Immigration

The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. branches. It is available in two categories: L-1A for executives and managers, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge. Understanding the initial validity period and the process for obtaining extensions is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance and continued employment in the U.S. Initial Validity Period L-1A Visa (Executives and Managers): The initial validity period for an L-1A visa is up to 3 years. If the employee is coming to the U.S. to establish a new office,...

A major legal event took place in the area of U. S. immigration law on August 26, 2024. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas recently ordered an administrative stay in the case of Texas v. Department of Homeland Security.  This stay has temporarily stopped the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from providing parole in place under the “Keeping Families Together” program for two weeks. What this stay implies, what it means for those it affects, and what they need to do will be discussed in this blog post. What is "Keeping Families Together"? “Keeping Families Together” is...

The U.S. Department of State's August 2024 Visa Bulletin has introduced significant updates in both family-based and employment-based categories: Family-Based Visa Categories F2A: Significant advancement, reducing wait times for spouses and children of permanent residents. F-2B, F-3, F-4: Noticeable movement, benefitting unmarried adult children and siblings of U.S. citizens. Employment-Based Visa Categories EB-2 and EB-3 for India: Major strides forward, improving the prospects for skilled professionals. Family-Based Petitions: F2A: Worldwide moves from November 1, 2023, to June 15, 2024. F-2B (Mexico): Advances from July 8, 2004, to July 15, 2004. F-3: Shifts from October 1, 2010, to November 1, 2011. F-4 (Mexico): Moves...