VISA2US Blog

When you’re a foreign national living in the United States, you need permission from the government to obtain work legally. This is given via an EAD or an Employment Authorization Document. Work authorization is the proof an employer needs to hire you, but it isn’t always given to immigrants or foreign nationals. If you’re waiting for a National Interest Waiver or are on another path to a Green Card, and you already have work authorization, keeping it is a precarious thing. Here, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to get or maintain your EAD when you’re waiting for an NIW or Green Card.

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.

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.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services filed a petition recently requesting permission to raise its rates. If this proposed rule is approved, certain applications and petitions will see filing fee hikes. As with any fee request, there are advantages and disadvantages to this change, but USCIS and the government aren’t making this decision unilaterally. Those affected by this rule and anyone with an opinion on the proposed rule may be heard, but the public comment period ended on March 13, 2023. What does this mean for you? Read on to learn the details.

Since the pandemic, the process of obtaining a visa or green card has been significantly delayed. Some of these delays were unavoidable as a global shutdown forced everyone to stay home, regardless of the expiration date on one’s visa. However, other delays since the reopening of government offices were due to changing legislation, increases in applications, and outdated technology. 2022 brought with it the need for massive adjustments in USCIS’s processes, and as 2023 begins, the immigration specialists predict we’ll be seeing some much-needed improvements.

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. 

You might not have realized it, but when you accepted your new H-1B visa (or sponsored an employee for one), you entered a contract with the United States government. The details printed on that contract, including the employer’s name and location and the employee’s place of residence, must stay the same throughout the visa’s validity period. If something changes, it’s your responsibility to update USCIS — and they have the right to decide if your visa is still valid after those changes have occurred. This guide explains what you need to know to change your address and other statistics when you’re on an H-1B visa.