On Oct. 2, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated policy guidance clarifying the evidence that may be considered for EB-1A extraordinary ability immigrant visa eligibility. The EB-1A category is designed for applicants who possess extraordinary ability in science, the arts, education, business, or athletics, as demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim
On Sept. 25, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its Policy Manual to clarify the calculation of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) age for noncitizens seeking CSPA protection under the “extraordinary circumstances” exception. By way of background, CSPA protects dependent children from “aging out” and becoming ineligible for permanent residence as derivative
USCIS has extended green card validity for lawful permanent residents who are awaiting the approval of their Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Initially, USCIS extended green card validity by 12 months for applicants who filed Form I-90 while their renewal applications were pending. In September 2022, USCIS further extended the automatic extension
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published the first visa bulletin of the government’s new fiscal year (FY2025). The monthly bulletin published by the DOS summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers. USCIS has also announced that it will utilize the “Dates for Filing” chart published by DOS for both family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories
USCIS updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding when students may be eligible for extensions of optional practical training (OPT) for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This guidance, available in Volume 2, Part F of the Policy Manual, also clarifies guidelines for F/M nonimmigrant students regarding online study, school transfers, grace period,
![virtual-event[1]](https://www.americanlegalblogger.com/files/2024/09/virtual-event1-550x206.jpg)
On Sept. 26 at noon ET, Greenberg Traurig Shareholder Kate Kalmykov will interview Jeremy Hurewitz, Head of Interfor Academy, about his new book, Sell Like a Spy – Business Development Lessons & Communication Strategies from the World of Espionage, as part of the Interfor International Webinar Series. Jeremy and Kate will discuss how spies are
In a significant development for visa applicants, all U.S. consulates in Mexico announced that they have stopped accepting visa applications from third country nationals (TCNs) until further notice. This decision impacts many individuals who have utilized consulates in Mexico for their U.S. visa needs.
Understanding TCN Visa Processing
TCN visa processing refers to the practice
On Aug. 19, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented the Keeping Families Together process for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to request parole. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will accept requests using the new electronic Form I-131F. As background, parole is an exercise of DHS’ discretionary authority to allow
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has confirmed that there have been no changes to supporting documentation required for I-140 petition filings based on the new Form ETA-9089 certifications in the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system. The required documentation normally included to support Form I-140 immigrant petitions, such as records pertaining to the employer’s
On July 30, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it would select additional H-1B cap “lottery” registrations to reach its fiscal year (FY) 2025 numerical quota. This second selection round will include registrations that indicated eligibility for the H-1B master’s cap, as well as those registrations that indicated eligibility for the regular H-1B
