Berardi Blog

If you are an F-1 student, you have the option of training in the United States by engaging in practical training during your program or after it ends. Practical training can provide a valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills you are learning in school. There are two types of practical training […]

The US Department of State is launching a pilot program that will allow H1B visa holders to renew their visas in the US, eliminating the need to travel abroad for an in-person visa interview. The program will begin in January 2024 and is limited to 20,000 H1B visa holders. This is a positive change that […]

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and/or Social Security Administration (SSA) mismatch means that the information your employer entered in E-Verify from your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, did not match records available to DHS and/or SSA. A DHS and/or SSA mismatch case result does not necessarily mean that you are not authorized to work in the […]

Have you ever dreamed of living and working in the United States? Are you an entrepreneur? If so, we have a category for you called the E-2 Nonimmigrant Visa for investors. What does that mean? It means that if you like business and you either want to buy an existing one in the United States […]

If you are a non-U.S. citizen planning on attended school in the United States by obtaining an F-1 Student Visa, then knowing the difference between CPT and OPT is important. If you are an F-1 student, you have the option of training in the United States by engaging in practical training during your program or […]

When applying for a visa or a green card, sometimes it can take longer than the processing times recommended by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Many people do not know that they can contact their congressional representative to speed up their visa processing time. Members of Congress usually have one or more staffers liaising […]

In the U.S., friends and family gather from all over to spend time together for Thanksgiving. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are planning to travel over this holiday.  U.S. Citizens For U.S. citizens, Thanksgiving weekend might be the perfect opportunity to travel abroad. First, you should ensure that your […]

U.S. Consulates all over the world such as India, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and others have recently switched to a new visa appointment scheduling system. Previously, consulates used U.S. Traveldocs. Now, some are starting to use a new appointment scheduling system called U.S. Visa Scheduling.  Unfortunately, the change in platforms has caused some issues for […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that certain applicants who have filed for a renewal of Employment Authorization qualify for an automatic 180-day extension. In other words, noncitizens who have already filed to renew their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will automatically get 180 more days added to their expiring EAD. This policy change […]

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently proposed to amend its regulations governing H-1B specialty occupation workers to modernize and improve the efficiency of the H-1B program, add benefits and flexibilities, and improve integrity measures. Some of the proposed provisions would narrowly impact other nonimmigrant classifications, including: E-3, F-1, H-2, H-3, L-1, O, P, […]

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the United States is positioning itself to be a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, guided by the “Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.” This ambitious order not only sets a clear path for the responsible development of AI but […]

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently announced that a stateside renewal program is returning for H-1B visas after almost 20 years. The stateside visa renewal program will allow certain H-1B visa holders to renew their visas without having to leave the United States.  Overview of the Stateside Pilot Program The stateside visa renewal program […]

On September 26, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it designated Israel as country eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  The VWP is operated by the DHS and the State Department. The VWP permits citizens from 41 designated countries to travel to the United States – without a visa […]

The L-1 nonimmigrant visa classification allows qualifying U.S. employers to temporarily transfer employees from related foreign offices to locations within the United States. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating the smooth exchange of talent within international organizations. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently issued policy guidance on L-1 intracompany transferee petitions in […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently issued an important policy update regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for nonimmigrant exchange visitors holding J-1 visas. This update brings welcome clarity to various aspects of the J-1 visa program. Understanding the J-1 Nonimmigrant Classification The J-1 visa is designed for exchange visitors who come to […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently launched a new self-service, which simplifies the process of changing your address with USCIS. This new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool is designed to make life easier for individuals with pending applications, petitions, or requests, streamlining the address update process and enhancing efficiency. In this blog […]

When you get married and decide to change your surname, this change is officially recorded on your marriage certificate. This legal provision allows for a name change without requiring a separate court order, making the process more straightforward. However, challenges may arise when you apply for a marriage-based green card and find that your new […]

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced a major policy change for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).  Employment authorization allows certain noncitizens to legally work in the United States. On one hand, some classes of noncitizens are immediately authorized to work based on the nature of their immigration status. On the other hand, certain […]

In a significant move, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new exemption that will have a positive impact on applicants filing Form I-539, the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Effective from October 1st, 2023, USCIS has waived the biometric services fee, simplifying the application process for many individuals seeking to extend or […]

If you are in the process of obtaining a U.S. green card through an employment-based visa, you have likely encountered the term “Request for Evidence” or RFE. If you have recently received an RFE asking for your Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, it is crucial to respond promptly. In this […]