Major Immigration Updates

June 2023

USCIS Expands Premium Processing for Change of Status Applications to F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
June 12, 2023

On June 12, 2023, USCIS announced that it will expand the use of premium processing for applications for Change of Status to F, M, or J nonimmigrant status filed using […]

May 2023

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fees Increase Delayed until June 17, 2023
May 26, 2023

The U.S. Department of State announced on May 26, 2023 that the implication of the increase in nonimmigrant and special visa fees, scheduled to go into effect on May 30, […]

USDHS/SEVP Announce COVID-19 Flexibilites End at Start of Fall 2023 Term
May 12, 2023

On May 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the COVID-19 regulatory flexibilities, including where exceptions were provided to the maximum number of online courses that can […]

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements at US Ports-of-Entry No Longer Required as of May 12, 2023
May 1, 2023

The White House and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have announced that, effective May 12, 20223, non-U.S. citizen travelers entering the U.S. by air, land ports, or ferry terminals […]

April 2023

DOS/USDHS Announces Forms DS-2019 Can be Sent Electronically, effective April 27, 2023
April 27, 2023

The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced that the Form DS-2019 will be eligible for electronic distribution as of April 27, 2023. The International […]

Visa Services at U.S. Embassy in Sudan Suspended, effective April 22, 2023
April 22, 2023

The U.S. Department of State announced the suspension of operations at the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan effective April 22, 2023. It is important to note that this suspension of […]

March 2023

CDC Rescinds Requirement of Negative COVID-19 Test to Enter the U.S. From China – Effective March 10, 2023
March 10, 2023

On March 10, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the rescission of the requirements for a negative COVID-19 test result to board a flight to […]

USCIS Announces Premium Processing Service Available for Applications Filed for F-1 OPT and F-1 STEM OPT Extension
March 7, 2023

On March 6, 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the expansion of Premium Processing services to applications for F-1 Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-Completion OPT), F-1 Post-Completion Optional […]

December 2022

Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement For Air Passengers Entering the U.S. from China, Effective January 5, 2023
December 29, 2022

On December 28, 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that travelers who have physically been present in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Special […]

USDOS Extends Discretion for Consulates to Waive In-Person Visa Interviews For Certain Nonimmigrants Through End of 2023
December 24, 2022

On December 23, 2022, the U.S. Department of State announced that it has again extended authorization to consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain nonimmigrant visa applicants […]