Berardi Blog

Recent widespread layoffs, primarily in the technology sector, have left many H-1B workers and other nonimmigrant workers with questions regarding their options to lawfully remain in the United States after being terminated. In response to the increasing number of layoffs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released an update on the options for nonimmigrant workers […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released its FY 2023-2026 Strategic plan, which provides a roadmap for the agency’s workforce to better strengthen its capabilities and help the country reach its highest ideals.  The plan is focused on increasing access to the nation’s immigration system; promoting and improving the naturalization process; attracting, recruiting, developing, […]

Contact Tiffany and book a consultation today – special pricing is available for a limited time! If you have a criminal record and are worried about how it will impact your ability to travel, don’t worry! You can still vacation in beautiful Canada this summer. But don’t wait till the last minute. Start the process […]

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) has submitted an amendment under consideration this week, which would end the requirement for showing proof of vaccination for Canadians entering the United States along land ports of entry. Find out more in the video below. If you have any questions, contact Berardi Immigration Law today. We would love to hear […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B cap will open at noon (Eastern Time) on March 1 and run through noon (Eastern Time) on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations […]

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 […]

If you’re a frequent traveler between the United States and Canada, this news will be music to your ears. The NEXUS trusted traveler program could get a lot better and eliminate the backlog (currently 12-14 months) to schedule an interview for NEXUS. Check out the news release from Rep. Brian Higgins and if you have […]

Congressman Brian Higgins (D-NY 26th District) was in Buffalo on Monday, January 30, 2023, to talk about his new bill proposal. The proposed bill is called the “Make NEXUS Work Act” and will allow individuals to attend virtual NEXUS interviews. Under Higgins’ bill people who are applying for NEXUS will be able to connect through […]

In response to increasing processing times, USCIS is extending green card validity for permanent residents with pending I-751 or I-829 forms. Beginning on January 11, 2023, for Form I-829 and January 25, 2023, for Form I-751, green cards for those who properly file either form will be valid for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration […]

Recently, USCIS announced that it is expanding potential interview waivers for family-based adjustment cases. Given the potential interview waivers, USCIS advises applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to include Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, at the time of filing to potentially speed up processing times. […]

If you’re planning to cross the US/Canada or US/Mexico border for work or pleasure, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and costs involved. In this video, immigration lawyer Rosanna Berardi explains how to avoid making a costly mistake when crossing the border. If you have any questions, contact Berardi Immigration Law today. […]

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 […]

On January 10, 2023, President Joe Biden, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met for the annual North American Leaders’ Summit. A prominent part of their discussion was about border security and the influx of migrants at the United States-Mexico border.  The number of migrants crossing the United States-Mexico […]

On January 5, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced new processes for qualifying Cubans, Haitians, and Nicaraguans with U.S. based supporters to travel by air and temporarily stay in the United States. Those coming in under this process may also apply for work authorization. In addition, DHS announced the removal of the numerical […]

Our Managing Partner, Rosanna Berardi, talks about the U.S. entry vaccine requirement extension. If you have any questions, contact Berardi Immigration Law today. We would love to hear from you.

As of December 23, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility final rule has been in effect. This final rule provides clarity and consistency for noncitizens on how DHS will administer the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The rule restores the historical understanding of a “public charge” that had been […]

Following the US and the UK, Canada has brought back in COVID testing for people traveling from China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Watch the video below for more details and you may also be interested in our post on what being unvaccinated means for you at the US border. If you have any questions, contact […]

On January 3, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a proposal to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. These new fees would allow USCIS to more fully recover its operating costs, reestablish and maintain timely case processing, and prevent the accumulation of future case backlogs.  USCIS receives a majority of its […]

Have you reached the 5 or 7 year limit on your L-1 visa? Don’t worry, you may be able to renew your status. In this video, we’ll talk about how to renew your L-1 visa after the limit has been reached. We’ll also offer some tips for making the process as smooth as possible. You […]

Title 42 is a public health order instated in 2020 to protect Americans from the spread of COVID-19. The order requires immediate expulsion of certain noncitizens that cross the border unauthorized. Under the order, access to asylum and humanitarian protections are sharply curtailed due to the rapid nature of expulsions. The order was scheduled to […]