On January 21, 2022, USCIS posted an alert announcing that there is an “exceptionally high number” of employment-based visas available this fiscal year (October 2021 through September 2022). Specifically, there are many more visas available in the first and second employment-based categories than pending adjustment of status (AOS) applications pending.
News
Government Actions
Travel Update: Mexico and Canada
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has advised of the following travel restrictions: Beginning on January 22, 2022, DHS will require non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and...
United States to Lift Longstanding Travel Restrictions
The White House will lift COVID-19 travel restrictions for fully vaccinated international visitors starting Nov. 8. The U.S. first placed a travel ban on anyone coming from China and it was then extended by the Trump and Biden administrations to other countries. Under...
Biden Revokes Trump’s Pause on Green Cards
President Biden revoked former president Trump’s immigrant visa ban, rejecting the previous administration’s proclamation that the entry of immigrants presents a risk to the U.S. economy during the pandemic. However, he did not take action to revoke the entry ban on...
Revised Trump Executive Order of March 7, 2017
The President’s new executive order of March 7, 2017 imposes an entry ban on foreign nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, effective 12:01am ET on March 16. Nationals of Iraq are not subject to the ban. The ban does not apply to U.S. lawful permanent residents, dual nationals holding a passport from a non-restricted country and foreign nationals who hold a valid U.S. visa. The Ban also immediately suspends the Visa Interview Waiver Program (VIWP) and effectively mandates in-person interviews for all nonimmigrant visa applicants, unless an interview is not required by statute or otherwise excepted by the Order.