USCIS Announces Second Random Selection for Cap from FY 2025 H-1B Registrations In a significant development for the H-1B visa program, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced (here) that it will conduct a second random selection process for the Regular Cap of the Fiscal Year 2025 H-1B visa category. This move comes […]
Update on NEW Process to Promote Family Unity and Stability On July 17, 2024, the USCIS issued a news alert with updates on the Policy to Promote Family Unity that was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) on June 18, 2024. Some key highlights are provided below. Implementation Date USCIS will begin accepting […]
I-751 Filing When Separated But Not Yet Divorced Clients frequently ask me whether they can file a joint I-751 petition while separated or in active divorce or annulment proceedings. The answer is: Yes! Pursuant to the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 6: Immigrants, Part I, Family-Based Conditional Permanent Residents [6 USCIS-PM I] (Chapters 1-7): USCIS […]
H-1B Cap Petition – Basic Information from Lally Immigration What, How, Why Before I provide basic information on what services we offer and how those services are rendered, I want to take a brief moment to explain why Lally Immigration Services exists. Mission Statement Our mission is: “To liberate invaluable time through an unwavering […]
USCIS Announces New Guidance on Form I-693 Validity Period Yesterday, the USCIS announced that any immigration medical exam, i.e., Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that was properly completed and signed by a civil surgeon on or after Nov. 1, 2023 can now be used indefinitely as evidence that an […]
How Long Does It Take USCIS To Schedule Oath Ceremony? The timing of the oath ceremony can vary depending on factors, such as: caseload, location, and scheduling availability. In some cases, individuals are able to attend an Oath Ceremony on the same day as the naturalization interview. This is considered an “administrative ceremony,” which is […]
Green Card F4 – Question/Answer Question: If a child was originally part of an F4 petition, but by the time the case becomes active in the final action chart, he is above 21, will he be still considered a child for immigration purposes? I’ve read there has been some recent updates in CSPA. […]
Can I Expedite My Travel Permit to Attend a Wedding? Potentially! On March 21, 2024, the USCIS issued updated guidance (here) to clarify how it will consider expedite requests related to a pressing or critical need to travel outside of the United States for a planned event, such as a wedding (among other things). In […]
Can I Hire Employee with Irish Passport? Question: I am trying to hire someone with an Irish passport. Hiring an employee with Irish passport. Answer: This depends on whether the Irish passport holder has valid employment authorization. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Preliminary Discussion: What is the potential employee’s current immigration status? ESTA, B2 tourist, F1 student, J1 exchange […]
Today, the USCIS’ new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect. Any Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024 with the incorrect filing fee will be rejected and returned. The full table of adjusted fees is: Form Previous Fee New Fee Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker $1,500 (H-2B or R-1 […]
