What are the Vaccination Requirements for an Immigrant Visa?
Quick Summary: Vaccinations and U.S. Immigrant Visas Question Answer Are vaccinations required for a U.S. immigrant visa? Yes, this is a mandatory U.S. government requirement Who determines the vaccine list? CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) per ACIP recommendations Where are vaccines administered? At DOS-designated panel physician clinics Which visa types require vaccination? Immigrant […]
What is ESTA and How is it Used to Enter the United States
Quick Summary: ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program Question Answer What does ESTA stand for? Electronic System for Travel Authorization When was ESTA launched? 2009 Who can use ESTA? Citizens of 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) How long can you stay in the U.S.? Maximum 90 days per entry Can it be […]
USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Family-Based Immigrant Visa Approvals
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 petitions. Specifically, the policy highlights, […]
What Is A U.S. Visa, Visa Stamp And Visa Foil And What Are These Used For?
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 a passport page Evidence of […]
What is the PERM Process for U.S. Immigration Through Employment?
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 worker How long does PERM […]
ASC Biometrics Scheduling Issues
Quick Summary: ASC Biometrics Scheduling Problem Question Answer What is an ASC? Application Support Center, where USCIS collects biometric data from applicants What was the problem? Appointment notices were mailed after the scheduled appointment date had already passed Has USCIS addressed this? Yes — remedial action taken and guidance issued to all ASCs What should […]
What is Selective Service and Who Must Register?
Quick Summary: Selective Service Registration Question Answer What is Selective Service? A system maintaining a list of men who could be called into military service in a national emergency Is there a military draft now? No: the mandatory draft ended after the Vietnam War in 1973 Must male LPRs register? Yes: it is a legal […]
USCIS Updates Policy Manual on Untimely Filed Extensions and Change of Status Requests
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has updated its Policy Manual concerning untimely filed extensions of stay and change of status requests. Generally, certain foreign nationals who are admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants for a specific period of time may file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/ Change Nonimmigrant Status in […]
What Company Relationships are Required for an L-1A Employee?
Quick Summary: L-1A Visa and Company Relationship Requirements Question Answer What is the L-1A visa? A nonimmigrant visa for executives and managers being transferred within a multinational organization Who files the petition? The U.S. company with a qualifying relationship to the foreign company How many types of qualifying relationships exist? 2 types: parent/subsidiary and affiliate […]
Lawful Permanent Residents and Other Foreign Nationals of the United States Must Always Update Their Address if They Move
Quick Summary: The USCIS Address Update Requirement Question Answer Who must update their address with USCIS? All LPRs and foreign nationals lawfully residing in the U.S. Deadline after moving? Within 10 days of moving to a new address Legal basis? INA Section 265 (Immigration and Nationality Act) Traditional form? Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address […]