Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident can apply to become a U.S. citizen. As part of this process, applicants (with some limited exceptions) are required to successfully pass English language reading and writing tests as well as a civics test. On September 18, 2025, USCIS announced that it is reimplementing the 2020 … Read more

On September 6, 2025, the U.S. State Department announced that, effective immediately, it has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments: Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where … Read more

Effective today, April 11, 2025, some foreign nationals in the United States will be required to register online with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and undergo biometrics collection and a background check. Please see here for USCIS’ published guidance on the requirement: Registration Requirement. Most foreign nationals present in the United States are considered … Read more

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on April 9, 2025 that it will begin considering foreign nationals’ anti-Semitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests. This will immediately affect foreign nationals applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and foreign nationals affiliated … Read more

USCIS COMPLETES FY 2026 H-1B CAP SELECTIONS USCIS has announced that the quota of 85,000 H-1B cap beneficiaries was met in the registration period for employment in FY 2026, according to USCIS. The precise number of cap registrations submitted has not yet been announced. The agency has completed the regular and advanced-degree selection lotteries and … Read more

Given the current political climate, out of an abundance of caution, we strongly encourage that all foreign nationals carry a valid photo ID (passport or state ID) AND proof of their lawful status in the United States with them at all times. Specifically, as proof of lawful status, it is advisable that non-immigrants carry copies … Read more

This week eligibility for nonimmigrant interview waivers at U.S. consulates abroad has changed.  Visa applicants are now eligible for interview waivers only if they are renewing a visa in the same category and if prior visa expires within the last 12 months or is still valid, among other criteria.  Those who do not meet the … Read more

Per a settlement agreement in effect since January 2023, USCIS has allowed for bundling of H-4 and L-2 applications for extensions, changes of status, and work authorization, along with a principal’s Form I-129 petition when concurrently filed.  This has meant that spouses could obtain faster processing time for changes of status and extensions of status, … Read more

The U.S. Department of State has announced a major update to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, effective December 9, 2024. This is the first significant revision in 15 years and removes the two-year home-residency requirement for J-1 visa holders from 34 countries, including China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Exchange Visitor Skills List … Read more

Given the results of the recent election, we understand that our clients are concerned about how the change in Administration could impact foreign nationals. While we cannot be certain as to what changes will actually take place, based off of what occurred under the last Trump Administration, we have the following recommendations: International travel should be … Read more