DOS to Suspend Immigrant Visa Applications from Seventy-Five Countries. Philippines and Vietnam Not Included in the Suspension
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has announced that it will freeze immigrant visa processing for seventy-five (75) countries citing concerns that citizens from those countries might become a public charge and require government financial assistance upon entering the United States. The directive instructs DOS consular officers to pause immigrant visa applications under existing […]
What is a Priority Date in U.S. Immigration? A Complete Guide to the Priority Date in U.S. Immigration
The priority date in U.S. immigration is a critical concept for anyone waiting for lawful permanent residency status (“Green Card”). Because Congress sets strict annual limits on the number of immigrant visas issued in most categories, demand often outstrips supply, creating significant backlogs. Your priority date effectively acts as your “place in line” in this […]
DOS Will Now Require Immigrant Visa Applicants to Interview in Place of Residence or Country of Nationality
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) is now requiring immigrant visa applicants to apply for immigrant visas in the consular district designated for their place of residence or in their country of nationality. Effective immediately, if an immigrant visa applicant would like to transfer his or her pending immigrant visa case to a new […]
United States Announces New Visa Policies Targeting Chinese Nationals
The U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) has announced a new set of visa policies aimed at increasing scrutiny of Chinese nationals seeking to enter the United States. In a press statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the DOS outlined forthcoming measures that align with President Trump’s directive to prioritize national interests. Press StatementMarco […]
Important Update Regarding F, M, and J Student Visa Application Suspension
Following the United States Department of State (“DOS”) announcement to suspend F, M, and J student visa applications at Embassies and Consulates in response to implementing new policies aimed at social media vetting, DOS has released additional information. While this action immediately impacts plans of foreign and exchange students, DOS has made it clear that […]
DOS Confirms Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases to Take Effect June 17, 2023
The United States Department of State (“DOS”) has confirmed that previously proposed nonimmigrant visa fees will now go into effect on June 17, 2023. Visa application fees for visitor visas for business or tourism (B-1/B-2s and BCCs), and other non-petition based NIVs, such as student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J visas), will […]
DOS to Delay Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Fees Until June 17, 2023
The United States Department of State will delay increasing certain nonimmigrant visa application fees until June 17, 2023. The key fee changes implemented by the rule are as follows: Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa applications including B-1/ B-2 Visitor Visas and J-1 Student Exchange Visas will be raised from $160 to $185. H, L, O, P, Q, […]
DOS to Raise Certain Nonimmigrant Visa Fees
Effective May 30, 2023, the United States Department of State (“DOS”) will be increasing certain nonimmigrant visa application fees. Fees for B-1/ B-2 Visitor (Tourist and Business) Visas and J-1 Student and Exchange Visas will increase from US$160 to $185. The DOS will increase fees for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas including H, L, O, P, […]
USCIS Issues New Policy Guidelines In Calculating a Child’s Age under the Child Status Protection Act
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has issued new guidelines in the agency’s policy manual in determining when an immigrant visa number “becomes available” for purposes of calculating an immigrant visa applicant’s age under the Child Status Protection Act (“CSPA”). In order for a child to be issued an immigrant visa or be […]
The Visa Waiting Time for the Family-Based Fourth Preference Immigrant Visa Category
The U.S. immigration system provides several categories for individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States based on their familial relationships with U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The fourth preference category (also known as the “F4” category) is for brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. If you are the sibling of a U.S. citizen, […]