November Visa Bulletin Details Information on Religious Workers Category, Employment Second Category
The November 2022 Visa Bulletin reflected updates in the Religious Workers category as well as the potential need for visa availability in the Employment Second category. Congress enacted H.R. 6833 on September 30, 2022, which extended the Employment Fourth Preference Certain Religious Workers (SR) category to December 16, 2022. No SR visas may be issued overseas, or final action taken on adjustment of status cases, after midnight December 15, 2022. Visas issued prior to that
USCIS Issues Policy Guidance on EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual based on the vacatur of the EB-5 Modernization Rule and the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. The policy highlights include: Removing the provisions found in the EB-5 Modernization Rule that a federal court vacated on June 22, 2021; Adding that an applicant may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, concurrently with, or subs
Waiver Extended for Civil Surgeon Signature Requirement on Form I-693
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) extended its temporary waiver of the 60-day rule for civil surgeon signatures on Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record. The waiver, which was effective until September 30, 2022, has now been extended to March 31, 2023, to further ease processing delays and associated difficulties in timely completing the immigration medical examination. The waiver applies to all Forms I-693 associated with applic
USCIS Extends Green Card Validity to 24 Months for Renewals
Effective September 26, 2022, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended the validity of permanent resident cards (green cards) to 24 months for lawful permanent residents who file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Lawful permanent residents who properly file Form I-90 to renew an expiring or expired green card may receive this extension. Previously, Form I-90 receipt notices provided a 12-month extension of the validity of a g
Court Upholds Optional Practical Training for Qualifying Students, STEM
On October 4, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the judgment of the district court sustaining the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) current Optional Practical Training (OPT) rule. This rule authorizes a limited duration of post-coursework OPT if recommended and overseen by the school and approved by DHS, for qualifying students on F-1 visas. Students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) fields are granted an addi
DHS Designates Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of October 20, 2022, will be eligible for TPS. In a statement by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the United States recognized the ongoing conflict and temporary conditions occurring in Ethiopia. Mayorkas expressed the Department’s commitment to “provide t
DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap With Nearly 65,000 Additional Visas for FY 2023
On October 12, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a regulation that will make available to employers an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for FY 2023. This number does not already include the 66,000 H-2B visas that are normally available each fiscal year. DHS aims to address employers’ needs for more seasonal workers with the new regulation. Specifically, 20,000 visas are reserved for nationa
Attorney Simone Williams Discusses EB-5 Regulations in IIUSA Regional Center Business Journal
Attorney Simone Williams, Managing Partner at Williams Global Law was published in the Fall 2022 edition of the IIUSA Regional Center Business Journal. Invest In the USA (IIUSA) released this digital-only business journal that is filled with thoughtful insights from some of the EB-5 industry’s leading experts. In the article titled EB-5 Concurrent Filing, Attorney Simone Williams explains the new EB-5 concurrent filing rule and assesses the advantages and disadvantages of sai
Simone Williams Speaking with Ambassador, Audrey P. Marks of Jamaica on October 27
Williams Global Law attorney, Simone Williams, is delighted to participate in a virtual panel hosted monthly by Ambassador Audrey P. Marks, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States. The event, titled “Let’s Connect: Your Passport & U.S. Visa Questions Answered!” takes place on October 27, 2022, with conversations centered around obtaining U.S. Visas and clarifying passport matters for Jamaican nationals. To rsvp, visit www.jamaicaconnect.org/. The details of the Consular Con
