Archive for the ‘Legal News’ Category
DACA Processing Times
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are experiencing longer processing times than usual. There are currently only two USCIS service centers handling all DACA renewals, and processing times vary among each center. USCIS suggests that DACA recipients submit renewal applications at least 150 days before expiration date. We highly recommend doing this. This is […]
USCIS Fee Increases go into place on April 1, 2024
USCIS Fee increases will go into effect on April 1, 2024. Most immigration filings with UCSIS are increasing, though a few filings remain unchanged (or have slight decreases in fees). If you have an immigration or petition that you are working on, we encourage you to file before April 1. Also of note, work permission […]
What Happened in the 2023 H-1b Lottery – Why so many applicants?
This video discusses the very high numbers of H-1b applicants in the 2023 (fiscal year 2023) lottery.
First Video Blog – The Public Charge Ground and What Benefits Count
First I have started to create and post video content. The point is to share information and inform people about immigration law with video content. I also have created a fun, topical video series called “ChatGPT v. Immigration Lawyer”. In this series, I challenge the artificial intelligence power of ChatGPT with certain immigration questions. The […]
USCIS Announces H-1b Registration Period – March 1 – March 17
Today, USCIS announced the registration period for this year’s H-1b lottery. The registration period will run from March 1 – March 17, 2023. If you are using a law firm, you should start providing the required information in February. If you have any questions about the H-1b lottery or the registration process, contact us via […]
Published OP-ED: Christian asylum seekers waiting in limbo
On July 23, 2022, the Colorado Springs Gazette published a Guest Column by senior associate, Petula McShiras. Written with the assistance of the American Immigration Council, the column asks for the fair and equal treatment of Afghan applications for Humanitarian Parole. We applaud the administration for its efforts in Ukraine and it’s wonderful to see […]
ULP Bar Can Run in the United States!
On June 24, 2022, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new policy alert for the 3-year and 10-year bars. According to this alert, individuals who lawfully entered the United States after triggering the 3 year or 10 year bar can now apply for Adjustment of Status without a waiver so long as […]
USCIS Announces that this year’s registration period opens on March 1!
USCIS has announced that the H-1b CAP (lottery) registration period begins March 1 and runs to March 18. This means that employer and applicant information should be gathered in February in order to complete the process during this period. If you are considering registering in the lottery for a H-1b visa, contact us by phone […]
SHAFTEL LAW IS HIRING – PARALEGAL POSITION
See our ad for an open position below Shaftel Law is Seeking an Immigration Paralegal TO APPLY: Please email Petula McShiras, at Petula@lawshaftel.com, the following: Cover letter, resume and a writing sample WHO WE ARE: SHAFTEL LAW is a full-service law firm, dedicated 100% to immigration law. We handle a variety of family, employment-based and […]