On March 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will no longer defend the 2019 Public Charge Final Rule, stating that further defense of the rule “is neither in the public interest nor an efficient use of limited government resources. Consistent with that decision, the Department of Justice will no longer pursue appellate review of judicial […]
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Premium Processing Now Available for E-3 Specialty Occupation I-129 Petitions
25 Feb
by Foster LLP, on Immigration Updates, News
On February 24, 2021, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) expanded the availability of premium processing services (15-day adjudication) to include E-3 nonimmigrant petitions. The E-3 nonimmigrant classification is reserved for Australian citizens working in a specialty occupation on a temporary basis in the U.S. A position is generally considered to be a specialty occupation if […]
USCIS Suspends In-Person Services January 19 and 20
15 Jan
by Foster LLP, on Immigration Updates, News
On Friday, January 15, 2021, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the suspension of in-person services on January 19 and 20, in a move intended to “ensure the safety of our employees and individuals with appointments” in the event of unrest related to Inauguration Day. Services will be suspended on January 19 and 20 at […]
USCIS Delays in Issuing Receipt Notices Continue
18 Dec
by Foster LLP, on COVID-19 Updates, Immigration Updates, News
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently confirmed the agency is still experiencing delays of several weeks in issuing receipt notices for petitions and applications filed with its “lockbox” centers due to COVID-19 protocols and increased filings. USCIS contracts with third parties to receive various filings at these lockbox locations, and these contractors are responsible for collecting filing fees on […]