On May 30, 2023, fees for nonimmigrant visas at all consulates abroad will increase. The increase can be avoided if the visa fee is paid on or after October 1, 2022, and before May 30, 2023, and an interview is scheduled within 365 days of payment. The interview need not take place during the 365
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USCIS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Fee Increases
USCIS has proposed raising its filing fees – and the burden of those increased fees will fall primarily on employers large and small. For example, the filing fee for an H-1B visa would be raised by 70% from $460 to $780. The registration fee for Cap H-1Bs would increase from $10 to $215. On top…
Foreign Student-Athletes and Name, Image, Likeness
Prior to 2021, collegiate student-athletes were not able to make sponsorship deals and profit from their names, images, and likenesses (NILs). However, in 2021, that changed when the NCAA adopted a new policy allowing student-athletes (those headed for professional teams, as well as less prominent players) to profit from, and build their brands, while in…
End of Paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will no longer issue a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, to individuals arriving to the United States at a land border. Now, the information that was on the I-94 is on the CBP’s I-94 website and available on the CBP One Mobile application.
It has taken some time…
Jumpstart Bill Proposed for Green Cards
The Jumpstart Our Legal Immigration System Act (Jumpstart), introduced by Zoe Lofgren (D-Calf.) in the House of Representatives, if passed, could revolutionize the green card process. The legislation would recapture thousands of unused family- and employment-based visas and allow beneficiaries to expedite their processes by paying additional fees.
The Jumpstart Act would help to…
White House, State Department Announcements on Travel Restrictions, Visa Interviews, and More
As 2021 comes to an end, the White House and the Department of State have announced:
- South African Travel Restrictions Lifted.
The 14-day travel restrictions on southern African countries will be lifted as of midnight on December 31, 2021. Adopted on November 29th, the restrictions based on spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant…
Immigration Provisions in Build Back Better Bill
More business immigrant visas may become available if the latest version of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill passes.
If approved by the Parliamentarian and passed as it stands, the bill would make more immigrant visas available by:
- Recapturing unused visa numbers from 1992 to 2021;
- Retaining the availability of Diversity Visas from fiscal
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Visa Strategies for Musicians, Artists, Others in Entertainment
In the past, the O-1 visa was how many foreign musicians and other artists were able to tour and work in the United States. Now, for many reasons, they may have to consider other strategies.
The O-1 visa category is for “artists of extraordinary ability” and obtaining O-1B visa status for foreign musicians has always…
O-1A Visas in Gaming: From the Programmer to the Athlete
In the competitive global video game industry, the United States remains at the forefront despite the recent rise in foreign gaming companies. Some of the most prestigious video gaming studios are located in the United States, and the battle among studios for elite talent to work on their breakout productions is fierce. Studios are forced…
New USCIS Policy on P-1 (Internationally Recognized Athletes) Eligibility Requirements
USCIS has issued a new policy guidance clarifying eligibility requirements for internationally recognized athletes (P-1A nonimmigrants). Effective immediately, the policy applies to P-1A petitions filed on or after March 26, 2021.
The policy explains some of the statutory definitions. For instance, a “major United States sports league” means one that has a distinguished…