Us visa news

Here are some recent updates and news related to US visas:

New Visa Policy Updates:

  1. H-1B Visa Lottery: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H-1B visa lottery for the 2023 fiscal year will open on March 9, 2023, and close on March 11, 2023.
  2. F-1 Visa STEM OPT Extension: The USCIS has extended the STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) program for F-1 visa holders until December 31, 2025.
  3. L-1 Visa Changes: The USCIS has introduced new requirements for L-1 visa petitions, including a requirement for employers to demonstrate that the foreign worker will be paid a salary that is at least 100% of the prevailing wage for the position.

Travel Restrictions and Bans:

  1. COVID-19 Travel Restrictions: The US has maintained travel restrictions for non-US citizens who have been in certain countries with high COVID-19 infection rates.
  2. Iran Travel Ban: The US has maintained a travel ban on Iranian nationals, with some exceptions for certain categories of travelers.
  3. North Korea Travel Ban: The US has maintained a travel ban on North Korean nationals, with some exceptions for certain categories of travelers.

Visa Application Processing Times:

  1. USCIS Processing Times: The USCIS has reported significant delays in processing times for various visa categories, including H-1B, L-1, and green card applications.
  2. US Embassy and Consulate Processing Times: The US Department of State has reported delays in processing times for visa applications at US embassies and consulates worldwide.

Other Visa-Related News:

  1. US Visa Fee Increase: The US Department of State has increased visa fees for certain categories of travelers, including tourists and business visitors.
  2. US Visa Interview Waiver Program: The USCIS has expanded its Visa Interview Waiver Program, allowing certain travelers to apply for a visa without an in-person interview.
  3. US Visa Online Application System: The USCIS has launched an online application system for certain visa categories, including the H-1B and L-1 visas.

Recent Changes to US Visa Policy:

  1. Public Charge Rule: The US Department of Homeland Security has introduced a new public charge rule, which aims to deny green cards to immigrants who are likely to become a public charge in the future.
  2. Asylum Policy Changes: The US Department of Homeland Security has introduced new asylum policy changes, including a requirement for asylum seekers to apply for asylum in the first country they pass through, rather than the US.

Please note that these updates are subject to change, and it's always best to check with the US Department of State, USCIS, or a qualified immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information on US visa policies and procedures.