Jim Grey
H-4 EAD During Government Shutdown: Spouse’s H-1B Pending
USCIS, funded by fees, usually continues processing H-1B and H-4 EAD filings during shutdowns. A timely-filed, pending H-1B…
SEVP and SEVIS Operational During Shutdown: Can DSOs Issue I-20s?
During the October 1, 2025 partial shutdown, fee-funded SEVP and SEVIS stayed operational, so DSOs can issue and…
H-1B Premium Processing in a Government Shutdown: 15-Day Decision?
USCIS is accepting the $2,805 premium processing fee and promises 15-day adjudication for eligible H-1B filings after receipt…
Are F-1 CPT Approvals by DSOs Affected by a Government Shutdown?
CPT is authorized by a school DSO and remains valid during a government shutdown; students with DSO-issued CPT…
Can U.S. Citizens File I-129F for K-1 During a Shutdown?
USCIS will accept I-129F petitions during the October 1, 2025 shutdown due to fee-based funding. The main risk…
K-1 Visa Interviews During a Shutdown: Delays and Rescheduling
During government shutdowns, fee-funded K-1 visa services often continue but posts may reduce capacity. Applicants should monitor consulate…
Can You File Standalone I-765 for Asylum or TPS During a Shutdown?
USCIS continues processing fee-funded I-765 filings during a shutdown, allowing asylum (c)(8) and TPS applicants to apply or…
H-4 EAD Renewals: Standalone Filing Without H-1B Extension in Shutdown
H-4 spouses can file standalone H-4 EAD renewals with Form I-765 without concurrent H-1B filings. If filed timely…
Do H-1B Amendments Cover Remote Work Changes in a Shutdown?
Worksite moves outside the original MSA require an H-1B amendment; moves within the MSA only require LCA notice…
Are USCIS Biometrics Appointments Cancelled or Rescheduled?
USCIS biometrics appointments generally continue during shutdowns; closed ASCs trigger automatic rescheduling with mailed notices. Request changes for…
Are NVC Services Operational During a Shutdown and Fee Payments
The NVC remains operational during federal shutdowns because visa processing is fee-funded. CEAC stays live for payments and…
Annual US Asylum Fee Demands $100 Payments From Many Applicants
Starting mid‑2025, the U.S. requires a $100 annual fee for each year an I-589 asylum application is pending…
New North Carolina laws take effect October 1, 2025: changes ahead
Starting October 1, 2025, HB 318 requires status checks for felonies, A1 misdemeanors, and impaired driving; unverified individuals…
Hong Kong Airlines Resumes Etihad Codeshare in November 2025
On November 3, 2025, Etihad resumes Abu Dhabi–Hong Kong flights five times weekly using a Boeing 787-9; Hong…
Study Finds One-Third Pass Citizenship Exam, Spurring Education Reform
Only 36% of Americans pass a civics test modeled on the naturalization exam; 19% under 45 pass. USCIS…