Unlike most government agencies, USCIS is fee funded. Fees collected and deposited into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account fund nearly 97% of USCIS’ budget. As required by federal law, USCIS conducted a comprehensive biennial fee review and determined that current fees do not recover the cost of providing adjudication and naturalization services. Under a [...]
On August 3, 2020, USCIS published a Final Rule that significantly alters the USCIS fee schedule by adjusting fees by a weighted average increase of 20 percent, adding new fees, establishing multiple fees for nonimmigrant worker petitions, and limiting the number of beneficiaries for certain forms. The rule also removes certain fee exemptions, changes fee [...]
Infographic listing the most important points about the latest Presidential Proclamation.
This evening, President Trump issued a proclamation continuing Proclamation 10014 from April 22nd At the outset, here is what you need to know: Most domestic immigration – H-1Bs, L-1s, Os, Ps and all other forms of nonimmigrant visas including, H-1B CAP filings are unaffected Change of Employment and Extensions of nonimmigrant status can continue [...]
We have been tracking certain reports that an additional Presidential Proclamation barring entry of certain nonimmigrants appears to be imminent. Here is what we know at this point. This news item is courtesy the American Immigration Lawyers Association Timing The President may be making a decision on the scope of the proclamation as early as [...]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS is extending the flexibilities it announced on March 30 to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to certain: Requests for Evidence; Continuations to Request Evidence (N-14); Notices of Intent to Deny; Notices of Intent to Revoke; Notices of Intent to Rescind and Notices of Intent to Terminate [...]
USCIS plans to begin reopening the offices on or after June 4, unless the public closures are extended further. USCIS staff are continuing to perform duties that do not involve face-to-face contact with the public. USCIS will provide further updates as the situation develops and will continue to follow CDC guidance.
I am writing to provide you with update on what started as a sensational Tweet two days ago – the plan to “suspend immigration” to the United States. We now know what the plan entails, and I am providing you with a short summary offering a bit more clarity and a way to plan for [...]
Last night, President Trump tweeted: “In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!' This tweet has caused great anxiety among immigrants in general and in [...]
USCIS issued a news release with options for nonimmigrants who may unexpectedly remain in the U.S. beyond their authorized period of stay due to COVID-19. USCIS advises that they individuals can file EOS/COS applications, and VWP entrants can request an additional 30-day period of satisfactory departure. Read the news release.