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President Biden Suspends Entry of Noncitizens/Non-LPRs Traveling From India; U.S. Mission in India Announces Limits on Visa Services
President Biden has issued a proclamation suspending the entry of non-U.S. citizens who were physically present within India during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States, with some exceptions.
State Department Announces Global National Interest Exceptions to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Students seeking to start studies in the fall, certain academics, journalists and individuals who provide critical infrastructure support in countries affected by a geographic COVID-19 restriction may now qualify for a national interest exception.
USCIS Reverses Trump Policy, Instructs Adjudicators to Resume Granting Deference to Prior Determinations in Petition Validity Extension Requests
Effective immediately, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services updated its policy guidance to generally restore its 2004 instructions directing officers to defer to prior determinations of eligibility when adjudicating petition extensions involving the same parties and facts as the initial petition.
State Department Announces Tiered Immigrant Visa Prioritization
On April 30, 2021, the Department of State announced a tiered prioritization approach to “triage” immigrant visa applications in light of reduced operating capacity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SSA Ends “No-Match” Letters
The Social Security Administration has ended the practice of sending employers “no-match” letters, called Employer Correction Request Notices.
DHS to Make Additional 22,000 Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visas Available
In light of increased labor demands, the Department of Homeland Security announced a supplemental increase of 22,000 visas this fiscal year for the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker program.
DHS Provides Relief for Venezuelan and Syrian F-1 Students
The Department of Homeland Security has suspended certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Venezuela or Syria.
State Department Issues Final Rule Changing Certifying Authority for Graduate Medical Education
Effective May 19, 2021, the Department of State is changing the certification authority for noncitizen physicians from the American Board of Medical Specialties to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
State Department Updates Travel Advisories Due to Ongoing Pandemic
The Department is warning travelers against going to “approximately 80% of countries worldwide.”
F-1 Students Seeking OPT Can Now File Form I-765 Online
USCIS announced that F-1 students seeking optional practical training can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online if they are filing under one of several categories.