Employment-Based Immigration

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. ...

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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...

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For a long time, processing times for applications filed at USCIS have been spiraling out of control and certain applications do not qualify for premium processing. For example, the current processing time for EB-5 cases is 47-71 months!  Imagine investing over half a million dollars, paying a $3,675 filing fee and then having to wait...

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There are two types of visitor visas, namely: B-1- This is a business visa. B-2- this is a tourist visa. Not everyone visiting the U.S. needs to have a visitor visa.  For example, there are several countries like the UK and Australia that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), also commonly referred to as...

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  What is the H-1B lottery and how do I apply? An H-1B visa is a temporary form of work authorization and is available for those who intend to work in a specialty occupation.  A specialty occupation position is one that requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and...

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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 for EB-3 India. In November 2021, EB-3 India dates retrogressed by...

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With each new year comes another H-1B lottery.  Although the registration won’t open until March, Employers and potential employees need to start thinking about the process early on to make sure they are prepared. In the two previous years, USCIS has used electronic registration as a way of conducting the lottery and will continue to...

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Since the pandemic began processing times have gone through the roof and continue to increase across for board for all immigration-related applications. USCIS claims it is understaffed, yet they are funded by fees, the majority of which have seen huge increases in the past few years.  For example, the premium processing fee increased from $1,410...

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