VISA2US Blog

Our blog is a source of latest immigration news, policy updates and trends for thousands of readers every month.

Latest Info From USCIS on Premium Processing

August 9, 2023
Premium processing is an optional part of filing certain forms as part of your immigrant or nonimmigrant petition. Although it’s not essential, this feature is often beneficial for those who need their forms adjudicated quickly. Through the expedited processing of your case, you may be able to push your application ahead of others. However, the categories that allow premium processing are limited and frequently changing. USCIS’s latest adjustment to this feature was announced in June 2023, and we have the information that you need to know here.

Using Compelling Circumstances to Get Your H-4 Dependents an EAD

August 8, 2023
There are many benefits to an H-1B visa, making it a highly sought-after document for foreign workers worldwide. One of these perks is the ability to bring your spouse and dependent children with you to the United States under an H-4 visa category. However, that label doesn’t give those individuals the immediate right to work, as you have. Instead, they must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and there’s no guarantee that this application will be approved. You may need to use compelling circumstance arguments to get your H-4 dependents an EAD, and we’ll explain what those are in this short blog.

Work Visa Options for Architects

August 7, 2023
The architect profession requires an advanced degree and significant skills to be successful. With the expansive amount of new construction and remodeling in the United States on a regular basis, it can be challenging to find American citizens who fit the requirements of the job and are open to working for a particular company, requiring those employers to reach out to overseas countries for help. As a foreign worker in this occupation, you’ll need a visa to accept a job offer. Here are the options you have to move your profession into the US job market and what you should know before taking another step forward along this journey.

What Does Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2 Mean?

August 2, 2023
Foreign nationals wishing to work in the United States can reach their goal through multiple ways, depending on their experience, education, and work history. Those with advanced degrees or their equivalent, or individuals who have exceptional abilities in their field, may be able to qualify for an employment-based, second preference visa. What does this category mean, and how can you tell if you qualify? We’ll explain the differences in sub-categories here.

How You Can Earn Extra Income On an H-1B Visa

August 1, 2023
When you’re in the United States under an H-1B visa, there are specific terms you must abide by during your stay. Yes, the visa gives you permission to work and earn a living in the country, but only for the company that sponsored your petition and only under the job description specified on your Labor Condition Approval. But sometimes, your financial goals aren’t in line with your annual income, and you want to add more money to your bank account. How can you earn extra income while on an H-1B visa without violating the terms of your document? Keep reading to find out what you can do to increase your pay while in the US and what you mustn’t do if you want to avoid penalties.

FAQs for the National Interest Waiver

July 31, 2023
The United States offers several avenues for foreign nationals to work and live within its borders. One such option is the National Interest Waiver (NIW.) The NIW can open doors to exciting opportunities in the U.S. However, it is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding in order to successfully secure a visa. This blog post addresses some frequent questions about the NIW and provides valuable tips for a successful application. Our FAQ format will answer your most pressing questions and provide clarity on whether this option is suitable for you.

What to Expect in August 2023's Visa Bulletin

July 29, 2023
Following the status of your visa is an important part of the “waiting game.” If you’re lucky, you won’t have to learn the ropes of the US Department of State’s Visa Bulletin for long, as your number will come up quickly. But for those of us with slow-moving Final Action Dates or Dates for Filing, the monthly updates are a time of expectation and anticipation. Here, we’ll break down what you can expect to see in August 2023’s bulletin.

Things You Should Know After You Get H-1B Approval

July 27, 2023
Skilled individuals who live overseas but want to work in the United States for approved employers can apply for an H-1B visa. For various reasons, this document is highly sought-after by millions worldwide. Each year, only 85,000 registrants are allowed to apply for capped job positions, and getting to this point is challenging. But once you've cleared all the hurdles and have that coveted H-1B approval in your mailbox, you're not quite done yet. Here are some of the most critical pieces of info anyone with an H-1B approval should know before moving to the US.

How Changes in Immigration Policies Are Likely to Affect the H-1B Lottery in 2024

July 25, 2023
If you’ve been paying attention to the H-1B visa petitions this year, you’ve seen the headlines about the record-setting FY 2024 lottery numbers. However, US Citizenship and Immigration Services attributes this high number to fraudulent attempts of registering multiple registrations of the same individuals. This significant issue heavily impacted the lottery system this year, causing USCIS to review and reform registration processes. But since new data shows that more than 75% of H-1B registrations amongst the individually filed petitions would’ve been rejected anyway, a deeper problem runs through this system. How is USCIS addressing the visible issues from FY 2024’s lottery? Read on to find out.

Clearing Up the Confusion Regarding NIW Visas for Commercial Pilots

July 24, 2023
In early 2022, news hit the aviation world that foreign pilots could qualify for the United States National Interest Waivers. That information prompted hundreds of thousands of commercial pilots to petition for waivers, spending large amounts of money on legal fees and hoping their time and financial expenses would pay off. But many of these cases were rejected. What’s the truth behind NIW visas and commercial pilots? We explain the difference between successful and rejected petitions here.
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