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.
"Went to the local Houston USCIS office by 4:50 am on friday Jul 11, 2003 and found myself behind 100 people (folks camping out...looked like a slumber party
. They sure let us in by 6:15am and got a number (186) & processed by around 12:45pm.
Our association, AILA, has filed a lawsuit against the USCIS today requesting the court to order the USCIS to freeze all immigration deadlines for:
Initial applications
Responses to all Requests for Evidence or other responses due on or after March 1, 2020
Requests for extension of status, maintenance of status
Reprieve from any expiration of status or employment authorization;
Maintaining the status quo for purposes of eligibility for protection from removal, work authorization,
Updates Align with Board of Immigration Appeals Decision and Statute
Department to Temporarily Amend Certain H-2A Requirements During COVID-19 National Emergency
Release Date: April 15, 2020
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes that there are immigration-related challenges as a direct result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. USCIS continues to carefully analyze these issues and to leverage the resources to effectively address these challenges within USCIS's existing authorities. DHS also continues to take action to protect the American people and communities, and is considering a number of policies and procedures to improve the employment opportunities of U.S. workers during this pandemic.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that H-1B cap-subject petitions for fiscal year (FY) 2021, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may now be filed with USCIS if based on a valid selected registration.
A petitioner is only eligible to file an FY 2021 H-1B cap-subject petition if they electronically registered the beneficiary in the H-1B registration process and USCIS selected the registration submitted for the beneficiary through the random selection process.
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 2 April 2020
FAQs related to Covid Caronavirus:
Loss of job while in AOS I-485 period || Question from Employers about Payroll for H-1B and others L-1, E, etc. employees || Extension of B-1-B2 (tourist visas or business visas) ||
H-1B employee furlough's impact on green card and H-1B || Converting to B-1 B-2 status || H-1B denial || Changing H-1B home office location ||
Other FAQs: Accepting Unemployment Payments on nonimmigrant visas (H-1B, L-1, E visas, etc.) and/or on green card || Applying for green card for parents who are visiting/in the USA || H-1B lottery winner employee change of employers
April 16 Call, Discussion Topics and FAQs
Applying for tourist, visitors, B-1, B-2 to maintain status || Effect of take over on L-1 || EB-1C International Managers/Executive Green Card portability || I-140 revocation || Aged out disabled children || Losing job after AOS I-485 interview || H1b visa holders during COVID
Canadians living in USA || False claim to US Citizenship || Joint affidavit of support || Expired green card || Impact of NOIR on approved H-1B ||Maintaing H-1B during AOS