Latest News & Updates
CDC Order Requires Negative COVID-19 Test Prior to US Entry
Effective January 26, 2021, ALL air passengers traveling internationally to the United States, including US Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents, will require a negative COVID-19 viral test within three days prior to departure. Proof of the negative laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) will be required at the time of boarding. If the air passenger has recently recovered from COVID-19, they will be required to provide documentation from a doctor's office confirming recovery. Any passenger failing to provide the necessary and accurate documentation will be denied boarding.
H-1B Cap Lottery System Modification – Final Rule
Tomorrow, January 8, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security will publish a final rule modifying the H-1B lottery ahead of Cap season, which starts in March. The rule modifies the manner in which the lottery is conducted by prioritizing applications received on the basis of the wage level of the position in relation to similar positions in the geographic area. This rule would eliminate the random selection process that has historically been used. Instead, cases that show a higher prevailing wage according to the corresponding LCA would be given preference over cases filed using lower prevailing wage levels.
EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s Impact on Immigration
The UK and EU entered into the Trade and Cooperation Agreement last week, averting a no deal Brexit. The EU will apply the agreement provisionally from January 1, pending ratification, so that the European Parliament can consider the agreement before the EU ratifies it fully. This means the EU will have the opportunity to review whether the UK's legislation fully implements the agreement.
Links & Resources
USCIS Online Case Status
Check your case status directly with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services through their online tool.
USCIS Processing Time Information
Get information about available services such as information on average wait times and current case status.
U.S. Consulate and Embassies
All the information you need to know regarding the U.S. Consulate and Embassies around the world, including current travel information and country specific information.
Visa Bulletin
All things pertinent to visas through the website of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, including the tools to apply for a visa.