Employment-Based Immigration

In the January 2025 visa bulletin, the U.S. Department of State and USCIS reported significant progress in processing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program applications, including increased approvals for I-526E petitions—a key step for investors seeking U.S. residency. Progress in EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Approvals They’ve also noted more applicants successfully completing the program in EB-5 set-aside...

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new regulation aimed at modernizing the H-2B program (including H-2A also).  This regulation goes into effect on January 17, 2025, days before Trump takes office. Elimination of eligible countries The new H-2B rule eliminates the eligible country list, allowing employers to hire H-2B workers from any...

The Edakunni v. Mayorkas settlement reached mandated the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bundle the processing of specific forms for H-4 and L-2 visa holders. Key Provisions of the Edakunni Settlement: Bundled Processing: Under the settlement, USCIS agreed to process Forms I-539 (Application to Change or Extend Nonimmigrant Status) and I-765 (Application for...

It is not uncommon for an administration to push through a final rule before a new administration takes over. With Trump expected to take a tough stance on all immigration, including legal immigration, this rule is a last ditch attempt by the Biden administration to preserve and modernize the H-1B program. The H-1B program is...

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...