• by Santhosh Rao

Know your rights as a “Green Card Holder” when returning from a trip abroad

INTRODUCTIONAt the port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may screen lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to determine whether they are a “returning resident” or an “arriving alien.” The LPR may be subject to secondary inspection and during secondary inspection,

• by Santhosh Rao

Please review your I-94 as soon as you return from a trip abroad as CBP in Atlanta has been unhelpful in correcting I-94 errors!

I-94 ERRORSUntil a few years ago, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued paper I-94s that would be stapled to passports. This way, people would notice any errors in I-94 expiration immediately. Today, when entering the United States on a Visa, you

• by Santhosh Rao

USCIS set to implement the notice to appear (NTA) memo beginning October 1, 2018

INTRODUCTIONUSCIS has released an update on Implementation of NTA memo (incrementally) to be effective from October 1, 2018. The NTA memo was initially issued on June 28, 2018 and a delay in its implementation was announced on or around July 28,

• by Santhosh Rao

This is a risk of accruing unlawful presence for F-1 CAP-GAP students from October 01, 2018!

The end of work authorization for F-1 cap-gap students with pending H-1B petitions was September 30th, 2018. These students risk accruing unlawful presence if they continue to work on or after October 1st, 2018. The punishment for accruing a significant amount

• by Santhosh Rao

Use of public benefits may disqualify you from getting a Green Card!

INTRODUCTIONOn September 23, 2018, USCIS issued advanced copy of a proposed rule re-defining the term “public charge” and defining the types of public benefits that will be considered in public charge inadmissibility determinations. The proposed rule drastically expands the definition of

• by Santhosh Rao

Practical tips for F-1 students in CAP GAP status!

September 30, 2018 is the end of work authorization for F-1 cap-gap students who have H-1Bs pending with USCIS – it is only 10 days away! USCIS is still issuing RFEs on cap cases and seem to be in no hurry

• by Santhosh Rao

USCIS Extends Suspension Of Premium Processing For Certain H-1Bs

• by Santhosh Rao

USCIS Provides Email Address To Report Receipt Numbers Not Recognized In “My Case Status”

• by Santhosh Rao

USCIS clarifies that STEM-OPT students may engage in training at third-party locations

INTRODUCTIONUSCIS has announced that F-1 students on STEM OPT can engage in training experience at third party locations as long as all the mentoring and training requirements are fulfilled. On August 17, 2018 USCIS updated the Optional Practical Training Extension for

• by Santhosh Rao

USCIS May Start The Worrisome Practice Of Denying Cases Without RFE From 9/11/2018!