Dept. of State Changes NIE Policy for UK, Ireland and Schengen Countries  (3/5/2021)
On March 2, DOS rescinded its prior National Interest Exemption (NIE) policy for the Schengen area, UK and Ireland and established a new, more restrictive policy.  As a result, many upcoming visa appointments were cancelled.  New guidance has not yet been released regarding the revised policy. 

FY2022 H-1B Cap Registration  (2/8/2021)
USCIS will maintain the random lottery system for cap registrations in the coming FY2022 process.  Registration opens March 9 and runs through March 25. 

Travel Information for Returning to the United States  (1/26/2021)
Updates on current restrictions to entering the United States, including new COVID testing requirement for air travelers. 

Updates on Recent Changes  (1/20/2021)
With so much happening at the end of the Trump Administration and President Biden’s first day, we’ve summarized some of the most recent proposed changes and where they stand. 

USCIS Announces Drastic Changes to H-1B Cap Lottery Process  (1/7/2021)
USCIS will publish a Final Rule tomorrow changing the H-1B cap lottery process to allocate visas based on salary level instead of random selection. 

USCIS increases Premium Processing Fee  (10/20/2020)
Effective October 19, the fee for premium processing has increased to $2,500. 

No New USCIS Fees, Forms; Upcoming Premium Processing Changes (10/6/2020)
A nationwide injunction has prevented the new USCIS fees and forms scheduled to take effect on October 2 from being implemented.  At the same time, Congress has mandated an expansion of the premium processing program, including increased fees. 

Summary of Restrictions on Entry into the United States (9/15/2020)
There are a large number of travel restrictions in place right now which are changing regularly.  Linked is a summary of the restrictions that are most likely to impact our clients as of this writing. 

USCIS Announces Temporary I-9 Policy for EAD Approvals (8/21/2020)
In acknowledgement of EAD card production delays, USCIS will temporarily allow employees to present their I-797 EAD approval notice for I-9 purposes while awaiting the EAD card issuance. 

New USCIS Filing Fees, Suspension of Public Charge Rule (8/12/2020)
USCIS filing fee changes will take effect October 2, 2020, with a weighted average increase of 20%.  In other news, a New York District Court issued a nationwide injunction of the USCIS and DOS Public Charge Rules, so implementation of the rules has been suspended. 

Updates on the Immigration Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic (3/23/2020)
Updates from various government agencies on the immigration-related impact of the pandemic. 

Immigration Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic (3/18/2020)
The situation with COVID-19 is constantly evolving, as are its effects on our lives.  Some of those effects have immigration consequences, which we summarize here (as of this writing). 

USCIS to Implement new Public Charge Rule Effective February 24, 2020 (1/31/2020)
On January 27, the Supreme Court lifted the injunction on DHS’ new Public Charge rule, paving the way for its implementation on February 24, 2020. The new rule will affect adjustment of status applicants as well as nonimmigrants seeking to extend or change their status in the United States.

Summary of New USCIS Policies Affecting Employment-Based Immigrants (8/2/2018)
USCIS has released three new Policy Memoranda over the past few months which could have a significant impact on employment-based immigrants.

Employment-Based I-485 Interview Requirement (10/3/2017)
USCIS has indicated that I-485 interviews for employment-based applicants began this week, and will be required for all applicants whose I-485s were filed after March 6, 2017.