Latest Posts

Immigration Blog

USCIS Addresses Work Permit Limbo With Longer Automatic Extensions

April 30, 2024 4:57 pm Published by

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced changes to the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs), saving nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants from a lapse in work authorization. Automatic extensions will now go up to 540 days, a significant improvement from the previous 180-day period. USCIS estimates that approximately 60,000 to... View Article

Important Information for I-765 Renewal Applicants!

November 1, 2023 12:00 am Published by

Reversion to 180 period of automatic employment authorization Beginning October 27, 2023, automatic extensions of employment authorization and EAD validity reverted to the original up to 180-day period for those eligible applicants who timely file Form I-765 renewal applications. This change is not retroactive; all previous up to 540-day automatic extensions will remain in place.... View Article

U.S. Stateside Visa Renewal Pilot Program Expected in Early 2024

October 25, 2023 12:00 am Published by

Great news for many H-1B visa holders! On October 17, 2023, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published a notice in the Federal Register entitled, “Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens”. The program would allow the DOS to issue a visa stamp on... View Article

The 2025 Diversity Visa Program is Now Open!

October 23, 2023 12:00 am Published by

Submit your on-line application today Better known as the Green Card Lottery or the Visa Lottery, the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program allows certain foreign nationals to register for a chance to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa. And registration is free. Historically, DV Lottery Program eligibility requirements have included: 1. **Nativity:** Eligibility is generally... View Article

San Diego Immigration Law – Live Webinar this Saturday!

October 17, 2023 12:00 am Published by

U.S. Immigration Options, Strategies & Recent Updates We’re excited to announce our upcoming Immigration Webinar, designed to help you understand U.S. immigration law and various strategies for securing a work visa or green card to live and work in the United States! Please join us for this insightful session, starting on Saturday, October 21, at... View Article

Law Firm Name Change Announcement

October 1, 2023 12:00 am Published by

SAN DIEGO IMMIGRATION LAW We are happy to announce that our law firm name has changed from The Law Office of Mark C. Ople, Esq. to SAN DIEGO IMMIGRATION LAW This name change will allow us to present ourselves more clearly for what we are, an experienced provider of U.S. Immigration law solutions, and reflect... View Article

Biden Administration Announces End to COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for International Travelers

May 18, 2023 12:00 am Published by

On May 1, 2023, the White House announced that beginning May 12, 2023, foreign nationals entering the United States via airports would no longer be required to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19. Additionally, in a related move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement similarly rescinding the vaccine requirement for certain foreign... View Article

Form I-9 Flexibility Provisions To End on July 31, 2023

May 17, 2023 12:00 am Published by

What HR Professionals Need to Know With the recent announcement from the Biden administration that the COVID-19 national and public health emergencies will end this May, the temporary U.S. Department of Homeland Security guidance that permitted businesses operating remotely due to COVID-19 precautions to conduct remote Form I-9 document inspections will expire on July 31,... View Article

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