Employment-Based Immigration

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa category available only to citizens of specific countries that have treaties with the United States. These treaties establish the eligibility of citizens from certain nations to apply for the E-2 visa. The length of the E-2 visa can vary depending on the individual treaty agreement between the qualifying...

On December 2, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a significant update affecting applicants filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This update mandates that certain applicants must now submit Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, concurrently with their Form I-485. Failure to do...

As of December 2024, the processing times for the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program have experienced notable changes, affecting both employers and foreign workers pursuing employment-based green cards. Staying informed about these timelines is essential for effective strategic planning in the immigration process. Today our firm received the first PERM approval under the new FLAG...

As the Trump administration returns to power in January 2025, it’s crucial for international students to be aware of the potential pitfalls associated with Day 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT). While Day 1 CPT might seem like an attractive option for those who wish to continue working while studying, it carries significant risks that could...

Filing Form I-751, the Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is a critical step for conditional permanent residents striving to secure their full 10-year green card. While the process might seem straightforward, there are several mistakes an individual can make which could lead to processing delays, requests for additional evidence (RFEs), or even denial. Within...

When an employer is unfamiliar with the H-1B process, the most common question I hear after approval is, “What should we do next?”  When an employee changes their status to H-1B, there are several important steps and considerations to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Here is a comprehensive guide for employers navigating this process:...

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has made significant strides in modernizing the admission process for foreign nationals entering the U.S., most notably through the implementation of “Simplified Arrival” and the move to stampless entry for most admission categories in 2022. However, despite these technological advancements, errors in admission records continue to occur....

What is the EB-1A Visa? The EB-1A visa is a first-preference employment-based visa for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field. This visa is designed for those who have achieved national or international acclaim and are at the top of their profession. The EB-1A visa offers a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) in...