Category: Uncategorized

USCIS has launched a refresh of InfoPass, an online system that lets applicants schedule an appointment at a USCIS office. New features of the site include a mapping function that makes it easier to find a local USCIS office in the United States and an improved visual style that matches the rest of the USCIS […]

On Thursday, June 23, 2016, the Supreme Court blocked President Obama’s immigration executive actions. The tie decision delivers a state win to states challenging his plan to give a deportation reprieve to millions of illegal immigrants. The justices’ one sentence opinion marks a major setback for the administration, effectively ending the plan for the duration […]

Below we answer some frequently asked questions on what Lawful Permanent Residents need to know when traveling abroad. What documents do I need to travel outside of the United States? In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country […]

On August 1, 2016, E-Verify will begin deactivating user IDs that have not been accessed for 270 days (approximately every nine months). How can I avoid deactivation of my user ID? Users can avoid deactivation by logging in with their user ID at least once every 270 days. What should Corporate Administrators and Program Administrators […]

A number of L-1A employers have recently reported receiving suspicious letters being sent to their L-1A executives. The letters use incorrect grammar and claim to be signed by Lori Scialabba, the Deputy Director of USCIS. The scam letter claims that the executives do not earn a high enough salary and must appear for an interview. […]

In December of 2015, USCIS launched a virtual assistant named “Emma” to help web visitors find information quickly. Emma was originally launched in English only. Since then, USCIS has been working hard to train Emma to speak Spanish. In March, USCIS began testing Emma on Spanish to help customers find what they need. After honing […]

USCIS has recently created a webpage for understanding the fee increase for certain H-1B and L-1 petitions. You can visit that page here. Public Law 114-113 requires certain petitioners to pay an additional fee of $4,000 for certain H-1B petitions and to pay an additional fee of $4,500 for certain L-1A and L-1B petitions. Signed […]

May was a very busy month for Berardi Immigration Law. We met a total of 23 clients at the Peace Bridge to present TN and L-1 petitions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We also had several complex cases regarding admissibility issues. Below is a recap of two interesting matters we advised upon this month. • Immigration […]

As of May 10, 2016, all new STEM applications and all currently pending petitions will be processed under the new STEM OPT regulations, which extend STEM OPT to 24 months and include new employer requirements. Employers will be required to demonstrate sufficient resources to train employees and show they are not replacing U.S. workers. Eligible […]

Angela Schnell is an Associate Attorney at Berardi Immigration Law. Angela advises clients in numerous aspects of immigration law, including non-immigrant visas, family and employment-based green cards, criminal waivers and NAFTA matters. Angela also regularly represents our clients at the Peace Bridge port-of-entry to present their cases to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”). “I […]