VISA2US Blog

American citizens and those affiliated with them via business, like foreign workers, held a collective breath as the days counted down to October 1 and a potential fiscal year government shutdown. If the two parties couldn’t come to a spending agreement, there would be an impasse and a federal spending moratorium until they did. Thanks to the last-minute short-term spending bill by President Biden, life in the government checkbook went on as normal — at least until November 17. With this new deadline on the horizon, the federal budget remains in dispute, and those holding an H-1B visa must act fast to keep it safe. We’ll explain why and what this means for immigration here.

It seems like navigating a potential government shutdown is a regular part of fiscal year changes anymore. While this year’s was avoided with a last-minute deal between the two parties, conflicting values in the US government point toward an actual shutdown sooner rather than later. What would happen to the immigration system if the Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on how to fund spending? Each agency has a contingency plan in place, and we’ll explain them here.

America’s immigration policies are frequently tied to the political situation in the country at any given time. When those in charge of reformation and policies can’t come to an agreement, the resulting impasse may have serious consequences. That’s what we see playing out on the near horizon as the end of the fiscal year approaches. If Congress can’t agree on how to fund the federal government, a partial shutdown could happen, and the impact could be damaging to those awaiting immigration paperwork. We’ll explain what’s going on and what you should be doing to prepare for a potential government shutdown here.

The premise behind national interest waivers is that the applicant may be essential to the US government. Therefore, there’s a misconception surrounding this visa document that only scholars fit that criteria. However, the government recognizes that performing arts are essential to the overall economy and satisfaction of the country. Over the years, legislation has evolved to include performers as an area of specialization. How can a performer claim national interest? Read on to understand what’s required in these unique situations.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, H-1B and L visa holders living and working in the United States have had substantial uncertainty about their futures. Between the global shutdown, changing political climates, and the USCIS backlog on processing new and renewed visas, it has been a long few years for these foreign workers. But we’re happy to announce some good news around the corner just released from the State Department regarding their Domestic Renewal Pilot Program. Here, we’ll give you the basic details that have been shared with the public.

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.

No other visa has been as challenging to secure in recent years as the H-1B visa. With every passing year, the competition gets tougher and tougher, leading many companies to start their filings months in advance. But 2021 saw a huge decline in applications to the program. What happened? This article will explore how COVID affected the H-1B visa landscape and the steps the government and other branches involved took to recover.

When you’re applying for an H-1B visa, you will work with various government agencies throughout the process. The first step, acquiring a Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval, involves contacting the Department of Labor. This short guide walks you through what it takes to file your LCA successfully so that you can move forward with your H-1B petition application.

Even a partial government shutdown can affect the way the U.S. immigration system functions. Below are some highlights of various government agencies and how they can indeed by impacted by a lack of funding.