Immigration

Given the recent months-long closure of USCIS offices due to COVID-19 and potential furloughs of USCIS employees at the end of the month, processing delays are naturally expected. But what about petitions and applications that were filed long before COVID-19 that have been pending a few months or maybe even […]

On Monday, November 30, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order that upholds U.S. Department of Homeland Security rules providing F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization eligibility for F-1 students and 24-month STEM OPT extensions of work authorization for F-1 students who graduated from qualifying STEM degree […]

On Tuesday, December 1, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a decision setting aside the recently promulgated U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) prevailing wage rule that went into effect on October 8 without notice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule redefining “specialty occupation” for purposes of qualifying under the U.S. […]

On November 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) published a temporary final rule creating a six-month Pilot Program under which certain applicants for B-1/B-2 visas may be required to post a bond as a condition of visa issuance. This new rule will become effective 30 days after publication, on December 24, 2020.   This Visa Bond Pilot Program will apply only to B-1/B-2 visa […]

As we approach this year’s holiday season, it is important to keep in mind that multiple travel restrictions remain in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries all over the world have a variety of restrictions, so it is strongly recommended that international travelers check with the authorities of the […]