General Immigration

The **L-1 visa** is a vital resource for international companies aiming to transfer key personnel to their U.S. operations. However, securing an L-1 visa from a USCIS (see USCIS L-1A Visa Overview) can present unique challenges for **start-ups and small businesses**. Understanding these obstacles is essential for success. In this article, we explore the four primary challenges small companies face…Read More

I Am In H-1B Status And I Was Laid Off/terminated/reduced Hours – Am I Eligible For Unemployment Insurance? It depends, as unemployment insurance is a joint state-federal program administered by each state through its own eligibility criteria and benefit amounts, but the state must follow federal guidelines. As such, there is not one answer to that question. Some states, such…Read More

Driver’s license issuance/renewal is exclusively reserved for individual states to determine their standards. You should first look at your state’s driver’s licensing agency website for their requirements. Most states’ website provides detailed information regarding how to acquire/renew your driver’s license. If the website is not clear as to what documents are required for non-immigrant residents, call the state agency and…Read More

On March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services temporarily suspended in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS is readying offices to reopen on or after June 4. Employees in these offices are continuing to perform mission-essential services that do not require face-to-face contact with the…Read More

The published Executive Order dated April 22, 2020, becomes effective at 11:59 P.M. EDT April 23, 2020. It is limited in scope as follows: (a)  The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall apply only to aliens who: (i)    are outside the United States on the effective date of this proclamation; (ii)   do not have…Read More

USCIS officers shall comply with the following guidance to determine whether periods of time spent by an H-1B/L-1 nonimmigrant worker in a specialty occupation outside the United States (Reclaiming Time for H-1B/L-1 Nonimmigrant Workers) will be recaptured: (A) Periods of Time Outside the United States that You May Recapture as an H-1B/L-1 Nonimmigrant Worker in a Specialty Occupation. Because section…Read More

B. Public Benefits Not Considered 1. Unenumerated Public Benefits The following is a non-exhaustive list of public benefits that USCIS does not consider in the public charge inadmissibility determination as they are considered earned benefits:[20] Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Social Security benefits (SSDI); Social Security; Veteran’s benefits including but not limited to HUD-VASH, and medical treatment through the Veteran’s Health…Read More