Guides
Practical how-to guides for every stage of the immigration process — from first visa application through naturalization. Checklists, timelines, cost breakdowns, and mistake-avoidance strategies.
DOL Resumes H-1B LCAs and PERM Processing Amid Backlog
FLAG returned October 31, 2025 after a month‑long outage. Filing for H‑1B LCAs and PERM resumes, but large backlogs (thousands of PERM cases, hundreds of LCAs) mean slower processing and…
Thanksgiving H-1B Travel: Re-entry Rules, Docs, and $100k Proclamation
Thanksgiving consulate slowdowns and a Sept 21, 2025 proclamation imposing a $100,000 supplemental fee for some new H‑1B…
Celebrating Thanksgiving Abroad: How Digital Nomads Keep the Spirit Alive
Americans in Bali, Lisbon and Bengaluru are staging Friendsgiving potlucks that blend local ingredients with holiday tradition. Video…
Thanksgiving on Campus for International Students: Housing and Dining
F-1 and J-1 students staying on campus for Thanksgiving should register housing early, expect limited dining and services,…
Thanksgiving Break in US Universities for International Students
For Thanksgiving 2025 (Nov 27), international students should verify travel signatures on I-20/DS-2019, book travel early, carry key…
What Immigrants Should Know About Black Friday Taxes in 2025
The Nov. 28–Dec. 1 holiday shopping period brings immigrants face-to-face with U.S. sales tax—commonly 6%–10%. Refunds are rare;…
Thanksgiving Travel Rush 2025: Essential Tips for Visa Holders
Record travel is expected for Thanksgiving 2025, peaking Nov. 26 and 30. Visa holders face extra screening; bring…
Top 5 Thanksgiving Travel Mistakes Immigrants Make and How to Avoid
Travel during Thanksgiving poses special immigration risks: pending applications may be abandoned without Advance Parole, consulate closures (Nov.…
How Visa Holders Find Affordable Thanksgiving Flights in 2025
Fares for Thanksgiving 2025 are 40–60% higher; book early—3–6 weeks domestic, 6–8 weeks international—and confirm visa stamps and…
Duke Eases Travel Guidance for Visa Holders, Advises Thorough Prep
Late 2025 guidance from Duke permits international travel for visa holders if planned carefully. Consult Duke Visa Services,…