Premium processing fees are going up (the bad news), but premium processing will be available for more types of cases (the good news) according to changes included in the recently passed Continuing Resolution (CR) that will fund the government until December 11, 2020. The changes are meant to provide additional funding to USCIS to bolster
USCIS to Resume Premium Processing in Phases
Premium processing will resume in stages according to USCIS. Cap-subject H-1B petitions will be included only in the last phase.
June 1, 2020: USCIS will accept requests for premium processing for all eligible Form I-140 Immigrant Visa Petitions. EB1-C Multi-National Manager or Executive and EB2 National Interest Waiver petitions are not eligible for premium…
USCIS Announces Expanded Premium Processing Suspension, Acceptance of Non-Original Signatures
Due to COVID-19, USCIS announced that as of March 20, 2020, it is immediately suspending premium processing service for all Form I-129 and I-140 petitions until further notice. USCIS also said that petitioners that have already filed a form requesting premium processing will receive refunds if their cases are not acted on within the 15…
Growing USCIS Processing Backlog Continues into New Year
USCIS is starting the year with a growing backlog of processing delays.
In May 2019, a bi-partisan group of Senators wrote to USCIS requesting information on why the service-oriented agency adjudicating immigration benefits, such as work authorization, is disrupting American businesses through administrative inefficiencies.
Here are some of the facts:
- For FY 2018, the
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USCIS Denials in Extraordinary Ability Category on the Rise
- Is it a significant achievement to make it onto a national sports team?
- Would winning a top-ten spot in a European championship constitute an award for excellence?
- Would being one of a duo who were U.S. junior ice dance champions constitute an internationally recognized prize?
These are questions USCIS has answered in the negative in…
Goal of Establishing Merit-Based Immigration System Undermined by Visa Hurdles
The Trump Administration has indicated it wants to establish a merit-based immigration system focusing on bringing more high-skilled workers to the United States. According to one Administration official, the aim is to attract “individuals who provide a cure for cancer or build that first subdivision on Mars.” Yet, it is becoming harder to obtain visas…