Drivers License Renewal & Fall Visa Stamping

October 10, 2022Book Visa Appointments Now – Don’t Wait  If you are planning to travel over the winter break, you should book your appointments now. Appointments for visa stamping at the US Consulates, while improving, remain backlogged. Each Consulate has its own local practices that change frequently. You are responsible for following the Consulate’s instructions…Continue Reading Drivers License Renewal & Fall Visa Stamping

New DOL and DHS Rules Impact H-1Bs, E-3s, and Permanent Resident Applications Subject to Prevailing Wages

On October 8, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) simultaneously issued interim rules which create significant immigration changes if permitted to stand. The twin rules were issued in response to the Presidential Proclamation instructing DOL and DHS to revisit immigrant regulations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As interim rules, they forego…Continue Reading New DOL and DHS Rules Impact H-1Bs, E-3s, and Permanent Resident Applications Subject to Prevailing Wages

Executive Order Suspends Entry into the US of H-1B, H-2B, J, and L Workers until December 31, 2020 –  Limited Impact on USC Faculty and Staff Petitions

On Monday, June 22, 2020, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) effective June 24, 2020 suspending entry into the United States of foreign nationals on certain nonimmigrant employment-based visas until December 31, 2020. The suspension applies to those outside of the US who do not have a valid visa or advance parole travel document for entry…Continue Reading Executive Order Suspends Entry into the US of H-1B, H-2B, J, and L Workers until December 31, 2020 –  Limited Impact on USC Faculty and Staff Petitions

Premium Processing and Other Services to Resume at USCIS

On May 29, 2020, the USCIS announced it will resume premium processing (15-day adjudication) of petitions on a staggered approach. Reinstatement begins with premium processing for I-140 immigrant visa petitions commencing on June 1, 2020. This will be followed by filed and pending  H-1B petitions and other nonimmigrant petitions previously eligible for premium processing that…Continue Reading Premium Processing and Other Services to Resume at USCIS

President’s Executive Order of 4/22/2020 will Not Impact USC Faculty and Staff Petitions – FSVS Continues as Normal

The President’s executive order (EO) issued last night is limited in scope and not as broad as feared from his tweet to shut down all immigration into the US. It only applies to new applicants for immigrant visas outside the US before US Consulates. It does not apply to those already in the US nor those…Continue Reading President’s Executive Order of 4/22/2020 will Not Impact USC Faculty and Staff Petitions – FSVS Continues as Normal

COVID-19 and Visa Services/Immigration Update

FSVS Operational During COVID 19 Faculty/Staff Visa Services remains committed to servicing the University during the COVID-19 crisis. We remain open for business through remote operations in support of the social distancing measures in place. FSVS operations will continue as usual with a slight decrease in processing times due to the technical limitations of remote…Continue Reading COVID-19 and Visa Services/Immigration Update

TRAVEL TIP – Send us your I-94s!

As we move into the winter recess, we know that many of our faculty and staff are travelling internationally for the holidays. Each time a foreign national enters the U.S., except for occasional land crossings, a new I-94 record of entry is generated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is essential that you check…Continue Reading TRAVEL TIP – Send us your I-94s!

New USCIS Policy Guidance for Issuing Requests for Evidence / Denials

In a policy memorandum dated 07/13/18, the USCIS communicated new guidance regarding the issuance of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for petitions and applications received as of 09/11/18. The guidance allows case adjudicators to use their discretion when determining whether to issue a Request for Evidence, or to deny a case outright, if it lacks “required…Continue Reading New USCIS Policy Guidance for Issuing Requests for Evidence / Denials