Feds Must Continue to Address Timely Issuance of Special Immigration Visa
The federal government must continue to address delays in the issuance of special immigration visas (SIVs) for qualifying Afghan and Iraqui individuals even as they challenge the requirement in courts.
Welcome Corps: U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents May Now Sponsor Refugees
The Welcome Corps is a program set up by the U.S. Department of State to enable groups of individual Americans to sponsor a refugee and help them resettle in a community in the U.S.
PERM In Process: What Employees Can Do While Awaiting Approval
Waiting for your PERM application submitted by your employer to be approved? Take some proactive steps to help the process along when ready.
PERM in Process: What Employers Can Do While Awaiting Approval
The PERM application/I-140 petition is an offer of future employment. The Department of Labor (DOL) focuses on the offered position and if U.S. workers were fairly apprised. USCIS then verifies that the Employer meets the requirements to offer the position to the Employee and verifies that the Employee has the qualifications necessary to take the future position.
USCIS Policy Updates for Asylees and Refugees
USCIS recently announced a policy update that affects the adjustment of status applications filed by asylees and refugees. Residence requirements are outlined.
Potential Fix for Employment-Based Immigration Reported
The Biden administration has an option to extend the authorization for approved employment-based immigrant visa holders, as reported by Forbes. A 2016 memo outlines the potential legal basis to extend employment-authorization.
Parole Programs Available for Ukraine and some Central American Countries
Parole programs offer an individual, who may be inadmissible or otherwise ineligible for admission into the United States, the option to enter the United States on a temporary basis. From there, individuals can further apply for work authorization. Here, we highlight two currently available programs.
Plans to Process Record Number of Indian Visas in 2023
Plans are underway to increase the number of Indian visas processed in hopes of setting a new annual record. In 2022, a return to pre-pandemic levels was achieved for student visas processed for Indian nationals.
EB-2 to EB-3 “Downgrades”: How Filing Early Could Speed Up Your Green Card Process
ILBSG recommends securing I-140 approvals under both EB-2 and EB-3 categories as soon as you can to avoid another rush like 2020 and the possibility of an unfavorable federal government administration in the future.
USCIS Long Term Strategic Plan Announced
USCIS announced their long-term strategic plan for FY2023-2026. Three key goals are identified, including promoting effective and efficient management.