USCIS Potomac Service Center Will No Longer Accept Paper Responses

USCIS Potomac Service Center Will No Longer Accept Paper Responses

The Potomac Service Center (PSC) has relocated to Camp Springs, MD, and will no longer accept paper responses for various immigration correspondence starting November 13, 2023. To ensure a smooth transition and prevent processing delays, stay informed about these changes and use USCIS online tools for uploads or follow mailing guidelines to the Texas Service Center. Stay updated to adapt seamlessly and avoid any immigration application processing issues.

Department of Homeland Security Update: Modernizing the H-1B Program: A Step Towards Efficiency and Integrity

Department of Homeland Security Update: Modernizing the H-1B Program: A Step Towards Efficiency and Integrity

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in tandem with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has announced a groundbreaking Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at revamping the H-1B specialty occupation worker program. This proposal holds the potential to streamline eligibility requirements, elevate program efficiency, grant employers and workers greater benefits and flexibilities, and reinforce integrity measures. In this blog post, we delve into the key aspects of this proposed rule, outlining how it promises to revolutionize the H-1B program.

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance Regarding the 2-Year Foreign Residence Requirement for the J Nonimmigrant Classification

USCIS Issues Policy Guidance Regarding the 2-Year Foreign Residence Requirement for the J Nonimmigrant Classification

USCIS has recently published a comprehensive update regarding the J-1 visa foreign residence requirement, which affects exchange visitors. This blog post delves into the key policy highlights, clarifications, and exceptions, providing valuable insights for prospective J-1 visa applicants.

USCIS Policy Update: Sole Proprietorships and L-1 Petitions Explained
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USCIS Policy Update: Sole Proprietorships and L-1 Petitions Explained

Discover the latest policy updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding L-1 intracompany transferee petitions. In this post, we’ll explore the new USCIS Policy Manual guidance that clarifies why sole proprietorships cannot file L-1 petitions for their owners and how timely filing extensions for blanket L-1 petitions has changed. Stay informed about these essential immigration policy changes that affect businesses and entrepreneurs.

USCIS Update: USCIS Launches New Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) Tool for Seamless Updates

USCIS Update: USCIS Launches New Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) Tool for Seamless Updates

Learn about USCIS’s new E-COA self-service tool designed to streamline address updates for pending applications, petitions, and requests. Say goodbye to paperwork and phone calls—E-COA automates the process, making it faster and more efficient for USCIS customers.

USCIS Update: EAD Validity Period to 5 Years for Specific Categories
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USCIS Update: EAD Validity Period to 5 Years for Specific Categories

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced updates to the Policy Manual that extend the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to 5 years for certain categories of noncitizens. The changes are aimed at reducing application backlogs and enhancing employment eligibility protocols.

Department of State Update: Israel Joins Visa Waiver Program

Department of State Update: Israel Joins Visa Waiver Program

On September 27, 2023, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, alongside Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, made a significant announcement—Israel’s inclusion in the esteemed Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This development, set to be realized by November 30, 2023, will foster easier and more efficient travel between Israel and the United States, facilitating both tourism and business ventures.

Important Update: USCIS Eliminates Biometric Services Fee for Form I-539 Applicants Effective October 1

Important Update: USCIS Eliminates Biometric Services Fee for Form I-539 Applicants Effective October 1

USCIS announces the elimination of the biometric services fee for Form I-539, affecting various nonimmigrant statuses including H-4, L-2, and E. This change becomes effective on October 1 and will impact both new and existing applicants.

USCIS Updates to the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the CSPA
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USCIS Updates to the “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the CSPA

In this post, we dissect the recent changes to the USCIS policy manual regarding the “Sought to Acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). This update, effective as of Feb. 14, 2023, clarifies how extraordinary circumstances may excuse an applicant’s failure to meet this requirement.