Going through the Immigration process can at times be confusing and complicated. Certainly, the immigration process in the United States involves multiple government agencies, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. The three key agencies that you should be aware of include: USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) USCIS is a part of the Department of…
Category Archives: Employment-Based Immigration
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Travel tips for F-1 students
Travelling should be a fun experience. However, returning to the U.S. and navigating the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) process usually isn’t. This article is intended for F-1 students wanting to travel on OPT, STEM OPT or Day 1 CPT. OPT Travelling on post completion OPT (initial 12 months) should not be problematic if…
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Case Study Discussion: L-1 and EB-1C Approval for Multinational Manager without issuance of any Requests for Evidence
The Patel Law Group immigration practice was retained to obtain an L-1A petition approval for a multinational manager. The petitioning U.S. entity, a fine-jewelry and diamonds wholesaler and marketer company, established in the state of New York, required the executive/managerial expertise of the beneficiary in the United States to serve in the role of President,…
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Case Study Discussion: E-2 Approval for Purchase of Existing Accounting Business
The Patel Law Group immigration practice was retained to obtain first-time E-2 status for a treaty investor and family. The investor formed a new entity in the state of Texas, to purchase part of the assets of an already established business in the United States. The purchased assets, namely a client list of the accounting…
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USCIS Expands Premium Processing: Faster Path to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
Premium processing for change of status applications is finally being made available to students, marking a significant development. Previously, transitioning from say a B-1/B-2 to F-1 status could take more than 18 months, leaving individuals unable to commence their studies and stuck in a state of uncertainty. Moreover, due to the prolonged processing time, USCIS…
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USCIS Introduces New Guidance on Compelling Circumstances for EAD: What You Need to Know
The compelling circumstances-based Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is a specific type of work permit issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued to beneficiaries of approved employment-based petitions and who cannot obtain the green card due to a backlog. It allows individuals who are in the United States on certain non-immigrant visa…
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USCIS Uncovers Fraud in H-1B Registration Process: Steps Taken to Ensure Fairness and Transparency
USCIS recently confirmed the receipt of 780,884 registrations for FY 2024, marking an increase of about 62% from the previous year. This surge in registrations explains the low selection rates this year. This same agency also announced that it has verified the presence of collusion among technology companies who aim to improve the probability of…
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Breaking Down the Complexities of the Visa Bulletin: What You Need to Know
The Visa Bulletin is a critical resource for anyone seeking to immigrate to the United States. This monthly publication, issued by the US Department of State (DOS), provides valuable information on the availability of immigrant visas for individuals from various countries and categories. Understanding the Visa Bulletin and its complex system of priority dates and…
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USCIS finally clarifies when response is due where due date falls on weekend or a Federal Holiday.
Finally, some clarity from USCIS on a long standing issue. USCIS recently announced that they are updating the USCIS Policy Manual to address situations when the last day to file a benefit request or respond to a USCIS action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday. In these situations, USCIS will consider a filing…
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USCIS To Extend Grace Period From 60 days To 180 days
Imagine living in a different country for 10 years, buying a house and a car, having kids and then losing your job only to be told that you have 60 days to get your affairs in order and leave? But this would never happen, right? Wrong, this has been a reality for a lot of…