I went to Arlington office on Wednesday, October 27th early in the morning around 7am. There were maybe 30 people already waiting in front of the building before me. Normally office opens at 7.30 if I am not mistaken. I was waiting not more than 15 minutes when immigration officer showed up and started asking people if there was anyone having an appointment. He came to me and asked the same question. I said I did not have any appointment and that I came for interim EAD. He told me that everyone has to have an appointment in order get an interim EAD.
am sharing the following info for all, i am sure it helps:
my parents came to US in mar2004, got 6 mon entry. 6-mo extn filed early aug, website showed approval late sept, approval letter recd early oct. they have come to US 2 times earlier (2000 for 1 month and late 2002 for 5 mo). Note that we sent photocopy of I-94, NOT the original.
DOCUMENTS SENT WITH APPLICATION:
3 LETTERS: 1 from my father requesting extn, 1 from me saying I will take them around and will support them, and 1 similar letter from my brother.
Just want to post my success story to help all those silent sufferers who are looking for guidance on Vacation recapture.
My 6th year H1 expired on Oct-13-2004. My company filed for LC in Feb-2004 and I did not meet criteria for 7th year extension.
Hi Folks
With reference to my earlier post, I was really desperate to get replies regarding my query for first time Stamping at Chennai embassy, for first time stamping for H-1 B from J1 Visa.
Now, atlast I got my visa stamped and here are more details to folks who are sailing in same boat.
Hello Folks;
I successfully got my H1 (& H4 stamp) in Ottawa on March 8.
This was my third H1 stamp (second for the same employer)
It went very smooth...hardly 5 min interview...
Things seem to have improved a bit. Applied for EAD (J2 Visa holder) online on September 2. When I checked the status of the case, I got the message that my EAD had been approved on November 8. Sounds great, but lets wait until the card has arrived.
By the way, if you want to apply for an interim EAD after expiry of the 90 day period, you no longer have to stand in line all night long but can make an appointment on the USCI site (http://usci.gov) at the INFOPASS section. Good luck to everybody.
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.