Details regarding this year’s H-1B lottery, changes to visa processing at U.S. Consulates, and information about documentation requirements for foreign nationals are included in this month’s edition of Immigration Insider....more
The U.S. Department of State has revised its Visa Interview Waiver (commonly referred to as “dropbox”) Program criteria, narrowing eligibility for certain visa applicants. Now, visa applicants seeking renewal under the...more
In a recent interview, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services Julie Stufft in the Bureau of Consular Affairs confirmed that the U.S. Department of State will soon allow certain visa holders to renew their visa stamps...more
The restrictions on the issuance of H-1B, L-1, and J-1 nonimmigrant “guest-worker” visas, which have been in place since June 24, 2020, expired without fanfare on March 31, 2021. As a result, U.S. consulates around the world...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 June 22, 2020, President Trump issued an executive order that bans certain nonimmigrants from entering the United States (the “Nonimmigrant Ban”) until December 31, 2020. The Nonimmigrant Ban comes on the heels of an April...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
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
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
On January 31st, DHS Secretary John Kelly held a press conference to clarify that legal permanent residents ("green card holders") from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia would be allowed to board planes and...more
On January 27, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) dramatically reshaping the current state of immigration in the United States. The EO's main points are...more
With the announcement of President-elect Trump's plan for his first 100 days in office and his selection for Secretary of Department of Homeland Security, it appears the new administration will focus not only on illegal...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: Department of State reports extensive wait times for visa appointments at consular posts in India. Foreign nationals planning to apply for a visa stamp in India this summer should expect wait times...more
For an ever-increasing number of U.S. employers, the start of another calendar year also means H-1B season has arrived. However, given the competitive nature of the H-1B program, many employers are turning to an alternative...more