In a move to support DACA recipients and other Dreamers, the Department of State (DOS) has issued an update to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), aligning with the President’s announcement on June 18, 2024. This update aims to expedite the visa process for individuals who have earned a degree from an accredited U.S. institution and received an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a related field. Key Points from the Update: Expedited Visa Processing: The updated FAM provides clear guidance to consular officers on facilitating and expediting nonimmigrant visa waivers for graduates of U.S. co ..read more

Immigration processes for employment-based visas can be complex and costly. One common question is: who can legally pay for these expenses? Let’s break down the rules for some common visa types. H-1B Visas The employer must pay the following fees: All legal fees Basic filing fee Fraud Prevention and Detection fee  American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) fee Asylum Program Fee The employee may pay: Premium processing fee (optional)  Dependent fees for family members Important note: If the employee pays any employer-required fees, the employer must reimbu ..read more

The TN visa category facilitates the entry of Canadian and Mexican citizens into the United States to engage in professional business activities. Among the numerous professions covered under the TN visa, the role of a Scientific Technician is both unique and vital, particularly in fields requiring technical support under the guidance of a professional.  Understanding the TN Visa for Scientific Technicians The TN visa is specifically designed for Canadian and Mexican citizens who wish to work in the United States in certain professional occupations. For Scientific Technicians, the TN visa ..read more

If you are a non-citizen planning to work or reside in the United States, obtaining a Social Security Number (SSN) is a crucial step. Here is everything you need to know about the process, from eligibility to application tips. Who can get an SSN? Only noncitizens authorized to work in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security can obtain an SSN. This nine-digit number is essential for reporting wages to the government and determining eligibility for Social Security benefits. Why do you need an SSN? An SSN is necessary for: Employment Collecting Social Security benefits Accessing various ..read more

The United States is facing a significant healthcare crisis: a severe shortage of physicians, particularly in rural and medically underserved areas. This shortage has far-reaching implications for the health and well-being of millions of Americans. One of the most viable solutions to this issue lies in physician immigration, a topic that often intersects with debates on healthcare policy and immigration reform. Scope of the Physician Shortage According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the U.S. could see a shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033. This deficit is not ..read more

President Biden is set to announce a groundbreaking immigration program that aims to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens. The Day One Immigration Reform Plan represents one of the most significant immigration reforms in decades, comparable only to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) introduced by President Obama.  Keeping Families Together  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families intact. This program has the potential to benefit im ..read more

The Conrad 30 Waiver Program offers a pathway for J-1 foreign medical graduates (FMGs) to remain in the United States beyond their J-1 visa terms, provided they commit to working in medically underserved areas. This waiver circumvents the standard two-year foreign residence requirement mandated upon the completion of the J-1 exchange visitor program.  Addressing Doctor Shortages in Underserved Areas The primary goal of the Conrad 30 waiver program is to mitigate the shortage of qualified doctors in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), Medically Underserved Areas (MUA), or Medically ..read more

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, no longer has an expiration date if signed by a civil surgeon on or after November 1, 2023. This form can be used indefinitely to show that the applicant is not inadmissible on health-related grounds. CDC & Immigration The collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and USCIS helps ensure that immigration processes prioritize public health and safety for both immigrants and the broader population. The CDC and USCIS wor ..read more

Starting June 12, 2024, travelers can conveniently renew their passports online! This new service aims to simplify the renewal process and save you time and effort. Read on for what you need to know. Eligibility & Process Travelers aged 25 and older with a valid passport issued between 2009-2015 are eligible for renewal. It is also important to ensure that your current passport has been valid for 10 years and meets the eligibility requirements. First time passport applicants and those who wish to update their biographical information (name, gender, date of birth) must still use the mail in ..read more

At Berardi Immigration Law, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve their business dreams in the United States. We are thrilled to share the success story of one of our clients who recently obtained an E-2 visa to establish a property management business in the U.S. Client’s Vision & Initial Steps Our client approached us with a clear vision: to open a property management business in the United States. Already owning several properties in the U.S., our client wanted to capitalize on these investments by establishing a U.S. property management company. The goal was not only to rent ..read more