State Dept. Announces Pilot Program to Resume Domestic H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals – The pilot program will accept applications from January 29 to April 1, 2024.
OFLC Reminds Employers About Deadlines for Peak H-2B Filing Season – The federal Department of Labor announced that from January 2-4, 2024, it will accept H-2B applications for temporary nonprofessional workers requesting a start date of April 1, 2024, or later.
USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for International Students – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued policy guidance regarding the F and M student nonimmigrant classifications, including the agency's role in adjudicating related applications for employment authorization, change of status, extension of stay, and reinstatement of status.
State Dept. Expands Consular Authority for Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers – The Department of State has determined that several categories of interview waivers are in the national interest. As of January 1, 2024, consular officers will have discretion to waive the in-person interview for those categories.
State Dept. Advises on Passport Processing – Passport processing times have returned to the agency's pre-pandemic norm, the Department of State said. Passport applications will be processed within 6 to 8 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service. Processing times do not include mailing.
DOS Issues 'Bright Forecast' for Worldwide Visa Operations – The Department of State said its visa processing capacity "has recovered faster than projected" and announced a "bright forecast" for worldwide visa operations in 2024.
Parker Butte & Lane PC in Portland, OR, can be reached at
503-241-1320. Check back often for updates.
Phone:
Email: info@pbl.net
Address:
1200 NW Naito Pkwy, Suite 200 Portland OR 97209
Business Hours: