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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 […]
Using SAVE Case Check: Spouses with E or L Visas
SAVE – USCIS new benefit checking system. SAVE’s mission is to provide fast, secure and reliable immigration status information to assist benefit-granting agencies in maintaining their program integrity. SAVE is the online database that US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and benefit-granting government agencies utilize to provide immigration status information. The program allows for a […]
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part
Last year I had to develop new and deeper wells of patience. My twin sons were applying to college. We had visited some schools and learned about others remotely. The autumn involved coaching my sons to put their applications together in a timely manner. But it was the months of waiting over the winter for […]
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 […]
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 […]