It is well-established that criminal and immigration law are inextricably intertwined. The catchphrases “crim-imm” or “crimmigration” are used interchangeably to refer to this intersection. As Maine welcomes more immigrants to our state, it is essential to protect noncitizen criminal defendants’ rights to be informed of the impact of criminal contacts on their immigration status. So,… [Read More]
Client Advisory: USCIS Set to Increase Fees Effective April 1, 2024
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is set to adjust its fee structure starting April 1, 2024, with exception to the Premium Processing Fee which is set to adjust slightly sooner on February 26, 2024. This change will affect a wide range of immigration applications and services. Here is a clear breakdown of what… [Read More]
Client Advisory: Renewal of H-1B Visa Stamp within the U.S.
The Department of State announced that, beginning on January 29, 2024, and ending on April 1, 2024, certain H-1B applicants will be eligible to renew their H-1B visa stamp without having to travel internationally to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Eligible applicants will apply through an online portal found at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visa/employment/domestic-renewal.html To be eligible for… [Read More]
Client Advisory: Update to Form I-9 Employment Verification Flexibility
During the global pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security provided more flexible measures for employers in the I-9 employment verification process. In particular, the most flexible of these steps was to allow employers to verify documents used to complete the I-9 virtually, i.e., without physically inspecting the actual document. The USCIS announced that, as of… [Read More]
Client Advisory: USCIS Proposes Fee Increase Under New Rule
The Biden Administration has proposed raising application fees for employment-based visas and other immigration programs. As a result of the proposed rule, employers would be required to pay significantly higher fees for petitioning for and sponsoring workers for permanent residence. The new fee schedule proposes a significant increase in fees for using the electronic registration… [Read More]
Client Advisory: October Visa Bulletin Announces Considerable Retrogression for EB-2 India
The State Department released its October Visa Bulletin revealing a significant retrogression in certain employment-based immigrant visa (green card) categories. The EB-2 Category for India was the most impacted. On September 6th 2022, USCIS reported that the visa cap had been reached for EB-1 and EB-2 visas for applicants in countries of chargeability. With the release of… [Read More]
Client Advisory: H-1B cap for fiscal year 2023 has been reached
USCIS announced Tuesday that they have received enough petitions to satisfy the congressionally mandated H-1B visa regular cap of 65,000 and the master’s cap of 20,000 for fiscal year 2023. There will be no further opportunities for cap-subject institutions to apply for new H-1B visas in FY 2023 but those that were not selected may… [Read More]
Client Advisory: USCIS Updates Form I-693: Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
USCIS recently announced updates made to form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. Beginning October 5, 2022 USCIS will only accept Form I-693 edition 7/19/2022. The last day USCIS will accept the earlier edition of Form I-693 will be October 4, 2022. This date is based on when the Civil Surgeon signs the… [Read More]
Client Advisory: USCIS Announces Phase Two of Premium Processing Upgrade Expansion
On July 15th, 2022, USCIS announced that they will begin implementing phase two of the premium processing upgrade expansion plan for certain pending EB-1 and EB-2 I-140 Petitions. Beginning August 1st, 2022, USCIS will accept premium processing upgrades for the following categories: E21 National Interest Waiver Petitions received on or before July 1st, 2021 E13 Multinational… [Read More]
