USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for International Students and Companies
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy guidance for F and M student visas, consolidating various rules into one clear document to reduce confusion and increase transparency for students and businesses. This includes clarifications on maintaining foreign residence while pursuing permanent residency, and new options for F-1 STEM students to work with startups during their Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions.
U.S. Passport Processing Times Drop Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels
U.S. passport processing times have significantly decreased, reaching their fastest since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This improvement means a quicker route to international travel for U.S. passport holders. As of December 18, 2023, the new processing times for passports are 6-8 weeks for routine service, down from the previous 7-10 weeks. For expedited service, processing times reduced to 2-3 weeks from the earlier 3-5 weeks.
H-1B Renewal Pilot Program to Start in January
A new pilot program, that will allow H-1B work visa holders to renew their visas in the United States, rather than have to travel to their home countries, is set to go live in January. Although this change could ease the renewal process for H-1B visa holders themselves, the program will exclude their dependents — meaning spouses and children will still need to travel for visa renewals.
Texas Signs New Border Security Bills Into Law
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed three border security bills into state law in order to deter migrant crossings at the Texas-Mexico border. One bill would make illegal immigration a state crime and give Texas law enforcement the authority to arrest any undocumented immigrant within state lines. Immigration advocates say the bill is unconstitutional, with immigration enforcement being the responsibility of the federal government.