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Category: News

  • New Asylum Program Fee

    Last month, USCIS announced a final rule, which adjusts certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. This final rule goes into effect on April 1, 2024. Included in this final rule is a new Asylum Program Fee of $600 that employers will have to pay if they file either […]
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  • Exemption from the 6-Month Passport Validity Rule

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently announced an update to its Carrier Liaison Program (CLP), presenting a refreshed list of countries exempt from the six-month validity rule for passports. This update, effective as of January 28, 2024, supersedes any previous lists, including those found in the 2022–2023 Carrier Information Guides. The six-month validity […]
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  • USCUS Policy Update: Untimely Filed Extension of Stay and Change of Status Requests

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced an update to its Policy Manual, introducing provisions that allow USCIS officers to excuse a nonimmigrant’s failure to timely file an extension of stay or change of status request if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the applicant or petitioner. The update […]
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  • USCIS Finalizes Fee Adjustments to Enhance Immigration Services

    In a significant development, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has announced a final rule to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. This final rule aims to ensure that USCIS can recover a greater share of its operating costs and facilitate more timely processing of new applications. […]
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  • USCIS Final Fee Rule

    On January 4, 2023, USCIS proposed a rule which would adjust USCIS fees, add new fees for benefit requests, establish distinct fees for petitions for nonimmigrant workers, and limit the number of beneficiaries on certain forms. The proposed rule included an increase in application fees by a 40% overall weighted average increase. The White House’s […]
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  • The Broken System: How Washington Politicians are Failing at Addressing Illegal Immigration

    Are you tired of the broken system in Washington that continues to fail at addressing illegal immigration? Look no further as our Managing Partner, Rosanna Berardi, does a dive deep into the issues at hand and explores how Berardi Immigration Law is dedicated to finding solutions for businesses and individuals seeking their American Dream. Get […]
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  • Streamlining Visa Processes: New Interview Waiver Categories Announced

    In a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and adapting to evolving needs, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has identified specific categories for interview waivers deemed to be in the national interest. These changes, effective January 1, 2024, grant consular officers the authority and discretion to waive in-person interviews […]
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  • Updated “Ability to Pay” Requirement for Employment-Based Visas

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently issued updated policy guidance regarding the analysis of an employer’s ability to pay the proffered wage for immigrant petitions in certain employment-based visa classifications. This guidance, effective as of January 5, 2024, particularly addresses instances where a sponsored worker is changing employers under the American Competitiveness in […]
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  • Inflation Adjustment to Premium Processing Fees

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a final rule detailing an adjustment in the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing, to adjust for inflation. Under the USCIS Stabilization Act, the current premium processing fees were established, along with the authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to biennially adjust […]
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  • Get Your H-1B Visa Stamped Without Leaving the U.S.

    This is huge! You may soon be able to get your H-1B visa stamped without leaving the US. The stateside visa renewal option will initially be available for 20,000 temporary visa holders. The State Department also intends to extend interview waivers, further streamlining the process. State Department officials recently announced that a select number of […]
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