Newly released data from the U.S. Department of State shows that U.S. consular posts abroad have made significant progress in reaching pre-pandemic levels of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance during fiscal year (FY)...more
The U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Mission China Consular Services announced on December 15, 2022, that all routine visa services would be indefinitely suspended. As of December 19, 2022, routine visa appointments at all...more
Join us on Thursday, October 7, 2021, for the next installment of “HR Legalist Live,” where Obermayer attorneys bring their popular blog to life. This virtual presentation will include: LABOR LAW UPDATE: WHAT TO EXPECT...more
In March 2020, the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) announced the suspension of routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, consular services were limited...more
On July 22, 2021, the Biden administration extended travel restrictions affecting travel between U.S., Canadian, and Mexican land ports of entry until August 21, 2021. In so doing, the Biden administration confirmed that it...more
In early 2021, pursuant to INA § 212(f) the President of the United States issued a proclamation continuing the suspension of entry of certain travelers located abroad in an effort to control the spread of COVID (the “novel...more
It’s been 14 months since COVID changed the way we travel across borders, and our ability to do so worldwide. As the pandemic continues to impact countries across the globe, the United States is seeing its lowest numbers of...more
In Washington - There’s still been no movement on the Phase Four coronavirus stimulus bill. White House Council of Economic Advisers Tyler Goodspeed appeared on Fox Business touting President Trump’s executive actions in...more
The Department of State has recently announced that U.S. Embassies and Consulates will begin a phased resumption of processing routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. Such cases will include travelers with urgent travel...more
On July 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of State announced that U.S. consulates and embassies around the world have begun a phased resumption of routine visa services. The Department of State did not provide a specific timeline...more
On July 13, 2020, the U.S. Department of State announced that certain U.S. embassies and consulates around the world will soon resume visa services. This worldwide suspension of U.S. visas has been one of several ways the...more
“All in all it’s just another brick in the wall” – Pink Floyd - “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste” – Rahm Emanuel - President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to build a wall along the United States’ southern...more
I have an appointment at the local USCIS office. What should I do? All USCIS offices have been closed to the public at least until June 4, 2020. USCIS is preparing to reopen its offices on or after June 4, 2020. USCIS will...more
On Monday, June 15, 2020, 14 Passport Agencies entered the first phase of a three-phase re-opening plan. Beginning in March, all Passport Agencies were closed to in-person appointments for urgent passport applications except...more
On March 20, 2020, in response to the significant widespread concerns regarding COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State declared that it is suspending routine visa processing at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: The U.S. Department of State has suspended routine visa services in most countries worldwide. Embassies and consulates in these countries will cancel all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments...more
The current National Emergency is resulting in rapid changes to US immigration law and policy. We are monitoring those changes and will continue to update these FAQs with new developments...more
USCIS Suspends Premium Processing for all Form I-129 and I-140 filings - On March 20, 2020 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that effective immediately, it is temporarily suspending Premium...more
In an effort to allay concerns and to enable our clients to adjust plans relevant to nonimmigrant or immigrant visa status in light of the current unprecedented situation, we are providing you with this update regarding...more
This article briefly summarizes the recent governmental guidance on Form I-9 requirements, travel, and visa processing and services, among other matters, in response to the national emergency caused by the COVID-19 outbreak....more
Consular sections of US embassies around the world, as well as US Citizenship and Immigration Services, are beginning to announce cancellations of certain in-person services, including routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa...more
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. consulates abroad, including in Europe, Australia, South Asia and South America, have closed — often with little or no advance notice. ...more
The continuing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the United States has caused employers to consider implementing contingency plans to help curb the spread of the disease and protect their workforces. Many...more
President Donald Trump has issued a presidential proclamation suspending entry to the United States of certain additional immigrants and nonimmigrants who may pose a risk of transmitting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The...more
Australia - Changes to Working Holiday Maker Visas for Bushfire Recovery - The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has accepted the recommendation of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) to relax and broaden the...more