Immigration news & commentary
Updates and analysis from the Law Offices of Rajiv S. Khanna, PC.
USCIS Now Accepting Copies of Negative O Visa Consultations Directly from Labor Unions
Effective immediately, USCIS will begin accepting copies of negative consultation letters directly from labor unions relating to a current or future O nonimmigrant visa petition request. O-1 and O-2 nonimmigrant visas are available to individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, bus...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Guidance Memo on Adjudicating Reciprocal Exchange Agreements
USCIS issued a memo to provide guidance for processing and adjudicating Form I-129, filed on behalf of P-2 nonimmigrants. In particular, this memo amends the policy guidance that the Service Centers must contact Headquarters prior to adjudication of reciprocal exchange agreements which have not been...
By Rajiv S. KhannaThe Economic Times NRI Helpdesk: Can I extend my US visitor visa before it expires? And other FAQ's answered by Rajiv S. Khanna
Question: I have a visitor visa for the USA for multiple visits up to June-2023. Can I apply for an extension of the visa before the expiry date? Also, advise procedure for extensions and where I can get the application form, so I can keep all details ready. Answer: I am not aware if there is a proc...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Clarifies the Period of Authorized Stay for P-1S Essential Support Personnel of Individual Athletes
USCIS has updated the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM) (PDF, 224 KB) to emphasize that, under current regulations, the periods of initial authorized stay are different for individual athletes (P-1A) and their essential support personnel (P-1S). The P-1S classification is for “Essential Support Perso...
By Rajiv S. KhannaDHS Final Rule for F–1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and CapGap Relief
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to amend F-1 nonimmigrant student visa regulations on optional practical training (OPT) for certain students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) from U.S. institutions of higher education. Specifically, the propos...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUpdated Guidance on P-1A Internationally Recognized Athletes
Release Date 03/26/2021 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced updated guidance for adjudicating requests for P-1A nonimmigrant classification for internationally recognized athletes.
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Expands Premium Processing for Applicants Seeking to Change into F, M, or J Nonimmigrant Status
Release Date 06/12/2023
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Updates Policy Guidance for International Students
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance regarding the F and M student nonimmigrant classifications, including the agency’s role in adjudicating applications for employment authorization, change of status, extension of stay, and reinstatement of status for these s...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Publishes Interim Rule on T Nonimmigrant Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations governing the requirements and procedures for victims of human trafficking who seek T nonimmigrant status. DHS is also streamlining procedures, responding to public comments, and providing guidance on the statutory requirements fo...
By Rajiv S. KhannaLockbox Filing Location Updates Webpage Expanded to Include Service Center Filing Location Updates
Release Date 06/06/2023 USCIS has updated the Lockbox Filing Location Updates page on the website to now include service center filing location updates as well: Lockbox and Service Center Filing Location Updates. You can now keep track of filing location changes between the lockboxes or service cent...
By Rajiv S. KhannaDOL to Support Of Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes Seeking Immigration Relief
In early 2015, the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the Department of Labor will begin exercising its authority to certify applications for trafficking victims seeking T visas. In addition, WHD will expand its existing U visa program by certifying such requests when it detects three additional qualif...
By Rajiv S. KhannaUSCIS Lockbox Updates
Release Date 01/08/2021 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, USCIS is experiencing delays in issuing receipt notices for some applications and petitions filed at a USCIS lockbox facility. The information below explains the current state of lockbox operations and the issues affecting recei...
By Rajiv S. Khanna