Immigration news & commentary
Updates and analysis from the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC.
USCIS Memo on Maximum Period of Stay for R-1 Nonimmigrants
This memorandum provides instruction to Immigration Service Officers who adjudicate R-1 nonimmigrant petitions for aliens who are coming to the United States temporarily to perform religious work, and their dependents. This memorandum outlines the procedure to be used for recapturing time spent outs...
By Rajiv S. KhannaRajiv's Article - This year's H-1B lottery: The Trump legacy of chaos must end - The Economic Times
Published by: The Economic Times - Date: January 07, 2021 Synopsis For this year (FY 2021-22), the USCIS has attempted to change the lottery selection process to favor the highest paid employees first. That change is embodied in a proposed regulation, which can be published as a final rule any time....
By Rajiv S. KhannaI-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
Form I-693 (1.48 MB PDF) Instructions for Form I-693 (301 KB PDF) Purpose of Form
By Rajiv S. KhannaSCOPS Update – 07-13-2011
Filing location for concurrently-filed I-140/I-485 petitions Unless there is an accompanying I-907 all I-140/485 concurrent filings must be filed at the lockbox addresses. Depending on the jurisdiction the filing must be sent directly to TSC or NSC. Employers who are cap-exempt under INA § 214(g)(5)...
By Rajiv S. KhannaFY 2027 H-1B Initial Registration Selection Process Completed
Release Date 03/31/2026 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received enough electronic registrations for unique beneficiaries during the initial registration period to reach the fiscal year 2027 H-1B numerical allocations (known as the H-1B cap), including the advanced degree exemption (ma...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Changes Validity Period for Any Form I-693 Signed on or after Nov. 1, 2023
Release Date 06/11/2025
By Rajiv S. KhannaState Dept. Amends Requirements for Aliens in Religious Occupations
[Federal Register: October 6, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 192)][Rules and Regulations][Page 51236-51237]From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov][DOCID:fr06oc09-4] --------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 41 [Public Notice: 6779] Visas: Document...
By Rajiv S. KhannaH-1B FY 2027 Registration Opens March 4
We recommend that the H-1B lottery registration process should be planned and initiated now to ensure that it is ready to be submitted once the registrations open on March 4, 2026. Please visit this link: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/fy-2027-h-1b-cap-initial-registra…
By Rajiv S. KhannaGuidance for Civil Surgeons Related to the COVID-19 Vaccine
As of Jan. 22, 2025, USCIS has waived any and all requirements that applicants for adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident present documentation on their Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, that they received the COVID-19 vaccination. USC...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Issues Clarifying Guidance on NAFTA TN Status Eligibility for Economists
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it is clarifying policy guidance (PDF, 71 KB) on the specific work activities its officers should consider when determining whether an individual qualifies for TN nonimmigrant status as an economist.
By Rajiv S. KhannaFY 2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opens on March 4
Release Date 01/30/2026
By Rajiv S. KhannaEmployment-based Adjustment of Status Applicants: Send in Your Medical Forms ASAP for More Efficient Processing
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plays a significant role in the processing of employment-based visas, and USCIS wants to ensure the center uses as many available visas as possible in fiscal year (FY) 2022, which ends on Sept. 30, 2022.
By Rajiv S. Khanna