Tag: H-4 Visas

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 […]

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 […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that it has extended the temporary suspension of the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. The previously announced suspension, which was initially […]

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 […]

As of May 4, 2022, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Extensions will now be lengthened to a 540-day period from the previous 180-day extension period, according to a Temporary Final Rule (TFR) set forth by USCIS. This extension will only be pertinent to applicants who were previously eligible for the 180-day extension. Specifically, this applies to […]

The Secretary of State and Department of Homeland Security have recently announced a new policy authorizing consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain temporary employment nonimmigrant visa applicants through December 31, 2022. This new authorization applies to temporary workers that are applying for the H-1B, H-3, H-4, L, O, P, and Q […]

USCIS has announced major policy guidance changes as to how they will adjudicate work permits for certain H-4, E, and L nonimmigrant dependent spouses. The process of obtaining employment authorization documents from USCIS has long been a problem in the immigration system. Recent litigation in the case Shergill, et al. v. Mayorkas reversed the USCIS […]

On May 3, 2021, Acting Associate Director of Service Center Operations (SCOPS) for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Connie Nolan signed a Declaration announcing the biometrics requirement will be suspended for H-4, L-2 and certain E Applications.  USCIS has the authority to require and collect biometrics, which include fingerprints, photographs, and digital […]

On April 26, 2021, the Governments of Mexico and the U.S. announced a change in the visa reciprocity standards for certain work visas for Mexican citizens and work permits for U.S. citizens. The principle of reciprocity is grounded in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and requires the Department of State (DOS) to set country-specific […]

Biden’s comprehensive immigration bill—known as the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021—was formally introduced in the House on February 18, 2021, by Representative Linda Sanchez (D-Calif) and in the Senate on February 22, 2021, by Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.). The bill calls for broad immigration reform, including an eight-year pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented […]