The Compass® Immigration News to help Employers, Families and Individuals navigate the legal system to successfully achieve their immigration goals.
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 […]
USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registrations
In March 2021, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption. Per regulation, we use historical data related to approvals, denials, revocations, and other relevant factors to calculate the number of registrations needed to meet […]
One Situation In Which Your Spouse or Family Member’s Criminal History Can Prevent Your Immigration to the United States
It is common for an individual who is applying for a green card to immigrate to the United States to run into difficulties caused by past criminal convictions. For example, a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude or certain drug-related offenses can render an applicant inadmissible to the United States. Typically, this only applies […]
The Number Of Immigrants Jailed By ICE Has Ballooned Under Biden This Year
Provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association The number of immigrants detained by ICE has grown significantly under the Biden administration, including those who have passed their initial asylum screenings, according to an analysis of government data by BuzzFeed News. The number of immigrants held in private prisons and local jails that sat partially empty […]
Recent Steps USCIS Has Taken to Make Things (Slightly) Better
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may not be a paragon of efficiency or customer service, but USCIS has recently made three policy changes with the goal of, or that will have the effect of, making things (slightly) better for those seeking U.S. immigration benefits. Today, USCIS has announced that it has extended a […]
Practice Advisory: Immigrant Visa (Green Card) Processing Delays
Provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association David SwaimManaging PartnerDavid Swaim and Associates, P.C.Dallas, Texas