Author Archives for Mark Ople

USCIS Extends Temporary Suspension of Biometrics Submission for Certain Form I-539 Applicants

April 19, 2023 12:00 am Published by

Extension runs through September 30, 2023 USCIS has extended the temporary suspension of the biometric fingerprint submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status. The previously announced suspension, which was initially in place... View Article

Options for Those Not Selected in the H-1B Lottery

March 29, 2023 12:00 am Published by

AILA Flyer For the many of you who were not selected in this year’s H-1B cap lottery conducted this week, you may be scrambling to figure out what options exist to remain in the U.S. For some general information on alternatives, please see the attached AILA flyer. For more detailed analysis of your situation, please... View Article

USCIS Issues Guidance Addressing International Entrepreneur Parole

March 10, 2023 12:00 am Published by

Explore new options for international investors USCIS has issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the international entrepreneur parole. The guidance is effective immediately and applies prospectively to applications filed on or after 3/10/23. It is asking the public for comments by 4/10/23. History of International Entrepreneur Parole from the Memo In... View Article

USCIS Announces New Premium Processing Procedure

March 8, 2023 12:00 am Published by

New Online-Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions USCIS has announced the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 students seeking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT extensions who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and wish to... View Article

USCIS Updates Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) Age Calculation for Certain Adjustment of Status Applicants

February 21, 2023 12:00 am Published by

This update will allow some children who reach 21 years to still receive green cards with their parents. USCIS has issued guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to update when an immigrant visa number “becomes available” for the purpose of calculating a noncitizen’s age in certain situations under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). For... View Article

The U.S. State Department announces that it will offer stateside visa renewals this year

February 18, 2023 12:00 am Published by

Great news for Indian and other nationals stuck in the U.S. due to backlogs in consular visa processing The State Department will launch a pilot program later this year offering visa renewal options in the US for H-1B specialty occupation workers and other temporary visa holders who are currently required to travel abroad. Restoring stateside... View Article

Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B Registration Fact Sheet

February 14, 2023 12:00 am Published by

Employers interested in sponsoring new employees for H-1B status should be preparing their cases for this year’s H-1B CAP registration and lottery. AILA has provided the attached general information regarding the process. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

USCIS Clarifies Physical Presence Guidance for Asylees and Refugees Applying for Adjustment of Status

February 7, 2023 12:00 am Published by

How to calculate the one-year physical presence requirement Effective immediately, USCIS has updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that both asylees and refugees must have been physically present in the United States for one year when they adjudicate their Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, rather than at... View Article

Fiscal Year 2024 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 1

January 27, 2023 12:00 am Published by

It’s time to prepare your H-1B CAP registrations. USCIS has announced that the initial registration period for the fiscal year 2024 H-1B 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 will be able to complete and submit their... View Article