USCIS announced recently a new strategy aimed at reducing processing times for N-400s and I-485s, both of which have nearly doubled in the past several years. The strategy calls for shifting caseloads between field offices, from ones inundated with backlogs to those field offices with less traffic. For applicants, this means getting scheduled for[…]
A reminder to all of our readers of President Trump’s recent memo making it mandatory for state and local agencies to sue I-864 sponsors for all means-tested benefits that are paid to adjustment of status applicants/beneficiaries. These means-tested benefits programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The[…]
The July 2019 Visa Bulletin was just released. Two major developments that will occur for next month is that the F2A family-based preference category will become current for all countries (including India, China, and Mexico), and that EB5 India will retrogress, from current to a priority date of 1 May 2017. F2A is expected to[…]
USCIS has announced that, starting today, June 10, certain New Zealand nationals already lawfully present in the United States will be eligible to change status to E-1 and E-2 classification. Copied from USCIS: Certain New Zealand nationals can now request a change of status to the E-1 nonimmigrant trader classification and the E-2[…]
USCIS announced today that Ken Cuccinelli has now officially been named as Acting Director of USCIS. Seeing as how he was never likely to get confirmed, his appointment as Acting Director means he can continue in this position indefinitely, without any Senate confirmation or accountability to Congress. He joins a now long list of[…]
It is with great pride and honor that we announce that Tahmina is now a member of the Washington State Bar Association, adding to her credentials from the State of New York and the Bar of England and Wales, UK. Here are some fun photos of the swearing-in ceremony!
USCIS announced today that they are resuming premium processing for all remaining cap-subject H-1B petitions, including those filed consular processing, starting on June 10th. Employers wishing to upgrade their cap-subject H-1B petitions to premium processing (and receive a decision from USCIS within 15 calendar days) may do so starting Monday. Premium processing still remains[…]
USCIS has announced that it is expanding its rejection criteria for Form I-129 to include those petitions that do not list the petitioner’s or applicant’s name and primary U.S. office address in Part 1 of the form. As good general practice, be extra careful and double and triple check all forms and information prior[…]
Watson Immigration Law is celebrating its 10th Anniversary by offering free immigration consultations on June 11, 2019 and June 13, 2019, from 10 AM to 3 PM! Please use the following link to sign up: https://calendly.com/watsonimmigration/free-immigration-consultation?month=2019-06
Current Director of USCIS, L. Francis Cissna, has reportedly told his staff that he will be leaving his post at the end of the month. He is set to be replaced by Ken Cuccinelli, a staunch conservative and former Virginia attorney general. Unlike Cissna, Cucinelli does not appear to have any significant immigration experience. He[…]