VISA2US Blog

When you employ foreign workers (or you are the employee), particularly with H-1B visa holders, the terms “E-Verify” and “H-1B portability” often show up. While neither is universal, they are essential in certain aspects of the immigration world. What do these terms mean, and how are they related? We’ll explain those answers here.

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a top-tier under the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) visa category. It permits the holder to live and work in the United States without a job sponsor. Qualifying for this coveted document is challenging as the applicant must prove that they are highly skilled or have an exceptional ability that makes them of particular national interest. As with all immigration regulations, the requirements and benefits of the NIW adapt to the needs of society, and recent changes may benefit spouses under an H-4 visa should they seek work. We’ll explain those and the other must-know details here.

Premium processing is an optional part of filing certain forms as part of your immigrant or nonimmigrant petition. Although it’s not essential, this feature is often beneficial for those who need their forms adjudicated quickly. Through the expedited processing of your case, you may be able to push your application ahead of others. However, the categories that allow premium processing are limited and frequently changing. USCIS’s latest adjustment to this feature was announced in June 2023, and we have the information that you need to know here.

The United States offers several avenues for foreign nationals to work and live within its borders. One such option is the National Interest Waiver (NIW.) The NIW can open doors to exciting opportunities in the U.S. However, it is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding in order to successfully secure a visa. This blog post addresses some frequent questions about the NIW and provides valuable tips for a successful application. Our FAQ format will answer your most pressing questions and provide clarity on whether this option is suitable for you.

Changes to how the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services department handles premium processing have begun, and the latest round began on April 3, 2023. These adjustments directly affect students in certain F-1 categories and those petitioning for nonimmigrant foreign worker visas. This blog explains how you may be affected by the new regulations for premium processing.

When you’re a foreign national attempting to get authorization to leave your country and live and work in America, there are multiple categories you can look into. These employment-based visas are typically contingent on having a legitimate job offer before applying for the document. But if you are eligible for a National Interest Waiver, you can skip this requirement. How does the NIW work, and how can you increase your chances of getting yours approved? Keep reading to find out.

When an employer extends a job offer to a foreign worker, it’s never done lightly. This action comes at a cost — payable to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor. Yet, although those fees can seem hefty when you’re the one paying them, USCIS operates on a constant backlog due to high operating costs. The fees have stayed consistent since 2016, but in 2023, a proposed rule seeks to help reduce backlogs by increasing fees and allowing the department to streamline its processes. 

The H-1B visa affords the holder many rights, such as the ability to enter the United States, where they can live and work for up to six years in three-year increments. It's also a dual-intent visa, and holders can begin the steps to apply for a Green Card while in the US under an H-1B visa.

The highly coveted H-1B visa is yours, and you’re ready to begin the next phase of your career journey in the United States. With the H-1B visa, your spouse and children get to join you, but they also want a normal life in this foreign place. Many H-1B beneficiaries are concerned that their spouses and children won’t be allowed to work once in the US. If this is your concern, this guide answers your questions about spousal and dependent employment under an H-1B beneficiary.

You must file an extension request when you already have the coveted H-1B visa and want to stay past the expiration. The initial validity period is usually three years, but you can stay up to six years and occasionally even longer.