USCIS Fee Increase – Updated BearBuy Checks Required From Sept 1, 2020
August 11, 2020
US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) will increase their processing fees by a weighted average of 20% to help recover its operational costs. Effective September 1, 2020, employment-based visa requests (H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1) submitted to Human Resources must have new USCIS fees requested t COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
August 05, 2020
As a result of Coronavirus, the U.S. government has implemented a number of policies that significantly impact the ability of travelers to enter the country. Rescinded: SEVP Policy Modifications for Fall 2020 Online Courses
July 07, 2020
On July 14, the US Department of Homeland Security agreed to rescind the policy directive that would have required at least some in-person university coursework in order to remain in the US. Updated: New Presidential Proclamation Impacting H-1B Employees
June 22, 2020
On June 22, 2020, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation barring the issuance and entry of H-1B visas by the Presidential Proclamation of Certain Graduate Students and Researchers from the PRC
June 02, 2020
On May 29, 2020, a Presidential Proclamation was issued which bars visa issuance for certain foreign nationals who are both affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) or other institutions supporting the PLA’s “military-civil fusion... Reinstatement of Premium Processing
June 01, 2020
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will resume accepting H-1B premium processing requests on the following dates: Presidential Proclamation for Certain PR Applicants
April 22, 2020
On April 22, Trump issued a new Presidential Proclamation: CARES Act Stimulus Payments
April 20, 2020
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be issuing stimulus payments to individuals who hold resident alien status for tax purposes. US Department of State guidance: Securing flights to home countries
April 09, 2020
The US Department of State (DOS) has encouraged J-1 exchange visitors to contact their embassy or consulate if they experience COVID-19 related challenges related to securing flights home when programs have completed. The DOS information below is current as of April 7, 2020. USCIS Temporary Suspension of Premium Processing
March 22, 2020
Effective Immediately. On March 20, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the immediate and temporary suspension of premium processing service for all Form I-129 and I-140 petitions until further notice due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 