Category: Study In The US

Many people are unsure if they can hold nonimmigrant status and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) simultaneously. The short answer is yes, you can hold both statuses at the same time, as long as you remain eligible for both. This means, in order to maintain both statuses, you must comply with each of the separate guidelines […]

When applying for a U.S. visa, one necessary step involves attending an in-person visa interview. During this session, a consular officer will evaluate your qualification for the visa. You may be asked about several topics such as the purpose of your travel, employment, financial standing, educational background, and your familial and residential circumstances. The primary […]

In a recent announcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This expansion aims to streamline and expedite the processing of applications seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. The USCIS will […]

Our Managing Partner, Rosanna Berardi, has been working as an immigration lawyer for 26 years. Like many of us, she knows the system is broken – here is the first of a series of ideas Rosanna has on how to fix it. If you have any questions, contact Berardi Immigration Law today. We would love […]

We are elated to celebrate the success of our client Youssef’s green card journey. As advocates for those seeking to navigate the complex U.S. immigration system, we are honored to have played a pivotal role in helping Youssef achieve his American dream of living and working in the United States. Born in Saudi Arabia, Youssef […]

Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced its expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optimal Practice Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade.  Additionally, F-1 students […]

The Department of State (DOS) recently announced that it is extending its policy to waive in-person consular interviews for certain nonimmigrant applicants through December 31, 2023. Consular officers will have the authority to waive the interview requirement on a case-by-case basis for both first-time and renewing applicants. Individuals who hold the following nonimmigrant visa categories […]

On January 12, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is implementing its final phase of premium processing expansion for Form I-140, Immigration Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 preference categories. This final phase applies to all new (initial) petitions, in addition to all previously filed Form I-140 petitions […]

If you’re a student in the United States, there are a few different ways you can get authorization to work. In this video, we’ll discuss the Post-Completion Optional Practical Training program for students with F-1 visas. We’ll cover who’s eligible, how to apply, and what to expect. This program allows students who have completed their […]

The Department of State (DOS) has recently updated its Visa Appointment Wait Times page to include estimated wait times for nonimmigrant visa applications eligible for an interview waiver. After discussing concerns with members of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA), the DOS confirmed that it would review potential enhancements to provide more visibility to applicants. The additional fields […]