Release Date
05/27/2021
Due to updated guidance from the CDC, USCIS has updated its visitor policy. Fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear a face covering. Individuals two years old and older who are not fully vaccinated must still wear a face covering.
To be considered fully vaccinated, it must be at least two weeks after receiving a second dose in a two-dose series or at least two weeks after receiving a dose of a single-dose vaccine.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an extension of the flexibility in complying with requirements related to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, due to COVID-19.
This temporary guidance was set to expire May 31, 2021. Because of ongoing precautions related to COVID-19, DHS has extended the Form I-9 requirement flexibilities from June 1 to August 31, 2021.
Release Date
05/28/2021
USCIS is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to provide clarification regarding certain naturalization applications filed by veterans of the U.S. armed forces under section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Discussion Topics, Thursday, May 27, 2021
FAQ: Not reporting change of address to the USCIS - Naturalization || Chances of getting an F-1 Visa when B-1 Visa was rejected earlier 214(b) denial
Release Date
05/07/2021
1 Green Card through PERM, Step 1 - The PERM process
1.1 Preliminary points
1.1.1 Most commonly used process and is based upon a permanent, full-time job offer
1.1.2 Involves testing the labor market for a defined job
1.1.3 Green card is for a "future job"
1.1.4 Employment-based categories 2 and 3 (EB-2, EB-3)
Published by: The Economic Times - Date: May 10, 2021
Synopsis
To protect yourselves, carry evidence that your extension application was timely filed and you left because you had an urgent need to do so. Also, take a screenshot or printout of the FAQ on the CBP website: “How can I extend my stay while in the United States?
For more on this article please see the attachment below.
Release Date
05/10/2021
Program Will Provide Opportunities for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Topics:
USCIS recently updated the following form:
05/17/2021 01:38 PM EDT
You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page.
For more information, please visit Forms Updates page.
Release Date
05/17/2021
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. The grant opportunities will provide up to $10 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country.
Release Date
05/18/2021
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a final rule that removes from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) an interim final rule (IFR) issued in October 2020, which has since been vacated by a federal district court.
Number 54
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during June for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Published by: The Economic Times - Date: May 20, 2021
Synopsis
You must be able to demonstrate “sustained national or international acclaim” in your field. You do that through one of the two ways. First, either you must have received a one-time national or internationally recognized award. Second, if you do not have such an award, alternatively, you must pass two tests: quantitative and qualitative.
For more on this article please see the attachment below.
was there early in the morning 6am, entered line in orchard st taken inside at 8.00am, to 2nd floor office
- iEAD applications must have a duplicate application prepared with documents. they check before you get in
- make sure you have an address in NJ, they ask proof of residence in NJ to issue your documents, bring DL, utility bill etc to prove that.
- got the card the same day for 8 months,
- they lost our documents, then found them in the 3'rd office where your pictures will be taken
I hold an H1B Visa, and it is time for an extension. At the same time, I applied for my I-485 a few years ago, and I recently renewed my EAD, which is valid for 5 years. My priority date is June 2013. At this time, I am a bit confused about whether to move on to EAD or if I should continue to extend my H1B. If, for any reason, my H1B extension goes wrong, will I still be able to use my EAD? Thank you always for your support.
You should maintain your H-1B while your I-485 (AOS) is pending. If something goes wrong with your I-485, you could end up without legal status or work authorization, creating complications. Keeping your H-1B (or L-1) active provides a backup. While your spouse can use an EAD, losing their status is less risky than the primary applicant losing theirs.
I would appreciate some insights on my H-1B and green card process. Here’s my situation:
I currently have an H-1B visa valid until July 2027.
My company has filed for PERM with a priority date of October 2024.
If things go as expected, I anticipate my I-140 approval around May 2026 (with premium processing, if things go smoothly and I receive my DOL approval around Feb 2026, calculating around 15+ months from Oct 2024).
I’m considering moving to India around January/February 2027, which would be about 180 days after I-140 approval (if that helps retain I-140 benefits even if I go to India; if not, I would be moving earlier).
My questions:
Impact on H-1B if I move to India
What would happen to my H-1B if I joined a different employer in India?
What happens if I stay with the same U.S. employer but work from India?
Returning to the U.S. after H-1B expiration
If my H-1B expires while I’m in India and I haven’t renewed it, let's say that in the future, I will get an employer and want to re-enter the USA. Would the process be expected for the employer, like filing for a change of employer and me getting a new stamp in the Indian embassy, or would it have some additional complications?
I-140 and Priority Date Retention
Will my I-140 priority date remain intact if I am in India and later re-enter the USA for a different employer based on the answer to the above question?
If I get a new job in the U.S. later, what must my future employer do to transfer or use my existing priority date for the new green card process?
If you move to India (or another country) after your I-140 approval, your H-1B with your current employer will likely be revoked unless they continue paying your U.S. salary. If your H-1B expires while you are abroad, you can return to the U.S. on H-1B with any employer, as your I-140 remains valid after 180 days. However, you must restart your green card process with a new employer. Your I-140 priority date remains intact, even if you switch from EB-2 to NIW or EB-1A.
Number 1
Volume XI
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during April for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
USCIS updated the following forms:
Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status
01/20/2025 04:15 PM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. As of March 3, 2025, the currently effective version is the 01/20/25 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
01/20/2025 10:54 AM EST
FAQs: Should I maintain my H-1B during I-485/AOS pendency? || H-1B and I-140: Moving to India & Future Return to the U.S .|| H-1B working remotely from India
USCIS recently updated the following form:
03/06/2025 12:29 PM EST
Edition Date: 03/06/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page of Form G-1055, Fee Schedule.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
As of Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS has waived any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USCIS will not issue any Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny related to proving a COVID-19 vaccination.
USCIS recently updated the following forms:
Form G-325A, Biographic Information (for Deferred Action)
01/20/2025 10:13 AM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. As of March 3, 2025, the currently effective version is the 01/20/25 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support
01/20/2025 09:12 AM EST