VISA2US Blog

FY2024 was a landmark year in H-1B lottery registrations. USCIS received the most it has ever had in history during the initial registration period, including those who qualified for the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap). But there was a downside to this landslide: The number of fraudulent petitions also exceeded historical records, and USCIS has taken this year as a learning experience, implementing new measures to combat fraud in the future.

Immigration news is full of optimistic changes on the horizon as US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to revamp its systems and processes. The latest regulations involved requests for rate increases. Should those requests go through, USCIS has big plans for the funds. Regardless of the budget, though, the agency released its goals for FY 2023-2026 in its Strategic Plan. This plan is essentially a roadmap of milestones and targets that will take USCIS to its ultimate goals to strengthen its workforce and aid the country overall. A summary of the plan is found here.

If you are applying for a green card as a citizen of a country where the U.S has expressed concerns over terrorist activity or a corrupt government, it is likely the USCIS will scrutinize over your AOS application based on your affiliation or membership with such an organization. Such enhanced vetting is also subject to change based on current events and U.S. foreign policy objectives at any given time.

If you’re going to apply for an NIW as a researcher, you’ll need to have a detailed plan about your proposed endeavor in the U.S. Showing a receipt of funding will also help the strength of your application.

One of the first steps for being able to work legally in the United States as a foreigner is to have an employer file an I-140 petition on your behalf. Here are some tips to know if that employer will be willing to start this process with you.

The I-508, Waiver of Certain Rights, Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities is a USCIS form that should be filled out by applicants working for foreign missions while based in the United States. The purpose of this form is for applicants to retain their LPR status, or for non-immigrants to still be eligible to file an I-485 application.