This memo outlines the general process for obtaining a visa for travel and re-entry into the United States after receipt of a nonimmigrant visa petition approval. Nonimmigrant Visa (“NIV”) issuance generally requires an application and in-person interview at a U.S....
Topic: Immigration Updates
Employing Physicians of National or International Renown
Clinical physicians seeking H-1B nonimmigrant visas typically must show that they have earned an MD or foreign medical degree; passing USMLE scores; ECFMG certification or English language competency; and a medical license in the state of intended employment....
Becoming a U.S. Citizen through Naturalization
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen by application is called naturalization. In most cases, naturalization involves filing Form N-400, appearing for biometrics and interview, taking an English test and a civics exam, and ends in an oath ceremony in a local court or...
National Interest Waiver (NIW) for Physicians
A National Interest Waiver (NIW) allows a clinical physician to adjust to Permanent Resident status without advertising to prove that qualified American physicians are unavailable (a labor certification). Under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)...
Maximizing Your Probability of Obtaining an F-1 Visa
F-1 visas are sponsored by designated U.S. schools for degree and non-degree studies at the primary, secondary, and university level. To gain F-1 sponsorship from a qualifying school, a foreign national must satisfy admission, tuition, and other requirements. After...
L-1 Work Visa for Intracompany Transferees
An L-1 visa allows a U.S. employer/company to transfer an executive, manager, or employee with specialized knowledge from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the U.S. The L-1 visa is divided into two subcategories: L-1A and L-1B. The former...
Waiving the J-1 Two-year Home Residency Requirement
Many people who enter the United States on J-1 (Exchange Visitor) visas are subject to the two-year home residency requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This policy prevents “brain drain” and furthers the mission of U.S....
J-1 Visa Program for Trainees and Interns
The J-1 nonimmigrant visa is specifically designed for exchange visitors. It is for individuals invited to the United States to participate in a variety of educational or cultural exchange programs. The U.S. Department of State (USDOS) administers J-visa programs....
What is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is for individuals who need to report U.S. income but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. If you need to file a federal income tax return, and do not have or cannot get a Social Security Number, you must...
A Beginner’s Guide to InfoPass
InfoPass is a free service that lets you schedule an in-person appointment with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Immigration Officer via the Internet. If you have an immigration issue that is not a routine inquiry and would be best handled by a...
