In an effort to increase its screening and vetting of individual beneficiaries, USCIS may request that a beneficiary of a pending H-1B petition appear for a "biometrics" appointment at a designated USCIS Application Support Center for the collection of a digital picture, signature and fingerprints. Beneficiaries who are selected for a biometrics appointments should receive an appointment letter from USCIS with further details and instructions.
On 4/5/2025, the U.S. Department of State announced it revoked all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and would not issue visas to South Sudanese passport holders.
Read the full press statement "Defending America’s Security through Visa and Travel Restrictions on South Sudan" on the U.S. Department of State website.
On 2/18/2025, the US Department of State announced changes to the eligibility criteria for nonimmigrant interview waivers, also known as "drop box appointments." If you qualify for a visa interview waiver, you can apply for a visa without an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
On 12/28/2023, USCIS announced that it will change its Premium Processing fees. Effective 2/26/2024, the Premium Processing fees for H-1B petitions as well as most Immigrant Petitions will increase from $2,500 to $2,805.
On 12/10/2024, the US Department of Homeland Security announced that it is permanently extending the automatic extension period for certain EAD applicants from 180 to 540 days. Note that not all EAD renewal applicants will benefit from the new rule; for a list of eligible applicants, refer to the USCIS Automatic EAD Extension page.
On 12/18/2024, USCIS issued its Final Rule titled "Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F–1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers," which is scheduled to take effect on 1/17/25.
On 12/28/2023, USCIS announced that it will change its Premium Processing fees. Effective 2/26/2024, the Premium Processing fees for H-1B petitions as well as most Immigrant Petitions will increase from $2,500 to $2,805.
On 12/6/2024, the US Department of State announced that, effective 12/9/2024, it is changing the J-1 "skills list." If a country is removed from the skills list, the two-year home residency obligation is retroactively removed for individuals from that country as long as they are not also subject on a different basis, e.g. government funding or J-1 program category (Alien Physician).
On 9/24/2024, the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State announced that "[starting] no later than [12/1/2024], the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile app will be updated to allow citizens and nationals of Qatar to apply to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S.