The Immigration Channel

October Visa Bulletin Released 09/14/2018The Department of State has released the preliminary October 2018 Visa Bulletin. Though unlikely, this information is subject to change from now until October 1, 2018. We will provide updates regarding any significant changes. Below is ... More

DHS Increasing Premium Processing Fee 08/31/2018Today the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") published a Final Rule in the Federal Register announcing it is increasing the USCIS premium processing fee to $1,410 effective October 1, 2018. The fee increase is based ... More

USCIS Expands Suspension of Premium Processing 08/28/2018In April, USCIS announced the suspension of premium processing for cap-subject H-1B petitions until September 10, 2018. Today USCIS announced that starting September 11th it will suspend premium processing for most H-1B petitions. This ... More

DHS Still Intends to Rescind H-4 EAD Rule 08/22/2018In a recent filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") confirmed it still intends to rescind the H-4 EAD rule. Specifically, ... More

USCIS Clarifies STEM OPT Obligations 08/17/2018 Today USCIS announced it updated the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension for STEM Students page of its website to clarify the reporting responsibilities for participating in the STEM OPT program. USCIS summarized the changes as follows ... More

USCIS Issues Revised Final Guidance on Unlawful Presence for Students and Exchange Visitors 08/10/2018 USCIS has released an updated policy memorandum titled "Accrual of Unlawful Presence and F, J, and M, Nonimmigrants" concerning individuals holding F, J, and M status. ... More

September Visa Bulletin Released 08/09/2018The Department of State has released the preliminary September 2018 Visa Bulletin. Though unlikely, this information is subject to change from now until September 1, 2018. We will provide updates regarding any significant changes. Below is ... More

USCIS Postpones Updated NTA Policy07/30/2018Today USCIS announced it is postponing the implementation of an updated policy regarding the issuance of Notices to Appear (NTA). The revised policy instructed USCIS to issue NTAs for several categories where individuals qualify as removable. ... More

USCIS Expands New Online FOIA System07/25/2018Yesterday USCIS announced phase two of the Freedom of Information Act Immigration Records System (FIRST). Phase two of the system, which USCIS originally announced on May 30, 2018, will allow users to track their FOIA ... More

USCIS Updates Policy on RFEs and NOIDs 07/16/2018Late Friday afternoon USCIS issued a new policy memorandum on when USCIS officers should issue Requests for Evidence ("RFE") and Notices of Intent to Deny ("NOID"). In doing so, USCIS rescinded a 2013 ... More