On January 4, 2023, USCIS posted a notice of proposed rulemaking to adjust filing fees. Certain fees, particularly cases filed using form I-129 (H-1B, L-1A, L-1B, etc.) could potentially see significant hikes as well as EB-5. Here of a brief overview of some of the notable proposed fee increases: Immigration benefit Current fee Proposed fee...
H-1B Specialty Occupation & H-4 Dependent visas
When USCIS announced that H-4 holders would qualify for an automatic extension of their EAD, this was praised as a move in the right direction. However, the caveat to this rule is that to qualify for an automatic extension an individual needs to have a valid I-94. The automatic extension was initially 180 days, but...
Aug232022
[pdf-embedder url=”https://patel-law-group.local/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Fact-Sheet.pdf” title=”Fact Sheet”]...
Last year USCIS came under heavy criticism for failing to issue all available employment-based green cards. Due to the pandemic, most Consulates were closed or operating at a reduced capacity which meant that unused family-based visas rolled over into the employment-based green cards. This was great news. Typically, there are 140,000 employment-based green cards available...
The Office of Foreign Labor certification (OFLC) is set to implement the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes on July 1, 2022. Any Labor condition applications (LCAs) submitted prior to July 1, 2022, will be adjudicated based on the 2010 SOC codes. Any applications submitted after July 1, 2022, will be based on the new...
May162022
So, you have received approval for an H-1B visa, and , the project you are working on comes to an end. Another project is available. But, must your employer file an H-1B amendment before you start at the new location? The answer is .Maybe The regulations need an H-1B amendment. This is when there is...
Rather than adjudicate cases faster USCIS is extending certain employment authorizations up to 540 days. This is a clear sign that faster adjudication times are still a distant promise and further evidence that USCIS continues to be incompetent. I remember the days when USCIS had a 90- day turn around policy for issuing EAD cards. ...
Prefer a Video Format? See the video below to learn more about this article? It’s that time of year again when I find myself speaking to people who have not been selected in the lottery and need to consult with PLG to find out whether they have any other options. The majority of people...