U.S. Immigration News and Policy Updates

The State Department has issued the Feb. 2023 Visa Bulletin, which will use the Dates for Filing chart.

On Jan. 3, 2023, USCIS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to increase certain naturalization and immigration fees.

CDC introduces new entry requirements for travelers from China due to COVID-19; measures take effect Jan. 5, 2023.

The Department of Homeland Security announced that the Public Charge Final Rule is in effect as of Dec. 23, 2022.

The State Department has issued the January 2023 Visa Bulletin, which will use the Dates for Filing chart.

Due to Equal Pay Transparency laws enacted in many state and local jurisdictions, companies across the U.S. may face changes to their Permanent Labor Certification Programs (PERMs).

The U.S. State Department (DOS) announced it is continuing to take new steps for foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S.

On August 19, 2022, the DOE announced that effective immediately, it would no longer recognize the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

DHS has announced a new Parole Process for Venezuelans seeking to enter the U.S. The U.S. and Mexican governments are also taking new measures to address irregular migration.

USCIS is now automatically extending the validity of green cards (Lawful Permanent Residence Cards) to 24 months instead of the previous 12 months.

On Aug. 30, 2022, DHS issued a final rule that will preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy.

USCIS has announced that it received enough petitions to reach the fiscal year (FY) 2023 H-1B cap.

(USCIS) is permitting certain categories of applicants for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to file applications online.

USCIS has announced  that it will transfer some FY 2023 H-1B cap-subject petitions to the California Service Center from the Vermont Service Center for processing.

As of Sunday, June 12, 2022, the U.S. no longer requires vaccinated foreign travelers entering the country by air to have a pre-departure COVID-19 test and negative result before boarding.

In 2023, USCIS will expand premium processing to more categories and implement the final phase of premium processing for some categories.

The Vermont Service Center (VSC) is experiencing delays in issuing receipt notices for H-1B petitions filed at this USCIS regional center.

On May 4, 2022, USCIS will increase the automatic extension period for eligible Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days.

On Nov. 21, 2022, USCIS updated the Ukraine humanitarian parole program for Ukrainians who are fleeing their country due to the ongoing armed conflict.