Immigration News
Availability of 65,000 Additional H-2B Visas
DHS and DOL issued a temporary final rule providing 64,716 additional H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for FY 2025. These visas support U.S. employers in industries like hospitality, landscaping, and seafood processing facing labor shortages. Similar supplemental caps were authorized in prior fiscal years under temporary Congressional authority.
Policy Manual Update for F/M Nonimmigrant Student
USCIS has updated the Policy Manual for F/M nonimmigrant students, clarifying STEM OPT eligibility, online study limits, school transfers, and study abroad. Students can now count one online course or three credits per term toward full-time study. The policy also addresses school transfers, status changes during the 60-day OPT grace period, and rules for study abroad under five months.
Special Passport Acceptance Fairs
The U.S. Department of State hosts Passport Acceptance Fairs for first-time applicants and children using Form DS-11, often on evenings and weekends. Adults renewing with Form DS-82 can apply online or by mail. Find upcoming events by date and state or use the Acceptance Facility Search Tool to locate a nearby facility offering routine and expedited services.
TPS for Lebanon and Relief for Lebanese F-1 Students
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. Eligible Lebanese nationals in the U.S. can apply for deportation protection, work permits, and travel authorization. Additionally, DHS is easing work restrictions for Lebanese F-1 students facing economic hardship, allowing more work hours, reduced course loads, and off-campus work through 2026.
Policy Alert on Adjustment of Status
The USCIS has updated policy on adjustment of status for victims of severe human trafficking (T nonimmigrants), clarifying eligibility, documentation, and requirements. The guidance supersedes prior rules and includes new definitions and exceptions.
Guidance on Determining Custody of Children
The USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to clarify custody requirements for children acquiring U.S. citizenship under INA sections 320 and 322, including guidance on legal and physical custody, retroactive corrections, and derivation of citizenship under former INA section 321.
Guidance on Lawful Admission for Naturalization
The USCIS has updated its Policy Manual to clarify that a naturalization applicant’s requirement to prove lawful admission for permanent residence applies only to their initial admission or adjustment to LPR status. Subsequent reentries to the U.S. do not require the same demonstration of lawful admission
U.S. Sets New Record with 1.1 M International Students
The United States remains a top destination for international students, hosting over 1.1 million during the 2023-2024 academic year—a record-breaking figure and a 7% increase from the previous year. According to a report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), India has surpassed China as the leading country of origin for international students, marking the first time this has occurred since 2009.
DHS to Supplement H-2B Cap
DHS, in consultation with DOL, announced that it expects to make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available for FY2025, on top of the congressionally mandated 66,000 H-2B visas that are available each fiscal year.
Revises Policy on Lawful Admission for Naturalization
USCIS has issued updated policy guidance clarifying that naturalization applicants need only demonstrate lawful admission for permanent residence at their initial entry or adjustment of status, not for subsequent reentries, in line with a recent Fourth Circuit ruling.
Visa Bulletin for December 2024
DOS posted the December 2024 visa bulletin, including final action dates, dates for filing, and updates on the DV program and SIVs. USCIS determined that for December 2024, applicants in all family-sponsored and employment-based preference categories must use the Dates for Filing charts. However, the December Visa Bulletin shows no advancement for either family-based or employment-based categories.
Medical Examination Documentation Validity for Afghans
USCIS has updated its guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 3 to reflect the indefinite validity of immigration medical examination documentation for certain Afghan nationals who arrived in the United States during Operation Allies.