Karen-Lee Pollak has once again secured her well-deserved spot on D Magazine's prestigious Best Lawyers in Dallas list for the 11th consecutive year.  Grateful and honored by this recognition amongst Dallas's finest legal minds, Karen-Lee Pollak, Managing Attorney at Pollak PLLC, expressed her gratitude. "The passion and dedication of our immigration team shine through as we navigate the complexities of relocating employees, investors, entrepreneurs, and families to the United States efficiently and affordably. Our commitment to exceptional client service is evident in this acknowledgmen ..read more

Immigration policies in the United States are going through a positive shift, particularly for foreign workers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) sectors. Recent data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicates a notable increase in visa and green card approvals for STEM professionals. This encouraging development is largely attributed to revised eligibility criteria for two key visa categories: the O-1 visa and the EB-2 visa with a national interest waiver. O-1 Visa & EB-2 Visa  The O-1 visa category, designed for individuals who demonstrate ..read more

 Marriage connects not just two individuals but often bridges the gap between different countries. In the United States, marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident opens the door for the foreign spouse to apply for a marriage-based green card. This process allows the foreign spouse to live and work in the U.S. permanently, creating a foundation for families to start their new lives together. The process of the Petition for Alien Relative primarily serves couples in transnational marriages where one partner is a U.S. citizen, but can also extend to certain immediate family mem ..read more

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on January 30, 2024, that:    The initial registration period for the  FY 2025 H-1B cap will open at noon Eastern on  March 6, 2024, and run through noon  Eastern on March 22, 2024. During this period, prospective petitioners and  their representatives, if applicable, must use a  USCIS online account to register each beneficiary electronically for  the selection process and pay the associated registration  fee for each  beneficiary.     On Feb. 28, 2024, USCIS will launch the  previously announced new organizational ac ..read more

It is H-1B Cap Season again for Fiscal Year 2025. Like in prior years, there will be a two-step process – the registration step and then, if the registration is selected in the H-1B cap lottery, the petition step.  Now is the time to start getting ready for the registration process and to review any potential H-1B petition issues. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will again use the electronic registration tool as part of the H-1B lottery process. The 2019 regulations introduced this electronic registration process, requiring employers first to file registrations seeking the oppor ..read more

Religious visas, particularly the R-1 visa, serve a vital role in enabling religious workers from around the globe to engage in ministerial activities within the United States. These visas are designed for those involved in duties like teaching, preaching, or supervising religious activities. The R-1 visa, a temporary visa typically valid for up to two years with extension possibilities, offers a pathway for these religious workers to reside and work in the U.S. temporarily. However, for many, the ultimate goal is obtaining permanent residency, commonly known as a green card, a process current ..read more

Every year, the U.S. puts a cap on the number of visa applications that will be reviewed and accepted. Due to the popularity of certain visa categories, applicants experience nerve-wracking delays, and their future life in the U.S. is unclear. The backlog for EB-2 and EB-3 visas stands as a significant challenge for aspirants looking to cement their future on American soil. The U.S. economy has many job opportunities, attracting a skilled workforce worldwide. Conversely, an aging workforce necessitates replenishment by foreign talent. These factors create a high demand for EB-2 and EB-3 visas ..read more

The path to establishing roots and building a career in the United States often feels labyrinthine, more so when you're transplanting your entire existence from foreign shores. If you're a U.S. resident poised to welcome your fiancé(e) from abroad or a non-U.S. native engaged to an American, the K-1 Fiancé Visa could be your bridge to a reunion. With clear information, you can make informed decisions about your immigration journey, delve into eligibility stipulations, and chart the application trajectory. The K-1 Fiancé Visa Explained The K-1 Fiancé Visa, exclusive to U.S. citizens and not ac ..read more

On October 17, 2023, the US Department of State (DOS) sent a Federal Register Notice to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review, proposing that certain H1-B candidates will not have to travel overseas to renew their visas. Sending a notice to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs is a preliminary step before publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register. While the rule has not been published yet, one can only speculate regarding the eligibility criteria and other details regarding the rule. The general consensus seems to indicate that this pilot program woul ..read more

Immigration is usually a time-sensitive issue, and in most cases, delays in the adjudication of your petition/application could potentially lead to loss of employment, restriction on foreign travel, or outright stress, which may impact an immigrant’s personal life. This issue isn’t exclusive to just immigrants, US employers may also be impacted by these delays. Let’s face it, happy and stress-free employees are productive employees. Unfortunately, the delays caused by USCIS have not helped. The average wait times have almost doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels. AILA reports that Processin ..read more