Emily R. Summers, Author at Laborsphere

F-1, M-1, J-1 Visa Interviews Resume With Enhanced Screening of Applicants’ Online Activity

The new screening measures direct U.S. consular officers to thoroughly review visa applicants’ social media accounts and overall online presence. The directive encourages applicants to set their social media profiles to “public,” as private accounts may be perceived as an attempt to conceal information. Due to the increased screening workload, the number of available visa appointment slots is expected to decline, resulting in longer appointment wait times and visa processing times.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Extreme Vetting at U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Executive Order “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” directs federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, to re-establish enhanced vetting and screening processes for foreign nationals seeking a visa or immigration benefit of any kind. Agencies are to vet and screen visa applicants to the maximum degree possible, particularly foreign nationals applying and arriving from nations with identified security risks. It is expected that additional vetting and screening requirements will only add to increased wait times for visa clearances at U.S. embassies and consulates. The order further directs the administration to begin the process of restoring a potential travel ban within 60 days.

To view the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Immigration Update: April 2022 — Uniting for Ukraine

Since our previous article on March 28, 2022, approximately 5.1 million Ukrainians have left the country and another 6.5 million have been displaced from their homes, but are still in Ukraine. The United States has taken some additional steps to assist in this crisis.

For the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.

Immigration Update: U.S. Immigration Options for Ukrainian Nationals

In addition to the 3.2 million Ukrainians who have fled Ukraine, the United Nations reports that there are more than 6.5 million Ukrainians internally displaced within the country. The United States’ policies and practices with respect to inbound immigration options continue to evolve as the situation in Ukraine changes. Current inbound-U.S. immigration options include:

Options for Ukrainians Present in the United States

Continue reading “Immigration Update: U.S. Immigration Options for Ukrainian Nationals”