January 2025 Visa Bulletin, Modest Advancement in EB-2 and EB-3 Categories

The January 2025 Visa Bulletin shows modest advancement in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, with minor advancement for select countries in the family-based categories. Take action as soon as eligible to leverage current immigration policy.

Read More

Exchange Visitor Visa, J-1, Residency Requirements Updated

U.S. Department of State announced changes to the residency requirement for J-1 Exchange Visitor visas from 34 countries. Qualifying individuals from these select countries are no longer bound by the two-year residency requirement.

Read More

Qualifying Employment Authorization Document Renewal Extension Period Now Permanent

DHS announced the permanent extension of validity for timely filed renewals of employment authorization documents. The extension period is moved from up to 180 days to up to 540 days after the expiration date on the EAD.

Read More

Act Now to Prepare for Family-Based Immigration Changes

With the upcoming U.S. presidential inauguration, changes to family-based immigration are anticipated. The time to act is now to leverage current U.S. immigration policy for current green card holders and those hoping to file petitions for family members.

Read More

USCIS Expands I-485 Requirements to Include Medical Exam, Immunizations

USCIS announced all Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, submissions must include Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Report. This is in response to the number of Request for Evidence issuance when adjudicating the Adjustment of Status.

Read More

International Students, Staff Urged to Return to U.S. Universities Prior to Trump Inauguration

Several U.S. universities are suggesting international students return to campus prior to President-elect Trump's inauguration due to uncertainty around potential changes to U.S. immigration, travel bans, and potential policy changes Mr. Trump has promised to implement on his first day in office.

Read More

DHS Affirms Lebanon Temporary Protected Status

DHS posted an update to the Federal Register for Lebanon Temporary Protected Status. Registration for the program runs from November 27, 2024 through May 27, 2026. The program offers 18 months TPS status and offers qualifying students with an F-1 nonimmigrant student visa benefits as well.

Read More

H-1B Spousal Work Permit Challenge Stopped

The group challenging H-1B spousal work permits asked the full DC Circuit Court to reconsider their earlier finding that upheld the program, which the DC Circuit Court denied, citing precedence that affirms their three-judge panel finding.

Read More

State Immigration Powers May See Support Under Trump Nominee

President-elect Trump's nominee for Attorney General, Pam Biondi, has supported state immigration enforcement laws in her previous roles, making it seemingly likely if confirmed, she will not continue the current legal challenges to these laws supported by the Biden administration.

Read More

The Future of H4 EAD: Potential Elimination Under Second Trump Term

As we head towards a second Trump term, coupled with Republican control of both chambers of Congress, it is more likely than ever before that the government will pass sweeping immigration reform, which could include the elimination of work authorization for certain H4 EAD for spouses

Read More

Trump Confirms Use of U.S. Military for Mass Deportation Program

President-elect Trump confirmed the use of military resources to complete mass deportation of undocumented individual in the United States. Mr. Trump has stated he will take action his first day in office which will be January 20, 2025.

Read More

USCIS Issues Updated Guidelines on Child Custody for U.S. Citizenship Eligibility

USCIS announced updates to guidance for children of U.S. citizens as it relates to custody determination when pursuing naturalization. The updated guidelines are effective immediately and apply to all applications pending on or after November 19, 2024.

Read More

President-elect Trump Appointments to Lead U.S. Immigration Policy

Recent President-elect Trump appointments include the Border Czar, Thomas Homan, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, Stephen Miller. Both men served in Trump's previous presidency as key architects of his U.S. immigration policy. These roles do not require Congressional approval.

Read More

Biden’s Options To Strengthen U.S. Immigration Policy

Before the end of his Presidential term, the Biden administration has an opportunity to strengthen U.S. immigration policy. Among the options are finalizing proposed rules prior to leaving office. Among them, is the cap gap, and making permanent the extension of work authorization for renewals.

Read More

Temporary Protected Status Program May Be Scaled Back

The Temporary Protected Status program appears to be in question under the incoming Trump administration. While nothing is certain, working with an experienced attorney to review options to maintain legal status in the U.S. as early as possible is a good idea.

Read More

Why Employers Should Consider Filing H-1B Extensions Before 2025

While we don’t know what exactly is ahead for the H-1B program, we consider the past Trump administration for insight. Employers should file H-1B extensions with premium processing for eligible employees now to secure their current workforce.

Read More

Act Now: Leverage Current Policies Before Potential Immigration Changes Under Trump Administration

With President-Elect Trump's recent election victory, heated immigration reform discussions have become the forefront issue in American politics. While it is impossible to predict exactly what changes we will see during his administration, taking action now is crucial.

Read More

December 2024 Visa Bulletin: Slight Advancement for India in Employment Based EB-2 and E-B3

The December 2024 visa bulletin shows slight advancement for India in employment based EB-2 and E-B3 categories. For family-based categories, no advancement or retrogression is reported.

Read More

Expected Updates to U.S. Immigration Under Trump Presidency

The President-elect is expected to enact several executive actions addressing U.S. immigration as soon as his first day in office, with a focus on interior enforcement among other items.

Read More

Supreme Court Considers Voluntary Removal Grace Period

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering the effects of weekends and holidays on how the 60-day voluntary removal deadline is determined.

Read More