Recent Blogs
Important Update: How the Government Shutdown Affects Your Immigration Case
Today the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown due to a lapse in congressional funding. This situation affects several immigration-related agencies and services. Below is a summary of how our immigration matters may be impacted by agency. What Continues During the Shutdown USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): Remains operational as it is fee-funded…
USCIS to Modernize Fee Payments with Electronic Funds
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new payment option that allows individuals to pay fees electronically via direct debit from a U.S. bank account. Effective immediately, applicants can authorize these transactions by completing and signing Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions (https://www.uscis.gov/g-1650 ), and submitting it along with their applications, petitions, or…
Alert: DHS to Begin Screening Aliens’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect aliens applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and aliens affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity. USCIS will consider…
USCIS Updates Policy to Recognize Two Biological Sexes
WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify that it only recognizes two biological sexes, male and female. Consistent with the Jan. 20, 2025, executive order, Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, USCIS is returning to its historical policy of recognizing two biological…
IMPORTANT UPDATE: New USCIS guidance will require young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to “re-register” with USCIS
New USCIS guidance will require young nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to “re-register” with USCIS within 30 days of their birthday, even if previously registered when entering the country. This may affect, for example, F-2, H-4 dependents and young F-1/J-1 students who entered before age 14. Most nonimmigrants who entered the U.S….
H-1B Registration Fee
New $215 H-1B registration fee based on the results of the FY 2022/2023 fee review. The fee will be applied during the March 2025 registration period for the lottery.