The Compass® Immigration News to help Employers, Families and Individuals navigate the legal system to successfully achieve their immigration goals.
Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for U.S. Entry
Last month, we informed you that the COVID-19 related U.S. travel restrictions would be lifted sometime in November and would be replaced with a requirement of full vaccination before entry to the U.S. and a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours entry, but the effective date for that change had not been announced. This week, […]
ICE Interim Litigation Position Regarding Motions to Reopen
Provided by ICE and AILA Doc. No. 21061030: The Supreme Court Decision in Niz-Chaves v. Garland has brought about a renewed possibility for eligibility for noncitizens who were denied cancellation of removal. On April 29, 2021, the Supreme Court decided Niz-Chavez v. Garland, 141 S. Ct. 1474 (2021), which involved eligibility for “cancellation of removal,” […]
Reminder: USCIS Updates Policy Guidance Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination at Immigration Medical Exams
Provided by American Immigration Lawyers Association: Individuals submitting Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, on or after October 1, 2021, must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Most applicants filing for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or an immigrant visa application […]
DOL’s Changes to the Permanent Online System
Provided from AILA Doc. No. 21092706: On September 10, 2021, DOL’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) updated the PERM homepage (plc.doleta.gov) to include a link allowing users to access and edit PERM account information more easily. This was a welcome improvement to the PERM website, given the many issues employers and practitioners have faced […]
US to Lift Covid Travel Ban for Vaccinated Passengers from UK and Most of EU
The international travel restriction policies during the COVID-19 pandemic have been overwhelming to keep up with. David Swaim & Associates Immigration Law Firm is here to help during these confusing, difficult times. The article below from The Guardian details how the UK and airlines welcome news that the United States will lift Covid-19 travel restrictions […]
USCIS Extends Evidence of Status for Conditional Permanent Residents to 24 Months with Pending Form I-751 or Form I-829
Starting Sept. 4, 2021, USCIS is extending the time that receipt notices can be used to show evidence of status from 18 months to 24 months for petitioners who properly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status. We are making the change […]
COVID-19 Vaccination Will Soon Be Required for a Green Card
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin requiring applicants for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence (green card applicants) to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 beginning October 1, 2021. The green card application process includes a medical examination from a doctor that is designated by USCIS as a civil surgeon. That […]
Plan to Attend Your Scheduled Biometrics Appointment
For many applications—including applications for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence, applications for employment authorization, and applications for some nonimmigrant classifications—the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires the applicant to appear at a local Application Support Center (ASC) office so that USCIS can collect their biometrics and perform a biometric background check. […]
DOL Addresses (Again) the Termination of H-1 Employees
One of the most common questions from employers is: Is there something we need to do when we terminate an H-1 employee? The Immigration Service’s regulations only require one thing: written notice to USCIS regarding the date of termination. Unfortunately, the Department of Labor (DOL) takes a much more complicated approach to this issue. DOL […]