Author: Litwin & Smith

https://travel.state.gov/ DOS provided updated guidance due to the 12/4/17 Supreme Court orders that granted the government’s motions for emergency stays of preliminary injunctions. Per the orders, restrictions will be implemented fully, in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation, around the world, beginning 12/8/17. The DOS Updated Guidance provides summary information and Frequently Asked Questions Answered. The White House Executive Order

U.S. Department Of State Website Has New Links to DOS Webpages U.S. Visa website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html Visa Bulletin: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html Visa Appointment & Processing Wait Times: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html Exchange Visitor Skills List – 2009: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange/waiver-of-the-exchange-visitor/exchange-visitor-skills-list.html DS-160 FAQs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html Visa Issuing Posts: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/visa-issuing-posts.html

USCIS AC21 Policy Memo Implements the AAO’s adopted decision in Matter of V-S-G- Inc. This decision clarifies that beneficiaries of valid employment-based immigrant visa petitions who have properly ported under AC21 are “affected parties” under DHS regulations for purposes of revocation proceedings of their visa petitions and as such, beginning November 11, 2017, when USCIS sends a NOIR or NOR

USCIS AC21 Policy Memo Implements the AAO’s adopted decision in Matter of V-S-G- Inc. This decision clarifies that beneficiaries of valid employment-based immigrant visa petitions who have properly ported under AC21 are “affected parties” under DHS regulations for purposes of revocation proceedings of their visa petitions and as such, beginning November 11, 2017, when USCIS sends a NOIR or NOR

Rejected Applicants Advised To Reapply https://www.uscis.gov/ In light of the mail service delays identified by USPS, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke has directed USCIS to accept DACA renewal requests from individuals who resubmit their DACA renewal request with individualized proof that the request was originally mailed in a timely manner and that the cause for receipt after the

USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form(s): Update to Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document 11/13/2017 12:00 AM EST New edition dated 10/19/17. Starting 01/12/2018, we will only accept the 10/19/17 edition. Until then, you can use the 12/23/16 edition. Litwin & Smith often assist foreign nationals with obtaining or replacing a Nonimmigrant Arrival – Departure Document. Should

https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/changes-direct-filing-addresses-form-i-129-petitions On October 12, 2017, USCIS will change the direct filing addresses for certain petitioners of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. The changes are as follows: Petitioners will now file Form I-129 according to the state where the company or organization’s primary office is located. Previously, petitioners filed Form I-129 based on the beneficiary’s temporary employment or training

US DOS Announced Limited Resumption of Visa Services in Turkey https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/11/275326.htm The US Department Of State announced the security posture in Turkey has improved sufficiently to allow for the resumption of limited visa services in Turkey. This is based on preliminary high level assurances from the government of Turkey that there are no additional local employees of the US Mission