Topics for Discussion:
Can I use my USCIS case status approval page to extend my H1B visa beyond six years, or are there other ways to obtain my I-140 approval document? || H4 transfer, H4 EAD renewal, automatic extension of EAD || J-1 waiver and H-1B, what are my visa options? || H-1B transfer and PERM based GC || F1 CPT and change of status to H-4 visa || Travel on H-1B Visa || EB-2 and I-140 approval || Eligible to apply for citizenship? || Parallel COS application timeline from H-1 to F2 Visa || H-1B transfer to new employer || H-4 and EAD, automatic EAD extension
Published by: The Economic Times - Date: September 02, 2024
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/comprehensive-guide-respo…
Number 94
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during October for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Release Date
09/11/2024
On Aug. 12, the California Service Center (CSC) moved to a new facility as USCIS centralizes processing for immigration benefits.
The new address is:
USCIS California Service Center
2642 Michelle Drive
Tustin, CA 92780
Release Date
09/18/2024
Effective Sept. 10, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services automatically extended the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) to 36 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. Form I-90 receipt notices had previously provided a 24-month extension of the validity of a Green Card.
Release Date
09/23/2024
Eligible Liberians can now apply for an EAD valid through June 30, 2026
Release Date
09/23/2024
Be sure to provide the correct payment and complete information when filing Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers. Since publishing both a new edition of this form and a new fee rule in April 2024, USCIS has had to reject an unusually high number of Form I-140 petitions at intake because of incorrect fees and missing information.
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | August 2023 |
| Audit Review | December 2022 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | February 2024 |
Topics Discussed:
FAQs: EB-2 NIW I-140 portability for employer-sponsored cases || Concerns regarding nonpayment of wages and potential H-1B impact || Maintaining LPR status (Green Card) during extended absences for employment || Rising NIW rejection rates: Examining changes in eligibility criteria
Release Date
09/25/2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the Policy Manual (Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 7), to clarify how to calculate the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) age for noncitizens who demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.
The updated guidance:
Release Date
12/05/2025
New vetting center will focus on powerful screening resources to keep America safe
Release Date
12/04/2025
Maximum validity periods of some Employment Authorization Documents will be reduced
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its Policy Manual to reduce the maximum validity period for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain categories of aliens. This update also incorporates changes to EAD validity periods made by recent legislation to ensure proper vetting and screening of aliens.
USCIS is updating USCIS Policy Manual Volume 1, Part C to deter the filing of frivolous claims and provide operational consistency. This update clarifies that the Department of Homeland Security generally will not take biometrics of detained aliens unless they are in removal proceedings and have a pending application or petition filed with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. This guidance is effective immediately and applies to requests pending or filed on or after the publication date.
Rajiv S. Khanna, US Immigration attorney, provides free immigration help by hosting a free community conference call for US immigration-related questions every Thursday. You can post questions for the call if you are a member of our US Immigration forums. Membership is immediate and lifelong. Walk-ins are also permitted.
Last Updated: December 3, 2025
As of December 15, the Department will expand the requirement that an online presence review be conducted for all H-1B applicants and their dependents, in addition to the students and exchange visitors already subject to this review. To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for H-1B and their dependents (H-4), F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas are instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to “public.”
Published by: The Times of India - December 04, 2025
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-to-scan-social-media-of…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Rajiv S. Khanna, managing attorney at Immigration.com expressed dismay that a country which professes to be a shining beacon of free speech does not appreciate it.
December 23, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has finalized regulations that fundamentally change how H-1B cap registrations will be selected, effective for the FY 2027 lottery (registration opening around March 2026). Under the new weighted selection process, registrations for higher-paid workers will have significantly better chances of selection than those for lower-paid workers.
Release Date
12/22/2025
Under the leadership of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, the agency has enhanced immigration screening and vetting protocols to protect communities and national security and has advanced immigration policies that put the national interest first.
Published by: The Indian Express - November 02 , 2025
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/automatic-ead-extensions-us-work-impact-immigrants-indian-10341486/
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Published by MSN news - December 25, 2025
https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/us-visa-holders-face-new-uncertain…
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Published by: The Times of India - December 25, 2025
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/us-visa-holders-face-new-uncertainty-as-prudential-revocations-spike-anxiety-looms-large-across-indian-diaspora/articleshow/126175668.cms
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Published by: Salon - December 20, 2025
https://www.salon.com/2025/12/20/new-vetting-rules-slow-h-1b-visa-processing-leaving-workers-in-limbo/
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Our offices will be closed for Christmas break from December 25, 2025 through January 4, 2026. The offices will reopen on January 5, 2026. If you are a client, in case of an urgent matter, please leave a message at (202)909-1110. Our team will also regularly check their own emails and messages. If you need to speak with someone urgently, please leave a message and you will hear back from them.
Number 10
Volume XI
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during January for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.