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Last Updated: March 1, 2022

FAQ's answered in The Economic Times NRI Helpdesk: Can I start my own business if I'm an H-1B visa holder?

Published by: The Economic Times: March 05, 2022

Release Date 

03/17/2022

In the recently published April Visa Bulletin, the Department of State advanced the Date for Filing (also known as the application date) applications for an immigrant visa or adjustment of status in the employment-based, second preference (EB-2) category for India from Sept. 1, 2013, to Sept. 1, 2014.

Release Date 

03/18/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the documentation that certain E and L nonimmigrant spouses may use as evidence of employment authorization based on their nonimmigrant status.

If you are a healthcare worker or a childcare worker who has a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization renewal application and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires in 30 days or less or has already expired, you can request expedited processing of your EAD renewal application. USCIS had previously announced this flexibility for qualifying healthcare workers assisting public health efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. USCIS is now extending this flexibility to qualifying childcare workers.

Release Date 

03/29/2022

H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed

Release Date: March 17, 2010

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Agreement with Department of Justice and Outreach Initiatives Will Strengthen E-Verify for Employers and Employees

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano joined U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas to announce a trio of initiatives to strengthen the efficiency and accuracy of the E-Verify system.

Release Date 

03/30/2022

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is extending certain flexibilities through July 25, 2022, to assist applicants, petitioners, and requestors. USCIS anticipates this may be the final extension of these flexibilities. USCIS will consider a response received within 60 calendar days after the due date set forth in the following requests or notices before taking any action, if the issuance date listed on the request or notice is between March 1, 2020, and July 25, 2022, inclusive:

As part of the credit card payment pilot program, the USCIS service centers are now accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for most forms. The goal of this pilot is to bring USCIS one step closer to accepting digital payments using a credit card at all service centers.

USCIS Service Center Processing Times as of April 15, 2010.

Release Date 

04/07/2022

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a policy update to adopt a risk-based approach when waiving interviews for conditional permanent residents (CPR) who have filed a petition to remove the conditions on their permanent resident status.

Release Date 

04/12/2022

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that individuals who previously received deferred action under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may now file Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, online.

Question: I have a visitor visa for the USA for multiple visits up to June-2023. Can I apply for an extension of the visa before the expiry date? Also, advise procedure for extensions and where I can get the application form, so I can keep all details ready.

Answer: I am not aware if there is a procedure to apply for a visitor visa extension before expiration. You can send an email to the consulate to confirm. There is, however, a restriction under the consular standard operating procedures on holding concurrently valid visas of the same type.

Published by: The Economic Times - Date: April 28, 2022

Synopsis

A change of status means a change in your intention. For example, when you obtain a visa and enter the USA, you would have expressed to the US government your intention of a brief visit. The change in such intention can be construed to be deliberate and preconceived. If such preconception is deemed misleading, you could be barred from entering the US for ever.

For more on this article please see the attachment below.

Release Date 

05/03/2022

Release Date 

05/05/2022

Public will have access to immediate, clear answers on case processing times

WASHINGTON— Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to simplify and improve how the agency communicates case processing time data to the public. As part of an agency-wide commitment to improve transparency, efficiency, and customer service, the changes also make it easier for individuals to get an immediate answer on when they can make an inquiry into their case.

Published by: Gadgets Now by TOI: May 06, 2022

Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:

However, immigration lawyers pointed out that this would be useful only for as long as your status was valid. "For most of the H-4 holders who file for these extensions, their status is expiring at the same time as their EAD, and they would not benefit from this," said Rajiv S Khanna, Managing Partner at immigration.com.

For more on this news please see the attachment.

Release Date 

05/24/2022

USCIS recently updated the following form:

Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service

05/31/2022 10:01 AM EDT

Edition Date: 05/31/22. Starting July 1, 2022, USCIS will only accept the 05/31/22 edition. Until then, you can also use the 09/30/20 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

For more information, please visit the Forms Updates page.

USCIS recently updated the following form(s):

Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

05/31/2022 04:01 PM EDT

Edition Date: 05/31/22. USCIS will also accept the 03/10/22 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

05/31/2022 03:17 PM EDT

Release Date 

06/02/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has released two new forms under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which revised INA 203(b)(5).

The new forms are:

Release Date 

06/03/2022

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated the public charge resources webpage with more information to help reduce undue fear and confusion among immigrants and their families, including U.S. citizens and their children, that may prevent them from obtaining access to critical government services available to them.

Between May 4 and June 2, 2022, USCIS issued certain I-765 receipt notices with incorrect information.

Published by: The Economic Times - Date: June 13, 2022

Synopsis

Fundamentally, is litigation against delays in the immigration process a viable option in your case? The answer is perhaps it is, but be mindful of the relevant factors, including the uncertainty of the outcome and expenses involved.

For more on this article please see the attachment below.