June 2019 Visa Bulletin
June 2019 Visa Bulletin is now available.
White House Issues Memo on Combating High Non-immigrant Overstay Rates
The White House issued a memo on combating high non-immigrant visa overstay rates. Among other things, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the AG and Secretary of Homeland Security, shall provide recommendations of actions to take to reduce nonimmigrant overstay rates from certain countries. Clients should take particular note of the fact that [...]
CBP Announces I-94 Numbers Will Become Alphanumeric
CBP announced that beginning in May 2019, I-94 numbers will be alphanumeric. Prior to May 2019, I-94 numbers were 11 digits long and only contained numbers. This change is due to the depletion of numeric-only I-94 numbers and to create a long-term solution for the creation of new numbers.
May 2019 Visa Bulletin
May 2019 Visa Bulletin is now available.
USCIS Strengthens Guidance for Spousal Petitions Involving Minors
USCIS has announced additional guidance regarding the adjudication of spousal petitions involving minors, following up on the agency’s February update to its policy. The guidance, published as an update to the USCIS Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM), instructs officers to conduct an additional interview for certain I-130 spousal petitions involving a minor. Generally, the bona fides [...]
Uptick in Site Visit and NOID/NOIR Activity
We have received credible reports from clients and other practitioners that the number of site visits targeting Consulting companies has increased significantly in the past several weeks. Employees should be made aware that site inspectors could call on them at the end client site unannounced. When this happens, employees must politely ask to see the [...]
April 2019 Visa Bulletin
April 2019 Visa Bulletin is now available.
USCIS to Publish Revised Form I-539 and New Form I-539A on March 8
USCIS has revised Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status and will publish the revised form on their website on March 8, 2019. USCIS will be removing the 12/23/16 version of Form I-539 from uscis.gov on March 8 but will be allowing for a two-week grace period, until close of business on March 21, for [...]
March 2019 Visa Bulletin
March 2019 Visa Bulletin is now available.
USCIS to Publish Revised Form I-539 and New Form I-539A
USCIS has revised Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status and will publish the revised form on their website on March 11, 2019. Beginning March 11, 2019, USCIS will only accept the revised Form I-539 with an edition date of 02/04/19. They will reject any Form I-539 with an edition date of 12/23/16 or earlier. [...]