Chris Prescott

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has now agreed to a settlement after the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and Partners, filed a Federal Lawsuit claiming, that the prohibition on qualifying H-4 and L-2 applicants benefits from the 180-day extension, was unlawful. For details of our original article please click the following link: https://patel-law-group.local/aila-files-lawsuit-claiming-h-4-and-l-2-ead-should-qualify-for-180-day-automatic-extension/ The...

So having filed your immigration paperwork with USCIS and after enduring the prolonged processing times USCIS has now sent you a notice asking you to appear for an interview. So, what can you expect? Clients often ask me how they can prepare for an interview and want a set list of questions; however, there is...

This article has been updated, please visit the link below: https://patel-law-group.local/how-to-make-an-interfile-request-to-switch-employment-categories/ By now most people are familiar with the concept of filing a downgrade application from EB-2 to EB-3.  However, last October so many applicants filed downgrades, that the demand for EB-3 green cards, has far exceeded the number available, resulting in severe retrogression, especially...

The White House recently announced the lifting of the travel ban, which has barred tens of thousands of foreign travelers from entering the U.S.  Instead, the U.S. will require foreign travelers to provide proof of vaccination prior to departure. Our original article on this can be found at: https://patel-law-group.local/biden-administration-to-lift-travel-ban-and-allow-vaccinated-travelers-to-enter-the-u-s/ Further details of the new travel...

The November visa bulletin was just released and has left many applicants disappointed, especially those who filed a downgrade from EB-2 to EB-3. However, this was to be expected, based on Charlie Oppenheim’s comments during his last YouTube video, as well as the comments at the bottom of last month’s visa bulletin. Charlie confirmed, during...

USCIS processing times continue to increase for the majority of applications and have only been made worst by the ongoing pandemic, resulting in the agency being heavily understaffed.  This is especially true for H-4 and L-2 EAD applicants.  Because of the long processing times and the fact that these categories of work authorization are not...

For the past 18 months, COVID-19 had wreaked havoc all over the world and has limited the entry of certain travelers into the U.S. With Consulate closures and travel bans, entering the U.S. has been particularly difficult for non-immigrants, especially those who require visa stamping. With limited appointments available and often the need to apply...

Another action by USCIS demonstrates that current processing times are becoming increasingly protracted. Effective September 4, 2021, USCIS announced that to accommodate current processing times for I-751 and I-829 petitions, they are increasing the validity of the receipt notices from 18 months to 24 months. Applicants who obtain a green card through a marriage where...