Archives
USCIS Enhances Security on Redesign of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
Since January 30th, 2023, USCIS has been issuing a new design to Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). This change brings many improvements to the security of these two immigration identification cards. Please see the graphic below, sourced from USCIS. It should be noted that the new cards […]
AILA: The Public Charge Rule
The Trump era public charge guidelines may be gone, but there is a new framework in place as of last month. Please read the below flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association or AILA on a new public charge inadmissibility test the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began using on December 23, 2022. This public […]
Employment-Immigration Filing Fees Proposed to Increase
Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash USCIS published a proposed rule that outlined a new fee schedule for filing of different petitions. There are significant changes to employment-based petitions in particular. Alongside steep increases in fees, USCIS is also indirectly indicating filing should be done online. One of these changes is the steep increase in […]
USCIS Guidance on Expedited EADs for Healthcare & Childcare Workers
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash An initial Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application, that has been pending for over 90 days, for healthcare and childcare workers, and who have valid immigration status can now be requested for expedited processing. The form to use is the Form I-765. This expedited request process is already in […]
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 […]
Consular Services Fees Increasing
Schedule of Fees for Consular Services – Nonimmigrant and Special Visa Fees The Department of State (Department) proposes adjustments to the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (Schedule of Fees) of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) for several nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application processing fees, the Border Crossing Card (BCC) for Mexican citizens age 15 […]
Why are there Visa processing delays?
Why is your case taking so long? USCIS processing delays remain at crisis levels. Why hasn’t your case been decided yet? Millions of families, businesses and individuals are applying for immigration benefits through the USCIS – U.S, Citizenship and Immigration Services to process and approve applications and petitions. In just six years the processing time […]
AILA: Automatic Employment Authorization Announced for L-2, E, and H-4 Dependent Spouses
In 2021, USCIS announced that L-2, E, and certain H-4 dependent spouses are authorized to work by virtue of holding valid status. A spouse can still apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), but it is not required to work. This flyer from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) further explains this new change that […]