VISA2US Blog

While many foreign workers envision the United States as their ultimate workplace, there are many other countries ready to embrace immigrants and nonimmigrants with easier immigration policies. One of these nations is Canada, and the new H-1B immigration rules established in June 2023 are creating ripple effects felt throughout the world. How do these changes affect you? Read on to find out.

Congress is continually monitoring immigration legislation and how it’s impacting the American economy and citizens. Revisions are always part of the agenda, regardless of which political party is in the majority at the time. As of 2023, the Republicans have the majority in the House, President Biden is a Democrat, and the combination is affecting H-1B visa holders and other immigration avenues. We’ll explain what you can expect to see in the near future here.

Millions of people from all over the world apply to enter the United States each year. These individuals encompass a range of unskilled, highly skilled, and asylum-seeking categories. Every category falls under a different visa, but all visas are screened by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services branch of the federal government. Because of the high number of applications and the need for thorough screening of each one, it’s not surprising that there are frequent backlogs. But the Secure and Protect Act of 2023 is posed to make changes that could reduce the time you’ll wait for your H-1B visa.

Since the pandemic, the process of obtaining a visa or green card has been significantly delayed. Some of these delays were unavoidable as a global shutdown forced everyone to stay home, regardless of the expiration date on one’s visa. However, other delays since the reopening of government offices were due to changing legislation, increases in applications, and outdated technology. 2022 brought with it the need for massive adjustments in USCIS’s processes, and as 2023 begins, the immigration specialists predict we’ll be seeing some much-needed improvements.

When an employer extends a job offer to a foreign worker, it’s never done lightly. This action comes at a cost — payable to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor. Yet, although those fees can seem hefty when you’re the one paying them, USCIS operates on a constant backlog due to high operating costs. The fees have stayed consistent since 2016, but in 2023, a proposed rule seeks to help reduce backlogs by increasing fees and allowing the department to streamline its processes. 

The H-1B visa is as beneficial to the employer as it is to the employee, and both parties must take their responsibilities seriously. The visa is a government-issued document that is only authorized under significant scrutiny. Each part of the petition and application process must be completed wholly and accurately. When issued, it becomes a contract between the government, the employer, and the employee. To ensure you’re filling your side of the requirements, check out this article full of essential information employers of H-1B visa holders and the employee themselves must know.

If you’re trying to get to or stay in the United States, but you’re not a citizen, you’ll need documentation that permits this action. But this document varies for each person. Two of the most common types of legal authority that do this are the H-1B visa and the Green Card. They’re often used in the same context but perform different roles. Understanding the two helps you determine which one is right for you and your family.

Obtaining your green card is crucial when you want to stay in the US permanently. In addition to complex paperwork, you’ll also need to pass an interview at a USCIS field office, US consulate, or embassy nearby. Preparing for this interview will help you feel more comfortable when you’re talking to the officer. This guide walks through what you need to know before you head to your interview.

A new tool has been added to the USCIS case time processing site. This major update is meant to give non-citizens seeking immigration benefits a much clearer idea of exactly how long they will have to wait based on a pending USCIS application.

Ambiguities surrounding work permit application are always specific to the category of the immigrant or non-immigrant filing for working authorization. In addition, other issues like providing the right sized passport photos can affect processing times.