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 […]
Courtesy Notice from USCIS Lawrence Field Office This afternoon, I received a Courtesy Notice from the USCIS Lawrence Field Office advising me that an interview is required to complete the adjudication of a marriage-based green card application that I prepared. Although the interview requirement is less common these days, the courtesy notice is something […]
Marriage Green Card Lawyer Cost I recently wrote an article on the USCIS Fee Increase, effective April 1, 2024. This article is intended for those who are hoping to file a marriage-based green card application package before the fee increase takes effect! Flat Fee I charge a flat fee of $3,500 to prepare a […]
USCIS Fee Increase for Marriage-Based Green Card Applications, Effective April 1, 2024 Yesterday, the USCIS published a final rule (here) to adjust the filing fees for various immigration benefits for the first time since 2016. This includes the cost of filing a marriage-based green card application package. A marriage-based green card application package (with […]
USCIS Updated Guidance on Untimely Filed Extension of Stay and Change of Status Requests The USCIS just announced (here) an update to its Policy Manual, effective immediately, that “extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant or petitioner” in timely filing a request for extension of stay or change of status, may now include […]
