Beginning November 12, 2014, the State Department will issue multiple-entry visas with extended validity period to qualified B category Chinese visitors, as well as Chinese students and exchange visitors and their dependents, who qualify for F, M & J visas.…
Blog Archives
Immigration updates from the government.
December 2014 Visa Bulletin Is Out: EB-3 Continues to Move Forward
The State Department has released the December Visa Bulletin. EB-3 (including Mexico and the Philippines) advanced by 5 months. EB-3 mainland China advanced by 6 months. Meanwhile, the cut-off date for EB-2 stays still at February 15, 2005 following a…
Posted in Updates
Security Enhancements to the Visa Waiver Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that beginning today, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) applicants will be required to provide additional information when applying through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). With the additional data requirement, DHS expects…
Policy Update: USCIS Includes Gestational Mothers Under the Definition of "Natural Mother"
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy to include gestational mothers, using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), under the definition of a “natural mother,” provided that she is also the legal mother at the time of birth.…
November 2014 Visa Bulletin Is Out: EB-2 India Retrogressed (As Anticipated)
The State Department has released the November Visa Bulletin. As noted last month, EB-2 India retrogressed due to heavy demand. The current EB-2 cut-off date is now February 15, 2005, retrogressing from May 1, 2009 (a total of over 4…
New E-Verify Tool for Employees
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduces myE-Verify, a new online tool which gives workers the ability to create and manage secure accounts when participating in the E-Verify program. It will be initially available in Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Mississippi,…
CA Governor Signs SB 1159: Professional Licensure Eligibility
Over the weekend, California Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 1159, which authorizes agencies to accept tax identification numbers (TIN) in lieu of social security numbers (SSN) from individuals applying for professional licensure, and prohibits the denial of licensure applications based on citizenship…
Posted in Updates
USCIS Introduces Form I-9 Webinar On-Demand
On September 25, 2014, USCIS published the first Form I-9 Webinar On-Demand. Now you can watch the free Form I-9 webinar at any time. Choose the chapters of your choice or watch the entire 22 minute video in one sitting.…
14 Ports of Entry Designated for Optimized Processing of First-Time Canadian TN & L-1 Applicants
Beginning in mid-September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is optimizing processing for first-time Canadian TN and L applicants seeking entry into the United States under NAFTA. CBP has designated ports of entry that will ensure a more efficient approach…
October 2014 Visa Bulletin Is Out: EB-2 India Retrogression Anticipated
The State Department released the October Visa Bulletin. EB-3 (excluding India and mainland China) advances by 6 months, while EB-3 mainland China advances by 5 months. The State Department also notes that: INDIA Employment-based Second Preference: Increased demand will require…
