Eight New CIP Codes in the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
Photo by Radowan Nakif Rehan on Unsplash The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice in mid-July announcing eight (8) additional Classification of Industrial Programs (CIP) codes to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This List of CIP Codes is used when […]
AILA Flyer: EAD Extensions Back to 180-Days Soon
Below is a flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) outlining information regarding Employment Authorization Document (EAD) extensions. This extension is automatic if someone files for a new EAD card before the current EAD expires. A Temporary Final Ruling from USCIS announced an automatic extension period up to 540 days to combat long processing times. Unfortunately USCIS […]
Rescheduling Biometric Services Appointments with USCIS
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash You can now reschedule a biometric service appointment through a new self-service tool with an online USCIS account. The rescheduling tool eliminates the need to call the USCIS Contact Center, which has been known to be a tedious procedure with long wait times. This comes as a result from […]
Premium Processing Available for I-539 Applicants seeking F, M, J status
Photo by javier trueba on Unsplash USCIS announced the expansion of Premium Processing Service (PPS) to applicants submitting a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status for F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. At the time of this writing, the Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service will be accepted for a […]
CBP Stampless Entry Program
Photo by ConvertKit on Unsplash From April 2022 to 2023, Customs, Border and Protection Agency (CBP) completed a full year of the “Simplified Arrival” program to achieve streamlining and digitization of the legal entry process. One part of this program was piloting a “Stampless Entry” program in August 2022. CBP has affirmed that this program […]
AILA Quicktake Video – FY2024 H-1B Registration Number Analysis
Tune into the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Quicktake on the FY2024 H-1B Registration Numbers report that was released in the spring. Director of AILA’s Government Relations, Shavari Dalal-Dheini, examines the H-1B registration numbers and explains AILA’s recommendations to USCIS, Congress, and this administration to improve the H-1B lottery system. If you have questions about […]
60-Day Rule Removed for I-693 Civil Surgeon Signature
Photo by Online Marketing on Unsplash USCIS determined last spring that a civil surgeon’s signature of the Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record can be more than 60 days old before an applicant files for their immigrant visa. Previously, USCIS considered a completed Form I-693 valid for 2 years after the […]
CIS Ombudsman’s Office Reminder: Additional Time to Produce F-1 EAD Cards
Photo by Headway on Unsplash USCIS expanded Premium Processing Services (PPS) to F-1 students who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization earlier this year. F-1 students will file a Form I-765 when seeking optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions. Upgrading the filing with a Form I-907, […]