In this issue: 1. FY 2026 Diversity Visa Program Application Period Is Underway – The online registration period for the Diversity Visa (DV)-2026 program began on October 2, 2024, and concludes on November 5, 2024. 2. USCIS Issues New Guidance on EB-1 ‘Extraordinary Ability’ Eligibility Criteria – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued policy guidance, […]
Headlines: 1. BELGIUM – Each region now has its own law regarding work authorization and work permits. 2. CANADA – The Canadian government has acted to further limit the number of temporary residents in Canada. 3. SCHENGEN AREA – The Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin operations on November 10, 2024. 4. UNITED KINGDOM – On […]
In this issue: 1. USCIS Updates Guidance on OPT and Other Issues for F/M Nonimmigrant Students – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its guidance on when students may be eligible for optional practical training extensions for STEM fields. USCIS also provided clarifying guidance for F and M nonimmigrant students about online study, […]
In this issue: 1. USCIS Will Conduct Second Random Selection for Regular Cap From Previously Submitted FY 2025 H-1B Cap Registrations – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will select additional registrations for unique beneficiaries to reach the FY 2025 regular cap numerical allocation. USCIS will make the selections from previously submitted electronic registrations using a […]
Headlines: 1. GOVERNMENT IMMIGRATION FEES: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an overview of government immigration fees in several countries. 2. COLOMBIA – This article discusses visa options for retirees and “digital nomads” in Colombia. 3. EUROPEAN UNION – The Council of the European Union has extended temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until March 2026. […]
In this issue: 1. Liberian DED Extended Through June 2026 – President Biden has extended through June 30, 2026, deferred removal for Liberians with a grant of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). President Biden also announced that eligible Liberian nationals will have continued work authorization through June 30, 2026. 2. DHS Releases Details on Haiti TPS […]
In this issue: 1. E-Verify+ Trial Launched; Users Should Check Their Bookmarks, USCIS Said – E-Verify+ integrates the Form I-9 and E-Verify employment eligibility verification processes. USCIS also noted that E-Verify users should check their bookmarks and update them if needed. 2. USCIS Reminds SAVE Users to Certify Tutorial Review, Provides Best Practice Tips – […]
Headlines: 1. ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP THROUGH FAMILY RELATIONSHIP: AN OVERVIEW – This article provides an update on acquisition of citizenship through family relationship in several countries. 2. FRANCE – A new law to control immigration entered into force on January 26, 2024. France also announced procedures related to the Olympic Games in Paris and other […]
In this issue: 1. USCIS Reports Statistics on Employers and Beneficiaries for FY 2025 H-1B Cap Initial Registration – Following up on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) previous announcement that it had received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2025 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B […]
The process of immigrating to the United States is a challenging and complex journey. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plays a crucial role in this process, but unfortunately, they aren’t infallible. Mistakes and errors can occur that may complicate your immigration case and cause unnecessary delays or even denials. Please see the […]