by Kyle Knapp | Aug 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
USCIS published a new rule for F-1 (university students) and J-1 (exchange visitors) visa holders that will require them to keep a close watch on their immigration status. The rule goes into effect September 15, 2026 and will have a phase-in period for individuals who...
by Kyle Knapp | Jul 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
Here’s my annual return to this topic, which is more important than ever before. The July 4th holiday serves as a reminder for permanent residents who might be eligible to apply for citizenship. Moreover, now is as good a time as any, because a new rule from late June...
by Kyle Knapp | Jun 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
Just as the Memorial Day holiday weekend was beginning, USCIS, in its typical practice of Friday afternoon bad news delivery, released a policy memorandum, in which it suggested that the adjustment of status process through which many individuals apply for lawful...
by Kyle Knapp | May 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
In recent weeks reports surfaced about USCIS scheduling “petitioners” for biometrics (fingerprints and photos) appointments at local offices. In immigration cases, the “petitioner” typically is the U.S. permanent resident or citizen sponsoring a family member for a...
by Kyle Knapp | Apr 3, 2026 | Uncategorized
After implementing travel bans on several countries last year, in January 2026 USCIS announced that it was pausing adjudications for all benefit requests from or on behalf of persons form those countries. They are: Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin,...
by Kyle Knapp | Mar 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
With the annual H-1B lottery upon us, it seems fitting to offer a very short primer on the challenges of employment-based immigration. The H-1B visa is for workers in a “specialty occupation,” which is defined as a job that requires a specific bachelor’s or higher...
by Kyle Knapp | Feb 2, 2026 | Uncategorized
Last month the State Department announced that it was pausing immigrant visa (i.e. green card) processing for citizens of 75 countries. The reason given was that individuals from those countries who have immigrated to the United States allegedly apply for financial...
by Kyle Knapp | Jan 2, 2026 | Uncategorized
It’s been no surprise, only disappointment and frustration, that “administrative processing” of visa applications at U.S. consulates has increased and lengthened. Consular officers long have used the term as a catch all for applications that require additional...
by Kyle Knapp | Dec 2, 2025 | Uncategorized
A cursory review of the news releases on the USCIS website confirms that the current administration cares more about immigration crackdowns and deportations than family unification. It’s actually much worse. The New York Times reported on Sunday, November 30, 2025 on...
by Kyle Knapp | Nov 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
The current administration’s latest anti-immigration initiative is the October 30, 2025 rule eliminating the automatic extension provision that allowed individuals with pending employment authorization document (EAD) renewal applications to continue working for up to...
