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I-94 Tips for Fewer Travel Headaches
Traveling to the US can be grueling. By the time you get to the window at Customs and Border Protection (CBP), all you want is to get through and be on your way. You may still have hours of travel to your destination. But diligence and a little extra time at CBP can save you […]
AILA Flyer: I-864 Affidavit of Support
The I-864, Affidavit of Support, is a critical form required for many immigration petitions to ensure that the intending immigrant will have financial sponsorship, if necessary. This American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) flyer provides guidance on eligibility, required documentation, and step-by-step instructions to help you successfully complete the I-864 form. Click on the image to […]
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 […]
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 […]
USCIS Guidance on Analyzing Employers Ability to Pay Wages
Photo by Israel Andrade on Unsplash In March 2023, USCIS issued a policy guidance on how to analyze an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications. The first, second, and third preferences for employment-based immigrant visas (EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3) are separated […]
DHS Final Rule on DACA
Image by Bill Barlow from Pixabay On Monday, October 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). It preserves and fortifies the program through codifying existing DACA policy and formal regulation while it is still subject to litigation in court. Previously, the DACA program was only […]
Good Moral Character & Neighborhood Checks for Naturalization
AndreyPopov from Getty Images USCIS released new memos on Good Moral Character and neighborhood checks for naturalization applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the key updates. New Good Moral Character Evaluation USCIS is now using a more holistic approach when evaluating Good Moral Character — looking at community involvement, family responsibilities, work history, taxes, and overall contributions. Officers […]