Dec22024
On December 2, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant update affecting applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This update mandates that certain applicants must now submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, concurrently with their Form I-485. Failure to do...
Dec22024
As of December 2024, the processing times for the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program have experienced notable changes, affecting both employers and foreign workers pursuing employment-based green cards. Staying informed about these timelines is essential for effective strategic planning in the immigration process. Today our firm received the first PERM approval under the new FLAG...
As the Trump administration returns to power in January 2025, it’s crucial for international students to be aware of the potential pitfalls associated with Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT). While Day 1 CPT might seem like an attractive option for those who wish to continue working while studying, it carries significant risks that could...
Becoming a U.S. citizen involves multiple steps, including holding a green card for a specific period. For many immigrants, this process begins with a conditional green card, which is a stepping stone to obtaining a permanent green card and, eventually, U.S. citizenship. For EB-5 investors, a conditional green card is granted as part of the...
Filing Form I-751, the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is a critical step for conditional permanent residents striving to secure their full 10-year green card. While the process might seem straightforward, there are several mistakes an individual can make which could lead to processing delays, requests for additional evidence (RFEs), or even denial. Within...
Oct232024
When an employer is unfamiliar with the H-1B process, the most common question I hear after approval is, “What should we do next?” When an employee changes their status to H-1B, there are several important steps and considerations to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Here is a comprehensive guide for employers navigating this process:...
The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program offers projects investments in certain geographic regions that qualify for a reduced investment threshold due to its need for economic growth and development. Understanding rural and high unemployment areas are crucial for potential EB-5 investors because it directly affects the financial planning of potential investors and the amount of capital...
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has made significant strides in modernizing the admission process for foreign nationals entering the U.S., most notably through the implementation of “Simplified Arrival” and the move to stampless entry for most admission categories in 2022. However, despite these technological advancements, errors in admission records continue to occur....