EB-5 investors who have received an I-829 Petition denial but who have a valid I-551 stamp in their passport should reconsider international travel and, if abroad, consider returning to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents reportedly have detained some permanent residents returning from abroad where USCIS has issued a notice to appear
Immigration
Trump Executive Orders Create EB-2 NIW Opportunities for Oil, Gas, and Energy Professionals
The United States is experiencing a renewed push for energy independence, with a major policy shift prioritizing oil and gas expansion. Under President Donald Trump’s energy policies, which emphasize increased fossil fuel production and a revamped energy infrastructure, certain professionals may now have a stronger case for self-sponsored immigration under EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)…
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Expiry Rules
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK does not expire, but it may be lost if you leave the UK for more than 2 years. As the wording suggests, Indefinite Leave to Remain gives a person the right to stay in the UK indefinitely, but this right can be lost following a prolonged absence…
March 2025 Visa Bulletin Updates
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) released the availability of immigrant numbers in its March 2025 Visa Bulletin. All dates listed below are based on the final action dates for employment-based preference cases. Applicants must have a priority date that is earlier than the final action date listed for their preference category and country…
U.S. Visa Dropbox Eligibility Reverts to Pre-COVID Standard, More Applicants Will Need In-Person Interviews
The U.S. Department of State has unexpectedly updated Consular websites with revised eligibility requirements for Visa Interview Waiver (“dropbox”) appointments.
Effective immediately, dropbox eligibility is limited to applicants renewing a visa in the same nonimmigrant classification that expired within the past 12 months. While no official government announcement has been made, Visa Application Centers (VACs)…
USCIS Announces FY 2026 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period Opening on March 7
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the opening of the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 H-1B cap. This announcement is a significant milestone for employers and foreign professionals seeking to work in the United States under the H-1B visa program. The registration period will commence on March…
How Long Can A British Citizen Stay In The US?
Under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP), British citizens can stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days without the need for a business or tourism visa. If you need to stay longer in the UK for another purpose, you may need to apply for and receive a visa before you travel…
Guide to Restructuring & Role Changes for Employers
Businesses sometimes need to restructure or change roles as a result of changes in business strategy, cost reduction programmes, role redundancy, and mergers/acquisitions. In this guide, we will explain the essential elements of restructuring and role changes for employers, including the key laws, the rights of employees, the redundancy process, and the implications of TUPE. …
Does a Student Visa Count Towards Residency in the UK?
The Student visa does not directly count towards permanent residency (i.e. settlement) in the UK, unlike other visa routes. This means that the time you spend as an international student at a school or university in the UK cannot be used to get Indefinite Leave to Remain. Other visas, such as work, business and…
Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 Years
If you are coming up to the time when you can finally apply to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years of continuous residence on your visa in the UK, congratulations! Indefinite Leave to Remain will give you the security and certainty of knowing that you have settled in the United Kingdom, and you are…