The DOS will be increasing nonimmigrant visa application processing fees next month
The U.S. Department of State announced they will be increasing nonimmigrant visa application processing fees effective May 30, 2023. These fees required to obtain a visa stamp from the U.S. Consulate/Embassy. This visa stamp allows individuals to travel to and re-enter the U.S. under their applicable visa classification. The new…
The Biden-Harris Administration will end Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements
On May 1, 2023 the Biden-Harris administration will end Covid-19 vaccination requirements for Federal employees, Federal contractors, and international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11. HHS and DHS also announced today that they will start the process to end their vaccination requirements for Head Start…
Certain F 1 Students Now Have Access to USCIS Premium Processing
USCIS announced on March 6, 2023 the expansion of premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking OPT, STEM OPT extensions who have a pending I-765, application for employment authorization, and wish to request a premium processing upgrade. Premium processing expansion for certain F-1 students will occur in phases, and students…
We would like to welcome our newest attorney Sarah Antos to Serotte Law
We would like to welcome our newest attorney Sarah Antos to Serotte Law. Sarah is a Senior Attorney at Serotte Law and focuses her practice on business and family immigration. Sarah has practiced exclusively in the area of immigration law since 2007. She understands how overwhelming the immigration process can…

Protecting Your H-1B Status:
“I’m on H-1B and just got laid-off. What do I do now?”
“I’m on H-1B and just got laid-off. What do I do now?”First of all, do NOT panic.Uncle Sam is not going to kick you out tomorrow. You have time to plan and act. In fact, you generally have at least 60 days to file another H-1B petition with a new…
Government of Canada to remove COVID-19 border and travel measures effective October 1
Effective October 1, 2022, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to: Submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website; Provide proof of vaccination; Undergo pre- or on-arrival testing; Carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation; Monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19…
USCIS Updates Guidance for O-1 Petitions with a Focus on STEM Fields
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today updated its Policy Manual to provide further guidance on evidence that can be used to support a petition for an O-1A nonimmigrant of extraordinary ability with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. USCIS clarified that being named on a competitive government grant…

USCIS to Implement Second Phase of Premium Processing for Certain Previously Filed EB-1 and EB-2 Form I-140 Petitions
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is implementing the second phase of the premium processing expansion for certain petitioners who have a pending Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, under the EB-1 and EB-2 classifications. Similar to the first phase of the expansion, this phase only applies to certain previously filed Form…
Ukrainian Immigration Program Updates
The US expects to protect almost 60,000 Ukrainians already residing in the US and admit up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion. There are currently two US programs supporting Ukrainians. First, Ukrainians already residing in the US have been offered Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Second, President Biden has…
Urgent Message: Ukrainian Strategies
Ukrainian Strategies Extending your visitor status if you are in the United States legally: If you are in the US as a visitor, in valid visitor status, you can extend that status by filing an Extension of Status through Form I-539. The application and fee must be received by USCIS…