U.S. in order to engage in business activities […]
Conditional Permanent Residence
What is Conditional Permanent Residence? Conditional permanent residents receive a green card with a two year validity instead of ten years. Toward the end of the two years, a conditional permanent resident will petition USCIS to remove the conditions on their green card, and if approved, will receive the normal green card valid for ten […]