Biden announces STEM changes for F-1, J-1, O-1A and National Interest Waivers
24 January 2022
Students in the following fields will be able to obtain STEM OPT extensions for 24 months:
Students in the following fields will be able to obtain STEM OPT extensions for 24 months:
Discussion Topics, Jan 20, 2022 FAQs:
1. EB-1B for postdoctoral holder after a gap of several years in career 2. Date of birth and name corrections in birth certificate 3. COVID-19 delays in tourist/visitor extensions for B-2 holding parent and applying for their green card
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.
Release Date
01/21/2022
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance clarifying how it evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1A nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability, with a focus on petitions filed for individuals in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields, as well as how USCIS determines whether an O-1 beneficiary’s prospective work is within their area of extraordinary ability or achievement.
Release Date
01/25/2022
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated the USCIS Policy Manual to reflect new guidance on how USCIS determines whether a case warrants expedited treatment. The new guidance is effective immediately.
This update:
September 9, 2022:
Important FAQ from the USCIS about what to expect during this fiscal year #immigration
https://www.immigration.com/blogs/fiscal-year-2023-employment-based-adj…
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On January 21, 2022, USCIS published the following information on its website, which we have edited to provide clarifying remarks:
Release Date
01/28/2022
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2023 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 18, 2022. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives will be able to complete and submit their registrations using the online H-1B registration system.
Note: For governmental Requests For Evidence (RFEs), we charge extra based upon the complexity of the issue(s).
| 1. | Legal Fees (for our Office) 1,800 - $2,400 depending on type of case, due at the commencement of the case |
| 2. |
Filing Fees to the USCIS (Single Applicant): Form N-400, See USCIS Fee Calculator |
| 3. | Federal Express Expenses: approximately $75 - $100 |
| Fee Type | Amount | Payable To | Responsible for Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal fee | $2,200 |
Fee schedule for B-1/B-2 visa classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
Note: For governmental Requests For Evidence (RFEs), we charge extra based upon the complexity of the issue(s)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
| 1. |
Legal Fees: In consideration of professional services rendered and to be rendered, employer and/or beneficiary agree to pay legal fees as follows: Stage 1: PERM (Labor Certification) |
The fee schedule for Green Card through Extraordinary Ability Alien, Outstanding Researcher/Professor, and Multinational Manager (fees are payable by personal checks) is as follows:
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: |
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Stage 1: I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
The fee schedule for EB-3 (Schedule A) NURSES:
| 1. |
Legal Fees: Payable at the commencement of the case:
Stage 2: Consular Processing or I-485, Application to Adjust Status: Payable at the time of the Consular Processing or I-485 petition preparation: |
Note: The fee schedule for J visa (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
Note: If the case is likely to be complicated, we may charge higher amounts for legal fees.
For governmental Requests For Evidence (RFEs), we charge extra based upon the complexity of the issue(s).
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
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Fee schedule for TN classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-process…
Fee schedule for O classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees
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Fee schedule for P classification (USCIS requires all filing fees to be paid EITHER via ACH Transaction or Credit card)
Note: USCIS to Increase Premium Processing Fees as of March 1, 2026, https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-to-increase-premium-processing-fees