by Frank Alvarado | Sep 3, 2025 | Global
WR Immigration’s August global immigration recap highlights key developments, including Saudi Arabia’s new work permit classification system, Vietnam’s streamlined process for hiring foreign talent, the UAE’s updated Golden Visa rules for Scientists and Specialists,...
by Frank Alvarado | Sep 3, 2025 | Immigration Updates
The U.S. Department of State has announced that the EB-2 employment-based immigrant visa category is now “unavailable” and will remain so for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2025. Key Takeaways Adjustment filings still accepted: U.S....
by James Pinedo | Sep 2, 2025 | Human Resources Services
Former U.S. Department of State (DOS) Chief of Immigrant Visa Control Charlie Oppenheim is WR Immigration’s Director of Visa Consulting. Mr. Oppenheim leads two webinars each month in his “Chatting with Charlie” series regarding current visa issues and...
by Frank Alvarado | Sep 2, 2025 | Immigration Updates
USCIS has introduced a new payment option allowing applicants to pay filing fees directly from a U.S. bank account via secure ACH debit using Form G-1650. This option comes as part of the Biden Administration’s broader push to modernize federal payment systems and...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 29, 2025 | Immigration Updates
Effective August 27, 2025 USCIS has reinstated neighborhood and workplace investigations for certain naturalization applicants, a practice not used since the early 1990s. Officers may now visit applicants’ homes and offices, interview neighbors, colleagues, and...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 27, 2025 | Immigration Updates
For audio listeners, you can listen to our audio version of the News Digest here. You can also join our Immigration News Digest Newsletter here. DHS Proposal to End “Duration of Status” for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants Appeals Court Allows End of TPS for Honduras,...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 22, 2025 | Immigration Updates
TSA now allows travelers from participating states to use Digital IDs stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a TSA-approved app at more than 250 U.S. airports. Participation is optional and requires employees to set up an eligible state-issued ID in...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 22, 2025 | Immigration Updates
The State Department confirmed that all U.S. visa holders are now subject to continuous vetting, meaning visas can be revoked at any time if new information suggests ineligibility, including overstays, criminal conduct, or security concerns. This review spans more...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 20, 2025 | Immigration Updates
For audio listeners, you can listen to our audio version of the News Digest here. You can also join our Immigration News Digest Newsletter here. USCIS Expands Discretion in Immigration Filings Employment-Based Green Card Limits Expected to Be Reached by End of FY 2025...
by James Pinedo | Aug 18, 2025 | Immigration Updates
On August 15, 2025, USCIS issued new guidance that significantly broadens its discretion to deny naturalization applications. Officers are no longer limited to statutory bars such as criminal convictions or false testimony; they can now deny applications...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 13, 2025 | Immigration Updates
For audio listeners, you can listen to our audio version of the News Digest here. DV-2025 Alert: UK & Dependent Areas Entrants Should Re-Check Status Proposed Rule: Increased Vetting for DV Program Applicants New Visa Bond Requirements for B-1/B-2 Travelers from...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 8, 2025 | Immigration Updates
Legal Memorandum: A ten-point legal memorandum explaining the impact of the new CSPA guidance on Indian EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 adjustment applicants whose dependent children may age out, even when the adjustment of status (AOS) is filed under Chart B. To: Immigration...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 8, 2025 | Immigration Updates
The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) helps certain children remain eligible for a Green Card past their 21st birthday, protecting them from “aging out” due to long processing delays. In February 2023, USCIS expanded this protection by allowing the Dates for Filing...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 8, 2025 | Immigration Updates
For audio listeners, you can listen to our audio version of the News Digest here. TPS Termination Delayed for Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua Trump Indicates Ukrainians May Remain in U.S. for Now DOS Launches 12-Month Visa Bond Pilot for Certain B-1/B-2 Applicants ICE...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 5, 2025 | Investor Visas
Our latest Chatting with Charlie webinar, hosted by WR Immigration Partner Joey Barnett and featuring Charlie Oppenheim, former Chief of the Visa Control at the U.S. Department of State, offered deep insight into EB-5 visa trends, processing challenges, and the...
by Frank Alvarado | Aug 1, 2025 | Global
WR Immigration’s July global immigration recap includes the latest developments on the UK’s biometric appointment availability, Portugal’s residence permit renewal portal, Argentina’s new entry requirements, and more. UK – New Eligibility...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 31, 2025 | Immigration Updates
Administrative processing remains one of the most misunderstood causes of visa delays. The following five key points summarize recent guidance from AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee (Practice Pointer, July 30, 2025) and offer essential insight for clients and attorneys. 1....
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 30, 2025 | Immigration Updates
For audio listeners, you can listen to our audio version of the News Digest here. DHS Releases FAQs on Parole and TPS Changes for SAVE Verification Interview Waivers Significantly Restricted Effective September 2, 2025 USCIS Issues Implementation Plan for Executive...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 28, 2025 | Immigration Updates
Note: The following update reflects a separate South African Border Management Authority (BMA) media statement on the Citizenship Act and entry/exit requirements for South African citizens. This is not directly related to the U.S. H-1B litigation but is included here...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 28, 2025 | Immigration Updates
Expedited removal is a powerful tool used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to deport noncitizens without a hearing summarily. It applies to individuals who: Lack valid entry documents or use fraud/misrepresentation. Are encountered within 100 miles of the...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 23, 2025 | Immigration Updates
For audio listeners, you can listen to our audio version of the News Digest here. USCIS Announces New Fee Increases for Immigration Applications August Visa Bulletin: Retrogressions and Limited Availability Across Employment-Based Categories H-1B Cap Reached for FY...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 21, 2025 | Immigration Updates
On Friday, July 18, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it received a sufficient number of petitions to meet the congressionally mandated H-1B cap for fiscal year (FY) 2026: 65,000 under the regular cap, and...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 16, 2025 | Immigration Updates
Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Ban for Children of Noncitizens DHS Ends TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua DOJ Increases Fines for Immigration-Related Violations Judge Blocks Birthright Citizenship Ban for Children of Noncitizens On July 10, 2025, a federal judge...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 9, 2025 | Immigration Updates
DOJ Signals Shift Towards Denaturalization and Local Immigration Enforcement Court Blocks Early Termination of TPS for Haiti USCIS Narrows TN Visa Eligibility Under New Policy Guidance New Immigration Fees and Restrictions Included in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ DOJ...
by Frank Alvarado | Jul 8, 2025 | Global
The Home Office has confirmed that significant changes to the Skilled Worker immigration route, along with other sponsored work categories, will be implemented beginning on July 22, 2025. These updates were first announced in the Government’s immigration White Paper...
