Effective February 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) made changes to the visa interview waiver program, leaving applicants and employers scrambling to navigate the new requirements. These restrictions—implemented with no transition period—carry implications for anyone seeking employment-based visa stamps abroad. In the long run, wait times for
Continue Reading Breaking Down the State Department’s New Visa Interview Waiver Limits
In an era of increasing global competition for highly skilled professionals, U.S. employers often face challenges in recruiting and retaining top talent. The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a special provision under the EB-2 visa category, offering a unique solution by allowing foreign nationals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities
Continue Reading National Interest Waiver (NIW) as a Viable Alternative to a Traditional Employment-based Green Card
A recent update and clarification from the Department of State (DOS) on waiver eligibility expands opportunities for visa applicants facing difficulties in obtaining visa stamps for entry to the U.S. This clarification, specifically on the “significant public interest” category in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), provides valuable guidance for individuals
Continue Reading Navigating Visa Challenges: DOS Updates on Inadmissibility WaiversBy: Jake Campbell, Weija (Victoria) Ma, and Jason Burritt
Seyfarth Synopsis: The below summarizes recent legal updates that impact U.S. immigration:
1. Government Shutdown Avoided – For Now
On September 30, 2023, Congress passed a stopgap bill to keep the government running for another 45 days. For more information on potential impacts if the government were to shutdown, please see our legal alert–Potential Government Shutdown: Immigration Consequences for Employers and their Foreign Employees—here.Continue Reading October 2023 U.S. Immigration Alert
| Trivia: Each year, March and which other month end on the same day of the week? |
Where are we this month?
Advancements
Employment
While the EB-5 category for Regional Center filings is now available for Chinese nationals with a priority date of July 22, 2014, it remains unavailable for all other nationals. Non-Regional Center filings are current for all with the exception of Chinese nationals where we see a July 22, 2014 priority date.
Family
| Trivia: Who was the only U.S. President to serve in two nonconsecutive terms? |
Where are we this month?
Advancements
Of note is the EB-5 category for Regional Center filings remains unavailable and for direct investment there is no movement in the Final Action Dates; and moving backward 4 weeks to September 1, 2014 for Date of Filing Application cut off.
By Mahsa Aliaskari and Alexander Madrak
Seyfarth Synopsis: Citing security reasons, the Trump administration announces expansion of requirements for the 38 countries that participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing limited travel to the U.S. for business and tourism.
On December 15, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security
Continue Reading Newest Administration Target – U.S. Visa Waiver Program