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Tag: USCIS

  • USCIS Announces COVID-Related Flexibilities Ending

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that certain flexibilities it first announced in March 2020, to address the COVID-19 pandemic will end on March 23, 2023. You must respond to any notices or requests from USCIS dated after March 23 by the deadlines listed in the notice or request. Watch the video below […]
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  • USCIS Guidance on Analyzing Employers’ Ability to Pay Wages

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued a policy guidance regarding how it analyzes an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain first, second, and third preference employment-based immigrant visa classifications. This guidance is effective immediately. Employers seeking to classify prospective or current employees under the first, second, and […]
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  • Canadian Travel to the US: The Myth of the 180-Day Rule

    We often hear questions like these from Canadian clients looking to travel in the US… While there’s some truth to these sentiments, there are also popular misconceptions around the myth of the 180-day rule for Canadian visitors. Canadian visitors are generally granted a six-month default period of stay in B-2 visitor status at the time […]
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  • USCIS Gives Guidance on Program for International Entrepreneurs

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued comprehensive guidance on parole for international entrepreneurs.  On January 17, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the International Entrepreneur Rule. This rule provides a framework for DHS to use its parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay to noncitizen entrepreneurs on a case-by-case […]
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  • CSPA Age Calculation Update

    Recently, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has updated when an immigrant visa number “becomes available” for the purpose of calculating a noncitizen’s age in certain situations under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).  For a “child” to apply for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (also known as a green card) in […]
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  • New Designs Roll Out for Green Cards & Employment Authorization Documents

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the introduction of new designs to improve security of Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).  USCIS claims that these new documents contain “state-of-the art technology” that will safeguard national security and improve customer service. The changes to the documents will include improved detailed artwork, tactile printing […]
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  • USCIS FY 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

    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, […]
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  • FY 2024 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period

    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 […]
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  • USCIS Extends Green Card Validity for Conditional Permanent Residents with Pending I-751 or I-829

    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 […]
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  • USCIS Advises Family-Based I-485 Applicants to Include I-693 at the Time of Filing to Potentially Speed Up Processing Time

    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. […]
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