Introduction Congratulations on your O-1B visa approval! As a beneficiary of this specialized artist visa, you are probably eager to start your new journey in
The U.S. Visa Bulletin, published monthly by the Department of State, plays a pivotal role in the green card application process for immigrants. This bulletin
Art residencies allow you to combine your passion for art with your desire to travel. But, exactly, what are art residencies? They are, in essence, designated locations around the world that provide time and place to live that is apart from the typical distractions. It’s a location where you may foster your creative process and learn new methods to work. However, residencies are about visiting new locations to do work; they’re also about viewing things through new eyes.
The cap-gap extensions are given when students have pending or approved cap-subject H-1B petitions to remain in F-1 status during the cap-gap period. This would fill the gap, if any, between a student expired F-1 status and the beginning of H-1B status.
A 240-day extension rule is a process by which the employees are authorized to continue work for their employers in the US for up to 240 days while USCIS processes their renewal or extension petition, or until USCIS decides on your petition. Current regulations provide 240 days of continued work authorization to various nonimmigrant visa holders on timely filing of the petition by the employer. This rule applies to employment-based nonimmigrant visa holders. This article deals with eligibility and other details related to the 240-day extension rule for nonimmigrants.
Companies must build strong worldwide identities in this age of globalization. Businesses that want to expand outside their territorial boundaries must establish international bases and staff them with skilled, experienced administrators and executives. Visas are offered in the US for some qualified managers and executives to either make an intra-company move from their home base to a US-based office or allow new businesses to establish their business affiliations in the country. In this article, we will look at different visa options available for managers and executives, i.e., EB-1 visas, L-1 visas, and E visas.
EB-2 or the Employment-Based second preference visa is granted in case the applicant holds an advanced or equivalent degree or a foreign national with exceptional ability and where the employers are willing to sponsor the applicant. There are three categories to be eligible for an EB-2 visa, namely, holder of an advanced degree (EB-2A), a person with an exceptional ability (EB-2B), or a person with a national interest waiver (EB-2C). If you are applying for the first two categories, a PERM process will be required. However, an exception is made in the PERM requirement if you are applying in the third category. In this article, we will see EB-2 visa and PERM requirements.
The Employment-Based second preference immigrant visa or the EB-2 immigrant visa is categorized into three types, namely, holder of an advanced degree (EB-2A), a person with the exceptional ability (EB-2B), or a person with a national interest waiver (EB-2C). The NIW or National Interest Waiver or EB-2C type of immigrant visa is a type of visa where foreign national requests for the waiver of the requirement such as the offer of employment and labor certification in the process of employment-based immigration. The jobs that qualify for this category are not defined by statute but are usually granted to applicants whose employment would greatly benefit the US. This is because the immigration of such foreign nationals would significantly contribute to the US’s national interest and the economy.
A B1 visa, or Temporary Business Visitor visa, is generally issued if the applicant has to participate in commercial or professional business activity in the US, which is temporary. In certain situations, a B1 visa could be used by the artists and entertainers to visit the US temporarily. It could benefit artists and entertainers to use a B1 visa since there is no requirement to petition USCIS. This helps them get the visa within less time, and the cost of getting a visa also decreases. This article discusses the B1 visa and its benefits to artists and entertainers, its procedure, and the documents required to get one.
A nonimmigrant may request and be granted an extension of stay in the United States by the USCIS. However, the extension is subject to requirements and circumstances, and the decision may differ from case to case. To extend the stay as a nonimmigrant worker in the US, one must file form I-539 for oneself and all the dependents, whereas their employer (if they sponsor the nonimmigrant visa) must file Form I-129.
There are tens of thousands of Americans who marry foreign spouses every year. As a result of the marriage, the spouse born outside of the United States becomes eligible for getting a green card based on their marriage. If you intend to live in the United States with your spouse, the next step you have to do is apply for a marriage-based green card. The green card will allow your spouse to travel and stay in the United States and later apply for US citizenship when they become eligible. In this article, we will see the adjustment of status through marriage with a US citizen or lawful permanent resident by applying for a marriage-based green card in the US.
O-1 visas provide opportunities for individuals with extraordinary abilities to come to the US. These individuals may not be alone and require assistance from trainers, support staff, or assistants. Keeping this in mind, the US has O-2 visas, which the support personnel can apply to support the O-1 visa holders. This article will talk about O-2 visa Category.
The United States protects nationals of certain countries if they have some safety concerns in returning to their home country because of circumstances such as armed conflict, natural calamity, or any other extraordinary circumstances endangering their safety. While in the protection, the individual is not restricted to change/adjust their status, and they can apply for a green card if they become eligible. We will discuss the procedure in detail.
When you are applying for immigration, the Immigration processing may take longer than usual as the processing time for each application is different. The processing time of the immigration application is dependent on various factors, namely your application type, where the application has been applied, the immigration status of the sponsor, the center looking into your application, and the backlog at the particular center. There are field offices established to support the USCIS to deal with the large number of applications being filed.
As a nonimmigrant in the US, you want your family to come along with you. USCIS allows the dependents and immediate family members of an O-1 visa holder to come to the US on an O-3 visa. In this article, we will look at O-3 visas in detail.
Introduction Can I do anything if I get an adverse decision from the USCIS? You probably might have thought about it. YES, you can appeal
Suppose you plan to travel to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa. In that case, you should know the difference between a change of your status and an adjustment of status. It is essential because many people mistakenly believe their meaning to be the same while they are not. In simple words, Adjustment of Status (AOS) aims towards adjusting your status as a lawful permanent resident, while the change of status is changing your nonimmigrant status to another nonimmigrant status. Let us try to understand the meaning of each term separately and in more detail.
It is common for individuals to get disheartened when the decision is not ruled in their favor. Most of the time, people think that they have fulfilled all the visa requirements and paid the correct fees, and even then, the immigration decision is not in their favor, so they want to appeal the decision. Typically you can appeal the immigration decision to the Administrative Appeals Office, which hears appeals against the USCIS decisions. In this article, we will explore the brief procedure for appealing the USCIS decisions.
The United States allows you to apply for a visa based on your extraordinary ability. You can file an O-1 visa for artists if you fulfill the criteria required for it. In this article, we will see the basic requirements for an O-1 visa for artists.
E-1 and E-2 visa forms part of the E visa category, which is granted to treaty traders and investors visiting the US under a treaty of commerce and navigation between the US and their home country. In this article, we will see the key differences between both visas.
Many U.S. citizens marry their life partners who are foreign nationals. They want them to obtain U.S. green cards to enjoy the benefits of being green cardholders. Some spouses are too busy in their work-life, family life, or other kinds of stuff that they cannot travel to the U.S. for their green card process. If you think this might be your case, do not worry about your spouse’s green card, USCIS allows your spouse to apply for a green card from outside the U.S. This article will see the process that can help you if you want your spouse to get a green card without coming to the U.S.
With globalization intercountry, adoption is also increasing. Thousands of US citizens have adopted children overseas in the last few decades. The process is not that simple, and sometimes the US citizens face difficulties in adopting an overseas child. Before adopting, you must be aware of the process, whether you are suitable and eligible to be an adoptive parent, or whether the overseas child is eligible to immigrate to the US. All these questions must be answered before, as USCIS will determine the eligibility of the parents and the child. In this article, we will look at the adoption aspect of US immigration laws.
The United States provides foreign nationals to apply for employment-based green cards. Employment Visa – second preference(EB-2) visa is one of such categories. You can also apply for an EB-2 NIW(National Interest Waiver) petition to waive certain requirements that are mandatory in a regular EB-2 visa. This article will explain the differences between a regular EB-2 visa and an EB-2 NIW category visa.
Suppose you intend to reside in the US. In that case, your primary target should be to get your immigrant visa approved by the authorities. Many individuals come to the US on an employment visa. The US always welcomes aliens who possess extraordinary ability to come and work in the US. If you have that skill, you can either apply for an O-1 Visa or an EB-1 Visa. At times, it becomes crucial to know the difference between these two visas as that can impact your future stay in the United States. This article will explain the key differences between O-1 and EB-1A visa (Alien of Extraordinary ability).
You might have to travel to the US to attend a business meeting or negotiate a contract in the US or might just want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the US. You can apply for temporary visits for specific business or tourism activities through B Visas. In this article, we will see what B Visas are and if they are suitable for you?
Like an EB-1 immigrant visa, an O-1 visa is also for aliens who possess extraordinary abilities but are in the non-immigrant category. It is available for those who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics or who have demonstrated a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
Traveling to the US through the normal process may take some time. Because hundreds of applications are being processed every day, you should not wonder if you get a later date for your visa appointment. But at times, you may have to travel to the US urgently and may wonder how you can avoid long waiting times for visa appointments. In this article, we will discuss what is an emergency visa appointment and how you can apply for such an appointment?
You may have to go through a process known as Consular Processing if you want to come to the United States and get a green card for legal permanent residence. Depending on whether you are outside of the US or in the US, if your immigrant petition gets approved, you can choose consular processing to get your green card.
Obtaining a green card gives you certain rights, but you still miss out on all the benefits provided to a US citizen. Therefore green card holders often try to upgrade to US citizenship to avail all the benefits. If you are among those, then this article is a great read for you. This article will explain how Preparing for N-400 Interview which you have to take as a part of your naturalization process.
Sethi and Mazaheri law firm is back again with another criterion, “Evidence of your commercial success in the performing arts.” This is the last criterion of the series. I hope this series has successfully demonstrated the meaning of each criterion and how you can satisfy them to get your EB-1 visa approved.
If you think you have extraordinary skills, you must have thought of earning more than others in your field. Skills are directly related to your income, and USCIS considers this and will label your ability as “extraordinary” if your income is comparatively higher than others in your field. Sethi and Mazaheri Law firm brings you another article on the EB-1 series where we explain the ten criteria laid down by the USCIS for establishing your extraordinary ability.
Introduction Are you enjoying the EB-1 series that the “Sethi and Mazaheri” law firm has been bringing for you lately? Here, we are back with
You must be wondering how you can satisfy your extraordinary ability to be eligible for an EB-1 visa. Well, Sethi and Mazaheri law firm brings you a list of articles where you can find the comprehensive meaning of all the criteria requirements to demonstrate your extraordinary ability.
Introduction We are back with another criterion in the EB-1 (alien of extraordinary ability) series. In this article, we will discuss the criterion, “Documentation of
Establishing your “extraordinary ability” can be a complex and bewildering process. As a petitioner, you want your petition for an EB-1 visa to get approved quickly. Still, you are unsure what three criteria you should target to fulfill the requirement laid down by the USCIS to demonstrate your “extraordinary ability.” For that, you must know the basic meaning of all the criteria and how you can satisfy each criterion’s elements.
US immigration law does not require a sponsor employer if you apply for an EB-1 visa under the noncitizen “of extraordinary ability” category. The burden to prove the “extraordinary ability” lies on the petitioner, and it is rather bothersome to find the proper criteria for yourself. Sethi and Mazaheri law firm has a motive to make US immigration laws simple. We have started a series where we would be explaining all the criteria laid down by the USCIS to demonstrate a noncitizen’s extraordinary ability.
Are you applying for EB-1 visa classification under the “extraordinary ability” category? Do you have any previously published material about you in any publication? Are you confused about what does publish material means and what will come under such criteria?
Did USCIS send you an appointment notice for your I-485 interview? Don’t get anxious about the interview; almost everyone who wants to adjust their status has to interview. Before making a final decision on your green card, the US immigration officials attempt to better know the applicant and the genuineness of the case by meeting them in person. Getting well prepared for the interview gives you the advantage of getting your green card approved. In this article, you will find the common questions asked at the I-485 interview and some tips you should consider before appearing for the interview.
There are many additional benefits for a green card holder than for other nonimmigrant visa holders, like traveling freely within the US with fewer restrictions. Due to these benefits, many people go for adjustment of status, i.e., transitioning from a nonimmigrant visa to a green card. They have to file Form I-485 to adjust their status. The process of adjusting can be complex, and having correct documents accumulated and submitted may ease up the process. For that, you should have an idea what all documents you may require for your Form I-485. This article will prove a checklist of all such documents you may need to adjust your status.
Are you relaxing that you have successfully filed your immigration petition and will soon enter the US? A Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) can interrupt your happy time, and you may find yourself tangled in a complicated immigration issue. The best way to avoid any confusion is to know what a NOID is and what to do if you have received a NOID from the USCIS. This article provides detailed information to help you prevent confusion.
Every year, thousands of people who are either in the US or at the US border apply for asylum because they have suffered or have credible fear that they will suffer persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group or political opinion. If you are among one of them, then this article is right for you. In this article, we will discuss how an individual can seek asylum in the US.
On July 15th, 2021, in the matter of Cruz-Valdez (Respondent), Attorney General Merrick Garland overruled the decision in the matter of Castro-Tum in its entirety, given by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2018. The new ruling has reinstated the immigration judges’ power to postpone deportation cases if a decision or ruling is pending in the related immigration cases. This article will provide an insight into the previous ruling, the facts of the present case, and what was overruled.
Has the USCIS denied your immigration application for the grant or extension of a visa? Are you unhappy or unsettled with the USCIS decision and are curious whether you can do anything or not? The answer is yes! You may be eligible to file an appeal or a motion on an unfavorable decision by an immigration department. This article will discuss the immigration appeal, your rights, and how you can file an immigration appeal.
Are you applying for an immigration visa under the employment-based, first-preference (EB-1) category? You must know that you should be a foreign-born talent of extraordinary ability, an outstanding professor or researcher, or a certain multinational executive or manager.
Employment-Based, First preference visa in the foreign-born of “extraordinary ability” category or an EB-1A visa has ten criteria laid down by the USCIS. As a petitioner, if you apply under this category, you either have to provide evidence of a one-time achievement (i.e., Pulitzer, Oscar, Olympic Medal) or satisfy at least 3 out of 10 criteria.
In this article, you will find some more information on the Naturalization Oath Ceremony and what to do if you have missed the ceremony.
Have you gotten your green card application approved? If yes, GREAT! You have taken another step in becoming a US citizen. Becoming a US citizen is a dream of a lot of noncitizens. So knowing the process and timeline is always beneficial for a green card holder.
You must not be amazed if you are stopped at the US port of entry and issued an I-94 Form. The DHS issues the I-94 form to foreign visitors upon their arrival to keep track of the entrance and departure of such foreign visitors. This article will provide an overview of Form I-94.
Artists and performers from all over the world have long been drawn to the United States. From rookie artists to renowned professionals globally, all are eager to show off their stellar abilities.
The P visa is a temporary employment-based visa granted to foreign athletes, artists, entertainers, coaches, supporting staff, and their spouses and children to travel to the United States. The P visa is classified into P-1, P-2, P-3, and P-4 categories. This article will provide a brief about all the P visa classification.
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