USCIS

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (used to be BCIS, INS)

Success in filing an L-1A “new office” petition

We successfully assisted the client company, an online retail business, in filing an L-1A “new office” petition to enable the beneficiary to join the U.S. subsidiary temporarily as Chief Executive Officer to lead the development and formulation of the U.S. Entity’s short and long-term strategy. While in the U.S. Beneficiary will continue to setup the business’s U.S. office and a warehouse facility, hire a U.S. team and lead the development of sales and marketing strategies.

Agency

Success in responding to a Request for Evidence after filing an E-3 Petition

We assisted in responding to an RFE questioning the employer’s educational requirements for an E-3 (Specialty Occupation Workers from Australia) Petition filed for a software developer position. USCIS sought clarification as to how the position could be a specialty occupation where the employer required a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, computer science or equivalent with related experience.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Agency

Immigration Law

USCIS Statement on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Release Date 

02/04/2022

On Feb. 6, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services joins other U.S. government agencies and the international community in calling for an end to the practice of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C).

FGM/C refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

How to Make Your Communication with the USCIS Contact Center More Effective

How to Make Your Communication with the USCIS Contact Center More Effective

The USCIS Contact Center has  made changes to reduce reliance on telephonic live assistance while promoting the use of online self-help tools and digital inquiry channels. This is the result of financial limitations and resource constraints that make it impossible for USCIS to offer live assistance to every customer in the face of increased inquiry volumes.

When does it make sense to reach out to the USCIS Contact Center?

USCIS Updates Guidance on National Interest Waivers

Release Date 

01/21/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated guidance on adjudicating requests for “National Interest Waivers” regarding job offer and labor certification requirements for certain advanced degree professionals and individuals of exceptional ability. This includes discussing the unique considerations for persons with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and entrepreneurs.

USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants in Arts vs. Motion Picture and Television

Release Date 

01/13/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced clarifying guidance on how USCIS determines whether an O-1B beneficiary will be evaluated as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts or as a person of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry when a case has elements of both.

Immigration Help Available to Those Affected by Natural Disasters and Other Unforeseen Circumstances

Release Date 

01/12/2022

USCIS is reminding the public that they offer immigration services that may help people affected by unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include, but are not limited to, the Marshall fire in Colorado. 

The following measures may be available on a case-by-case basis upon request: 

USCIS Updated Forms - Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status and Application for T Nonimmigrant Status

USCIS recently updated the following form(s):

Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

12/06/2021 01:32 PM EST

Starting Mar. 14, USCIS will only accept the 12/06/21 edition. Until then, you can use the 04/24/19 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Application for T Nonimmigrant Status

12/02/2021 03:05 PM EST