When Immigration Matters

Department of Homeland Security announced today that with immediate effect, eligible Israeli Citizens can travel to the USA without first obtaining a visa.  Previously, this program was scheduled to take effect in November 2023.  Travel is for no more than 90 days, saving time and money in lengthy delays and sometimes costly visa applications.  Israelis will have to register with Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA") in order to qualify for travel without a visa.    

On September 27, 2023, the Biden Administration announced Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver program. Starting November 30, 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to travel to the US without the need to obtain a B-1/B-2 Visa at a US Consulate. The Visa Waiver Program, recognized worldwide, offers eligible citizens of participating countries a streamlined pathway to enter the United States for tourism, business meetings, or family visits for a period not exceeding 90 days. The traditional visa application process is replaced with a more straightforward Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application, making travel arrangements more accessible and hassle-free. Applicants applying under the program would have to file the ESTA application on the Custom and Border Protection (CBP) portal here.

Are you considering the journey to becoming an American citizen? As you stand on the threshold of this transformative decision, it's crucial to be armed with the knowledge of what lies ahead. United States citizenship brings not only unique rights and privileges but also the opportunity to utilize family reunification programs to bring your family along.

Both immigrant and non-immigrant visas are essential for U.S. immigration, but the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can only process a limited number each year. Visa retrogression arises when the demand for immigrant visas exceeds the supply, which is often a cause for frustration and delays. The backlog created by the tremendous number of visa applications impacts certain visa categories for individuals from specific countries. To understand visa retrogression and how it may impact your visa application, it’s important to explore the contributing factors.

In today's interconnected world, global business ventures are flourishing like never before. Companies are expanding their operations across borders, seeking new markets and international collaborations. Among the various options available, the L-1 visa stands out as a gateway to international opportunities for both employers and employees alike.

The U.S. Citizenship and Information Services (USCIS) announced a process for nationals of certain countries to apply for advanced travel authorization to the U.S. The process allows beneficiaries who otherwise lack valid U.S. entry documents the ability to apply for legal residence in the U.S. Successful applicants may live in the country for up to two years. During that time, beneficiaries may apply for temporary work authorization.

Who Is Eligible to Become a Beneficiary?

The recent layoffs in the technology industry have left nonimmigrant employees with limited options to continue working in the US if they do not find alternative employment with an employer willing to sponsor them for a nonimmigrant visa.  This is particularly concerning for H-1B visa holders, who are granted only a 60-day grace period to change or extend their nonimmigrant status following termination. Layoffs disproportionately affect Indian-born H-1B workers subject to the long employment-based green card backlogs, where they face decades-long waits for permanent residency due to per-country limits. Retrogression in the employment-based preferences now affects all countries, but Indian and Chinese citizens are most affected.

Coming to the U.S. to study at an accredited educational institution is an amazing prospect for many international students. It’s an excellent opportunity to practice your language skills, make potential professional connections, and give you a competitive edge when applying to university and graduate programs. If you wish to study in the U.S. you are required to obtain a visa. One of the most common student visas is the F-1 non-immigrant visa. 

Is it possible for a dual citizen to change their immigration status using a passport issued by a country other than the passport they used when they initially arrived and were admitted to the United States?