Newsletter

Dear Valued Clients and Subscribers,We hope this weekly update finds you well. At the Law Offices of Keshab Raj Seadie PC, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest developments in immigration law that may impact you or your loved ones. Here are some important updates for this wee...

Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be a complicated endeavor, especially when it comes to applying for a Green Card through employment. If you're at this stage, congratulations! Your journey towards becoming a U.S. permanent resident has reached a pivotal point. But, how do you proceed? You essentially have two options: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing. This article aims to break down these two routes, outlining their steps, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.

USCIS Updates Policy Guidance on “Sought to Acquire” Requirement Under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) USCIS recently updated its Policy Manual to clarify the “sought to acquire” requirement under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). Here are the key takeaways: Extraordinary Circum...

USCIS Introduces Online Appointment Request Form: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a convenient online appointment request form for in-person appointments at local field offices. While it's not a self-scheduling tool, it aims to enhance the user experience by ...

If you've been found inadmissible to the U.S. based on a ground such as fraud or misrepresentation under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), you might be able to apply for a waiver of that inadmissibility under INA section 212(d)(3)

As the world becomes more connected, international students in the U.S. often wish to travel abroad, whether for leisure, family matters, or other reasons. If you are an F-1 student on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT, you may be wondering about the nuances of traveling while maintaining your status. Here, we delve into the key points you should consider before embarking on your journey.  

Lawsuit Filed by Former F-1 Students from India Against DHS for Visa Denials Based on Employers' Fraud: Former F-1 students from India are challenging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The students allege that the DHS wro...

DHS Announces Proposed Pilot Program: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeks public comments on a proposed pilot program. This initiative allows certain employers, not part of E-Verify, to use remote I-9 document inspection procedures similar to those authorized for E-Verify-enrolled em...

On July 1, 2022, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a groundbreaking Policy Memorandum that opens a new pathway for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries to travel outside the United States and potentially qualify for lawful permanent residency.    This articl...

USCIS Completes Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted Registrations for FY2024 H-1B CAPUSCIS has selected 77,600 registrations in the second round of selection for the FY2024 H-1B cap from previously submitted registrations. This will significantly impact those waiting for a chance to...

Losing a job can be a daunting experience for anyone, but for nonimmigrant workers in the United States, the situation can be even more complex. Many nonimmigrant workers may not be aware of the options available to them following the termination of their employment, leading them to believe they have no choice but to leave the country within a strict 60-day timeframe.

We hope this newsletter finds you well. We have some important updates to share with you regarding the H-1B visa cap lottery and changes in the I-9 verification protocol as well as the use of compelling circumstances EAD. 2nd H-1B Visa Cap Lottery Announcement: USCIS has recently determined tha...

**Advance Copy: USCIS Notice of a New Version of Form I-9** USCIS has released a new version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Major changes include the introduction of a checkbox to verify that an employee's Form I-9 documentation was examined using a DHS-authorized alternative ...

Automatic Visa Revalidation" procedure often applies to non-immigrant aliens who have previously used a visa for admission into the United States and are seeking readmission. Two scenarios can occur:  a) They may be readmitted under the same nonimmigrant classification as indicated on their expired visa. b) They may be readmitted under a different nonimmigrant classification as depicted on their expired or valid visa if a change of status happened while they were in the United States.

USCIS and Department of Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expanded the list of academic degrees eligible for the F-1 STEM optional practical training (OPT) program, now including eight new fields of study. Please note, the EB-1 India and EB-3 Worldwide (excluding E...

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 212(d)(3), the non-immigrant visa waiver allows for the discretionary waiver of certain grounds of inadmissibility for non-immigrants (such as H-1B, L-1, B-1 or B-2 etc.) seeking entry into the United States. 

USCIS Issues Guidance on Requests to Reschedule Biometric Services Appointments USCIS has issued new policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding procedures for requesting to reschedule biometric services appointments at Application Support Centers (ASCs). The policy, effective as of Jul...

Exciting Updates on USCIS Digital Tools We are pleased to inform you that USCIS will be launching new digital tools in the coming weeks to enhance customer service and improve efficiency. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect: Text Ahead Feature: Customers will have the option to opt-in to ...

USCIS Provides Guidance on Employment Authorization Documents Based on Compelling Circumstances We would like to bring to your attention the recent policy guidance provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the eligibility criteria for initial and renewal applica...

DOS Fee Increase for NIV and Special Visa Applications Delayed until June 17 The implementation of fee increases for NIV application processing fees and Border Crossing Card fees has been delayed. Originally set to take effect on May 27, 2023, the new fees will now be implemented on June 17, 202...

OFLC Continues to Provide Guidance on Form ETA-9089 in FLAG   The Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new form titled "Form ETA-9089, Final Determination." This form is specifically intended for use when submitting a Form I-140 petition to USCIS in support of a Schedule A or National Inter...

Form ETA-9089 Submissions for PERM in Flag Deployed on June 1 The Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) has an exciting notice for employers and individuals involved in the PERM labor certification process. On June 1, 2023, the PERM module in the FLAG (Foreign Labor Application Gateway)...

This article aims to provide valuable information regarding H-1B employers and H-1B-dependent employers under the H-1B program, highlighting the perspectives of both the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division.

DOS Implements Measures to Expedite Visa Processing The DOS has implemented new technology and improved coordination to reduce the number of visa applications that require administrative processing on security grounds. Since October 2022, the majority of cases that previously required additional...

H-1B and LCA Compliance Protocol: Lesson Learned A recent case involving Peri Software Solutions, Inc. has highlighted the significance of complying with H-1B regulations. The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found that the company owed $1,456,4222 in back wages to 163 H-1B workers d...