U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are extending the joint agency pilot program for Canadian citizens seeking L-1 nonimmigrant status under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) through April 30, 2019. Earlier this year, the USCIS California Service Center (CSC) and the CBP Blaine, Washington, port of entry (POE) announced this pilot program which was scheduled to run from April 30, 2018, through Oct.
FAQ's
Impact of unlawful presence || Unlawful presence for minors ||How can I downgrade from EB2 to EB3 and the consequences || Traveling abroad while H4 EAD is pending || Filing change of address || Starting business while on student visa || Being without a job on AC21 || Citizenship for employees of consulting companies who have projects in different cities after green card || The new restriction on 12 months of CPT OPT combined – – consequences of H-1B denial on OPT || Not worked for green card sponsoring company – – fraud implication for naturalization/citizenship ||
Other
Applying for a visa || Details of applying for a spouse based green card || Cancellation of visa at the airport || Applying for H1 visa || Quitting green card job after getting green card || quarter exemption scratch that H-1B quota exemption || CSPA || Applying for H4 visa while H one extension is still pending
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is continuing to implement the June 28, 2018, Policy Memorandum (PM), Updated Guidance for the Referral of Cases and Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in Cases Involving Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens (PDF, 140 KB).
Are you seeking to adjust your status and become a U.S. permanent resident under a family-sponsored or employment-based preference immigrant visa? If you have not yet had a relative or employer file an immigrant visa petition on your behalf, please learn more about the Adjustment of Status Filing Process.
On Nov. 15, the Public Engagement Division (PED) held a stakeholder teleconference to discuss the USCIS Updated Guidance for the Referral of Cases and Issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) in Cases Involving Inadmissible and Deportable Aliens policy memorandum (PM) that was issued on June 28. USCIS representatives provided an overview of the memorandum, shared an update on the continued implementation of the PM, and addressed many questions submitted in advance.
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 29 November 2018:
FAQ: Effect of L-1A denial on approved EB-1C I-140 || Transfer of priority date on an I-140 -- process || Period of maximum stay allowed for tourist visa entrants || Continuing employment-based green card while moving outside the USA || Starting business on I-485 EAD|| Status expiring during the pendency of an H-1B extension || EB-2 approved applying for EB-3 || I-94 expired -- Unlawful Presence
Other: Travel during H-4 EAD || I-140 denial effect on concurrently filed I-485 || EB2 with a three-year bachelor’s degree || Green card for child born in Canada || H-1 transfer || 3 year H-1B extension || Four year delay in naturalization || Errors in H-1B approval || Fiance visa || Revocation of green card because of the company merger
USCIS has published a policy memorandum (PDF, 121 KB) (PM) clarifying the requirement that a qualifying organization employ a principal L-1 beneficiary abroad for one continuous year out of the three years before the time of petition filing (“one-year foreign employment requirement”).
USCIS recently updated the following form(s):
Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
01/20/2025 09:15 AM EST
Edition Date: 01/20/25. Starting July 3, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition. Until then, you can also use the 04/01/24 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.
For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.
I am reasonably sure that many people would be interested in learning about the new 5% remittance bill for non-US citizens and non-nationals. It's part of the big beautiful bill, so does it have a chance of getting passed? Is there a component of tax credit back for non-citizens (It says it has a tax credit back for taxpayers, but does not specify if they have to be US citizens/nationals or not) - if so, what % of it is reimbursed?
This would affect all countries, but India and Nigeria would be the most impacted. The media in both countries are covering it, but they are not mentioning the tax credit. We request that you shed more light on this bill and assist us with the possibilities, dates, and details.
Passage of the Bill: It's unlikely to pass the Senate in its current form, despite passing the House. Such provisions often face significant opposition when bundled into larger bills, and there's limited political support for a tax specifically targeting non-citizens sending money home.
Tax Credit Eligibility: Generally, non-citizens are not eligible for most US tax credits, particularly those intended for citizens or permanent residents. While specific tax credit eligibility is complex and depends on individual circumstances and the credit itself, the expert notes that a tax credit component for non-immigrants would defeat the bill's apparent purpose.
While applying for a B2 extension for job search, if I mention that despite giving so many interviews, I have not been able to get a job offer, will it increase or reduce my chances of approval?
Admitting to an unsuccessful job search on a B-2 visa extension application is unlikely to negatively affect approval, and honesty is always recommended. While not explicitly required, it's a logical and natural detail to include in your extension request, especially since your initial B-2 was likely for job searching.
When seeking an extension, you should:
Providing specific details about your job hunt adds credibility to your petition.
Currently, I'm on H1-B with an employer. My last working day with them would be on May 31st, 2025. I've already completed my grace period in the past, which was Sep 1st, 2024 - Oct 31st, 2024. I went back to my country and came to the US with my current employer. Now, I'm still looking for a new employer, and I don't think I can find one within this week. Can I still file for a B1/B2 visa and stay in the country without an employer from next week, May 31st, 2025? Can I be unemployed during the process time? Will there be any consequences?
No, you can potentially stay on a B-2 visa after H-1B employment ends, even if you've used a grace period before.
Here's why: The 60-day H-1B grace period renews with every new H-1B approval (extension, amendment, or transfer). Therefore, if you received a new H-1B approval with your current employer, you would have a fresh 60-day grace period.
During this grace period, you can file for a B-2 (visitor) visa to remain in the US. You are not considered unlawfully present until your B-2 application is denied. However, it's crucial to consult an immigration lawyer for personalized advice.
Trump Travel Ban: 19 Countries with Restrictions
Effective Date: June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT
Complete suspension of entry for both immigrants and nonimmigrants: