USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Family-Based Immigrant Visa Approvals

May 27, 2024

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued an updated policy guidance on Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative (“Petition”) explaining how the agency handles family-based immigrant visa petition approvals regarding correcting approval notice errors, requests for consular processing or adjustment of status, and routing procedures for approved

What Is A U.S. Visa, Visa Stamp And Visa Foil And What Are These Used For?

May 22, 2024

Quick Summary: 3 Terms to Know Term What Is It? Used For Visa Official permission to enter the U.S. for a specific purpose, issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Proves you are authorized to travel to a U.S. port of entry Visa stamp Physical ink stamp applied directly to

What is the PERM Process for U.S. Immigration Through Employment?

May 20, 2024

Quick Summary — The PERM Process Question Answer What does PERM stand for? Program Electronic Review Management Which agency manages PERM? U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) — not USCIS Which visas require PERM? EB-2 and EB-3 (most cases) Who files the PERM application? The U.S. employer — not the foreign

United States And Vietnam Sign A Memorandum Of Cooperation On Culture And People-To-People Ties

April 17, 2024

The U.S. Department of State has announced a signing a Memorandum of Cooperation on Culture and People-to-People Ties between the United States and Vietnam. See the post on the USDOS website here. “Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen and Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield met

DHS Announces Temporary Increase Of The Automatic Extension For Certain EAD Applicants

April 16, 2024

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced a Temporary Final Rule (“TFR”) providing that the automatic extension period applicable to expiring Employment Authorization Documents (“EADs”) for renewal applicants who have filed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, will be increased from

USCIS to Replace Sticker That Extends Validity of Green Cards

January 25, 2021

Starting in January 2021, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will replace the sticker that is currently issued to lawful permanent residents (“LPRs”) to extend the validity of their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”). The new document will be a revised Form I-797, Notice of Action

All U.S. Bound International Air Passengers Required to Present Proof of Testing Negative for COVID-19

January 21, 2021

The United States Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) has announced that starting January 26, all international passengers flying to the United States will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 swab test. The new regulation aimed at reducing COVID-19 transmission will require all international passengers to test for

What is a Transportation Letter or Boarding Foil?

January 15, 2021

Quick Summary: Transportation Letter and Boarding Foil Question Answer What is a boarding foil or transportation letter? A temporary document issued by a U.S. Consulate allowing an LPR to board a flight back to the United States without a green card Who needs one? Lawful permanent residents whose green card

Trump Extends Restrictions on Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Through March

January 7, 2021

United States President Donald Trump has extended an earlier Presidential Proclamation restricting certain immigrant and nonimmigrant visa categories from consular processing in response to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. The Executive Order (“EO”), which was first issued in April 2020, restricted certain immigrant visa applicants from receiving their visas for at

Announcement – Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers Temporarily Extended to 24 Months

January 4, 2021

The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has temporarily expanded the ability of DOS consular officers to waive in-person interview requirements for individuals applying for an expired nonimmigrant visa within the same category. Previously, in-person interview requirements were eligible for a waiver if the nonimmigrant visa applicant, such as a

What do I need to show to reenter the U.S. after being outside for a long time because of COVID-19?

December 23, 2020

We have covered several issues in our series on how to protect your lawful permanent resident status and green card if you have been outside the United States and have been unable to return because of COVID-19. COVID-19 Reference Guide If you are able to reenter within 1 year of

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