US Immigration Update

Richards and Jurusik US Immigration Update for January 2023

At Richards and Jurusik, we handle a broad scope of US immigration matters. This update covers several USCIS policy changes, the newest Arrive Podcast Episodes, recent client testimonials, and our monthly case spotlight. This update covers changes and updates from December 2022 through January 2023.

  • Green Card Extension for Naturalization Applicants – On December 9, 2022, USCIS announced a policy change that automatically extends green cards for naturalization applicants. The new policy will go into effect on December 12, 2022. Here, we discuss the new USCIS Policy to Automatically Extend Green Cards for Naturalization Applicants. Read the full update.
  • Options for Nonimmigrants that Lose their Job – On December 19, 2022, USCIS published a new resource containing options available for nonimmigrant workers who have lost their employment. We review the opportunities provided by USCIS for nonimmigrant workers that have lost their jobs here. Read the full update.
  • USCIS Fee Increase Proposal – On January 3, 2023, USCIS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to adjust certain fees and procedures that would aim to decrease processing times and prevent future case backlogs. Read the full update.
  • Expansion of Premium Processing – On January 12, 2022, USCIS announced the final phase of Form I-907 Premium Processing expansion for Form I-140 under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. We discuss this last step and what is covered in this announcement here. Read the full update.
  • Bundling of I-539s and I-129s – On January 19, 2023, USCIS agreed to resume the bundling and adjudication of USCIS Form I-129 Petition for Alien Worker, USCIS Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Status, and USCIS Form I-765 Application for Work Authorization for derivatives when filed concurrently. Read the full update.
  • I-751 Green Card Extension to 48 Months – On January 23, 2023, USCIS announced the extension of green cards (LPR) for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status for 48 months beyond the card’s expiration date. Read the full update.
  • USCIS Extension for Agency Requests – On January 24, 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued another extension to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors respond to agency requests through March 23, 2023. USCIS anticipates that this will be the final extension of these accommodations, and requesters must comply with the response requirements set forth in any request or notice dated after March 23, 2023. Read the full update.
  • H-1B Lottery Registration Announced – On January 27, 2023, USCIS announced that the initial registration period for the 2024 H-1B Visa cap will open at noon Eastern on March 1 and run through noon Eastern on March 17, 2023. During this period, prospective petitioners and representatives can complete and submit their registrations using the USCIS online H-1B registration system. Read the full update.

  • USCIS Redesigns Green Card and Employment Authorization Document – On January 30, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new designs for both green card and employment authorization documents (EAD cards) to improve security. Read the full update.

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Case Spotlight for January 2023

Canadian Visitor to US Citizen in 4 Years! One of the most common scenarios we see practicing US immigration law on the northern border with Canada is for visitors that enter the United States and marry US citizens. We recently helped a client complete the journey of entering the United States as a visitor, marriage to a US Citizen, and eventually US citizenship. Read their story here.

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Recent Client Testimonials

  • The process for a working visa application has been great because Christine and Danielle have been by my side during the whole process. They are honest, knowledgeable and kind. I feel grateful to have found them for such a difficult matter. Would 100% recommend for any immigration subject. If I had to start over, I would have worked with them from the beginning, instead of trying by myself to get a visa. It would have saved me tons of time and headaches. Thank you so much for everything ladies, you are top notch! – TN Visa Communications Consultant (Management Consultant)
  • Christine and Lindsay were very helpful and quick to get us answers to our questions…the visa process was so smooth because they took such good care of all the details and prepared us so well! Very grateful to their team, and highly recommend! – Green Card through Marriage
  • The service was awesome I very highly recommend them. Outstanding to say the least. – L1A Visa Application Third Extension 
  • Richard and Jurusik Immigration law helped me obtain my I94 TN Visa. They made the application process easy with their professional direction coaching….extremely knowledgeable, professional, “speedy” and courteous. Thanks for the great work! – TN Visa for an IT Consultant (Management Consultant)
  • Christine and her team did an awesome job for my TN application, had the interview at the airport, almost no questions were asked by the immigration officer as the paperwork was in order! Great team, would recommend to anyone who does not want to roll the dice when it comes to legal stuff and immigration. – TN Visa for a Computer Systems Analyst (CSA)
  • Very professional. Recommended! – TN Visa Approval for an Engineer
  • I am happy with the professionalism and service of the company, they delivered in a short time period and were very responsive to my emails and calls. Recommended. – TN Visa as an Accountant 
  • Great service. They responded to my emails in a timely manner. Very polite and professional. Definitely recommend. – Green Card through Parent 
  • Christine & Rachael handled my E2 Visa application. They were both very responsive to all my questions which I thought was amazing. Christine is very knowledgeable and guided me through the entire process. Rachael was very thorough with my paperwork and kept me organized and on track to submit all the appropriate documentation. I highly recommend them to anybody considering an E2 Visa. Thank you both, you are the best! – E2 Visa investment in Pool Services 
  • The RJ firm is really professional and considerable. The attorney provided everything I need before and after I got the visa. I felt lucky that I chose them to help me prepare everything. Without them, I cannot get approved so quickly and smoothly. Great job! Thank you! – TN Visa as a Software Engineer 
  • My husband and I were very fortunate to have had Christine and her team guide us through our immigration process. Christine had wonderful soft skills – always remaining professional, transparent, organized, and sympathetic. She did a wonderful job of framing the stages of our process when confusion or worries set in. To have a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer handling our paperwork, speaking to USCIS on our behalf, and answering questions/concerns along the way was invaluable. We are so grateful to have spent nearly 5 years, from our first inquiry to my Oath of Allegiance, being guided by Richard & Jurusik US Immigration Law. – Green Card through Marriage, Removal of Conditions, and Naturalization 

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Arrive – US Immigration Law Podcast for Canadians

Hosted by US immigration lawyers Jeremy Richards and Christine Jurusik, the Arrive Podcast provides regular updates and perspectives on US immigration law issues for Canadians and the Northern Border. Each episode discusses the current state of a certain aspect of US immigration law, and how it applies to Canadians living and working in the United States today. The following episodes were published in January 2023:

  • Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast – Episode 34 – We discuss what to do if you are laid off, quit, or lose your job while on a US work visa. We discuss the 10-day and 60-day grace periods, the three most common actions to take, and the long-term consequences if you overstay your visa.

  • Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast – Episode 35 – We discuss current trends and updates with US Immigration. We also answer questions submitted by our listeners that cover working in the USA while on a visitor visa, and TN Visa to a green card.

  • Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast – Episode 36 – We discuss current trends and updates with US Immigration. We also answer questions submitted by our listeners that cover administrative processing, can you adjust your status while on a visitor visa, what are the physical presence requirements for US citizenship, can you get TN visa status for an administrative position, and work in the USA as an L2 dependent.

Arrive US Immigration Law Podcast

Richards and Jurusik YouTube Updates

Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law regularly creates video content about the US immigration matters that matter the most to you. Each video focuses on the current state of a certain aspect of US immigration law, and how it applies to living and working in the United States today. Our latest YouTube video discusses what happens if you are laid off or fired while inside the US on a TN visa. You can watch it here.

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US Immigration FAQs

We regularly publish content about US immigration and related matters on the Resources Blod page. You can subscribe to receive our weekly email summarizing the updates from the week. Here is a summary of the topics covered over the past month:

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We Can Help!

The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have more than 30+ years of experience helping people to live and work in the United States. Contact us today for an assessment of your legal situation.

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