A Department of State (DOS) cable titled “Properly Implementing INA 212(a)(4) Public Charge Ineligibility” recently became available to the public. Although the cable has not been officially released by DOS, it provides immediate operational guidance to consular officers on applying the public charge ground of inadmissibility, which requires that foreign nationals seeking admission to the […]
This guide provides a practical overview of what to expect when applying for a U.S. visa abroad and traveling internationally while in nonimmigrant status. It explains the consular process step-by-step, from completing the DS-160 to preparing required documents, attending your visa interview, and understanding when an interview waiver. The document outlines what to bring to […]
This guide provides a practical overview of what to expect when applying for a U.S. visa abroad and traveling internationally while in nonimmigrant status. It explains the consular process step-by-step, from completing the DS-160 to preparing required documents, attending your visa interview, and understanding when an interview waiver. The document outlines what to bring to […]
USCIS began collecting a new $1000 parole fee on October 16, 2025, as authorized by the Big Beautiful Bill Act. However, the fee does not apply to all individuals who have parole, or even parole authorization. With the implementation of the new fee, USCIS is sending notices to all individuals who have been granted parole […]
Overview/The Issue The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has proposed a major update to its rules governing biometric data collection for immigration purposes. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), published on November 3, 2025, describes a proposed system that reflects technological advances in identity verification, with a stated […]
Meltzer Hellrung is always ready to use every legal tool to pursue our clients’ interests, up to and including Federal litigation. We recently got a positive outcome in getting USCIS to accept an unreceipted 2024 H-1B cap petition by challenging the USCIS in Federal court. Led by our attorneys, Stephanie Wedel and Kellen Powell, Meltzer […]