In a significant development for H-1B visa holders, the Department of State (DOS) initiated a pilot program on January 29, 2024, streamlining the visa renewal process. For the first time, certain H-1B visa holders now have the opportunity to renew their visas online, eliminating the need to travel outside the United States to an embassy or consulate. This pilot is specifically designed for principal H-1B applicants whose last visa was issued in India or Canada, offering a much-needed convenience [...]
LGT forwards this resource to highlight a new fee that will be assessed on all Forms I-129, I-129CW, and I-140 beginning April 1, 2024, as well as to explain new fee structures for Form I-129 and Form I-485 and its ancillary benefit applications (Form I-765 and Form I-131).
Details of Changes to Fee Structures for Form I-129 and Form I-140
The Final USCIS Fee Schedule, which will be implemented on April 1, 2024, introduces an Asylum Program Fee of $600 for Forms I-129, I-129CW, and I-140. This [...]
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a series of significant changes that will impact the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 H-1B registration and cap filing season. These changes involve adjustments to the H-1B registration system, a revision of the fee schedule, the introduction of an Asylum Program Fee, and updates to online filing and premium processing fees. Please review the following summary of these critical updates:
H-1B Registration Final Rule
Starting FY 2025, the [...]
Starting January 1, 2024, the Department of State, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, is extending the flexibility to waive the in-person interview for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants. First-time H-2 visa applicants, along with others who've had a non-B visa in the past and are applying within 48 months of its expiration, can benefit from this change. To meet the criteria, applicants must also apply in their country of nationality or residence; have never been refused [...]
Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023) H-1B cap will open the electronic registration at noon Eastern on March 1, 2022 and run through noon Eastern on March 18, 2022.
U.S. employers file H-1b petitions for foreign nationals who will be employed temporarily in professional fields – referred to as “specialty occupations” or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. Each year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) selects 65,000 H-1B registrations for foreign [...]