We are happy to report that the August Visa Bulletin has been released! As we do every month, we share what you can expect to see in the upcoming month’s visa bulletin for family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories to help you prepare for your immigrant visa filing at a U.S.…
Visa Lawyer Blog
What’s New in Immigration: DHS Announces Family Reunification Parole Program for Immigrant Beneficiaries from Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
This past week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the implementation of a new Family Reunification Parole (FRP) program for foreign nationals of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, that falls in line with previous governmental policies aimed at reducing unlawful migration. The program will benefit nationals of such…
USCIS Launches New Online Rescheduling Tool for Biometrics Appointments
We are excited to share with you a new self-service tool released by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Beginning on June 28th USCIS has announced that biometrics service appointments can be rescheduled online using your myUSCIS online account. Benefit requestors, attorneys, and accredited representatives will be able to…
Happy Independence Day from the Law Offices of Jacob Sapochnick!
As we celebrate this great country on the 4th of July, may we remember our blessings of living in a free country where we are all created equal. Warm wishes to you and yours on this Fourth of July! In observance of the Independence Day holiday our offices will be…
New ICE Change of Address Tool for Noncitizens Awaiting Immigrant Court Proceedings
We are happy to inform our readers that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has launched a new online change of address form for noncitizens. What is the online change of address form? This new form gives noncitizens the option to update their information online instead of having to do…
All About the EB-3 Retrogression for India in the July Visa Bulletin
Readers of the July Visa Bulletin may have been surprised to learn that the final action date for the employment-based third preference category for nationals of India retrogressed by more than 3 years and 5 months from June 15, 2012 (in the June Visa Bulletin) to January 1, 2009 (in…
USCIS Announces Expansion of Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
The news you have been waiting for is finally here. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, and seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. For the…
Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases Effective June 17, 2023
Certain types of nonimmigrants will be expected to shell out more money for the nonimmigrant visa process. The State Department has announced that starting June 17, 2023, nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application processing fees for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs), and other non-petition based nonimmigrant visas such…
July Visa Bulletin: Big Advancements for Family Sponsored Categories, and EB-3 Retrogressions
It’s that time of the month again. Time to share the latest trends and projections of the July Visa Bulletin! To help you prepare for your upcoming immigrant visa or green card filing, in this blog post, we share what you can expect to see in the upcoming month’s visa bulletin…
Department of State Vows to Decrease Administrative Processing, but is it an Empty Promise?
The Department of State raised eyebrows earlier this month when it released information that it will be reducing the waiting period for 221(G) “administrative processing,” in an effort to process visas more efficiently. While this is welcome news, in practice it may not mean much. Consulates and Embassies have been…