Announcement: USCIS Extends In-Person Services Suspension through May 3

April 6, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will extend in-person services suspension at Field Offices, Asylum Offices and Application Support Centers (“ACS”) through May 3 unless otherwise announced. While the extended closure covers interviews, naturalization ceremonies, and biometric collections, USCIS will continue to provide emergency and essential services that do not

Announcement: H-2 Visa Applicants May Be Adjudicated Without an Interview

April 3, 2020

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Department of State (“DOS”) has authorized consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates to expand the categories of H-2 visa applicants whose application can be adjudicated without an in-person interview. The new policy allows interviewing consular officers the ability to waive in-person

Announcement: Medical Professionals with Approved Petitions Encouraged to Seek an Expedited Visa Interview

April 2, 2020

The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) is encouraging medical professionals with an approved immigrant or non-immigrant petition (Form I-129, Form I-140) or a certificate of eligibility in an approved exchange program to request for an expedited appointment at their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Although DOS has instructed consular services

Announcement: Extended deadlines to respond to RFEs and NOIDs

April 1, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced that it is extending the deadline to reply to requests for evidence (“RFE”) and notices of intent to deny (“NOID”) in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For applicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1st and

Announcement: USCIS Extends In-Person Services Suspension Through April 7, 2020

March 27, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will extend the suspension of in-person services at field offices, asylum offices and application support centers through April 7, 2020. The USCIS had originally cancelled in-person operations on March 18th and was expected to recommence on April 1st in an effort to help contain

EB-5 Petition and Application Fees Reduced by Court Order

November 26, 2025

Good news for EB-5 investors: effective November 13, 2025, the filing fee for Form I-526E has dropped from $11,160 to $3,675 – a saving of more than $7,000 per petition – following a federal court order issued on November 12, 2025 by the U.S. District Court for the District of

U.S. Immigration Consultation 2026 | Process, Costs & Popular Visa Types

November 20, 2025

Starting the journey toward living in the United States often begins with a consultation session with a U.S. immigration lawyer. Some people immigrate through marriage, others through family, investment, or employment visa categories. In many cases, however, the rules and paperwork may feel overwhelming. With frequent updates to forms, fees,

Rural Area In The RIA

November 19, 2025

In the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (“RIA”), the term “rural area” is used to identify locations that are eligible for the lower investment threshold of US$800,000 rather than the base investment amount of US$1,050,000. It is designed to promote investment in infrastructure, development, and economic growth in

What is a Form I-130A? Complete Guide for Spouse Beneficiaries 2026

November 15, 2025

A Form I-130A, Supplemental Information for Spouse Beneficiary, is required in every marriage-based Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative (“Form I-130”). The supplemental form is submitted with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) at the time of filing the Form I-130 which contains important background details about the

DHS Ends Automatic EAD Extensions, Emphasizing Vetting and Security

November 12, 2025

What Was the Automatic EAD Extension and Why Was It Ended? Prior to October 30, 2025, foreign nationals in the United States who filed a timely renewal application for their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) were automatically granted continued work authorization while their renewal application was pending with USCIS – even

What is a Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record?

October 31, 2025

If you are applying for lawful permanent residency (“Green Card”) from within the United States, you have to submit Form I-693, which is a medical exam and vaccination record completed by a specific doctor. Submitting this form shows that you are eligible for a Green Card based on health reasons.

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