Learn how the 2025 Trump Gold Card Program works, who qualifies, the I-140G petition requirements, financial thresholds, and the steps to obtain U.S. permanent residence.

Planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.? There’s no special “FIFA visa,” but a new priority appointment system may help certain ticket holders get faster interviews. Your visa approval still depends on meeting all standard requirements—and our immigration law firm offers personalized consultations to help you present the strongest application possible.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended the automatic extension of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for most renewal applicants. Published on October 30, 2025, this interim final rule means only select categories remain eligible for automatic extensions, so timely renewals are critical to avoid lapses in work authorization.

If USCIS rejects your case in the mail room and returns your opened Form I-693 with a notice saying it can be reused, you may resubmit it. Send the original exam, the destroyed envelope it came in, a copy of the rejection notice, and all original supporting documents from the civil surgeon with your corrected application to avoid repeating the medical exam and paying new fees.

Beginning August 20, 2025, citizens of Malawi and Zambia applying for B-1/B-2 visas may be required to post a visa bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The bond must be paid through Pay.gov only after instruction from a consular officer. Travelers must also enter and exit the US through designated airports. Full compliance is required to receive a refund. This new rule targets countries with high visa overstay rates per DHS data.

The US and Argentina have begun the process of restoring Argentina’s participation in the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). A new agreement signed in July 2025 reflects growing cooperation between the two nations on traveler vetting and border security. While visa requirements remain unchanged for now, this marks a significant step toward allowing Argentine citizens to travel to the US without a visa in the future.

Starting July 22, 2025, USCIS has implemented new, non-waivable filing fees under the One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1). These apply to certain applications, including asylum, EADs, TPS, and SIJ filings. Forms postmarked without the correct fees after August 21 will be rejected. Most employment- and family-based applicants are not affected. Contact us to ensure your filing meets the new requirements.

Work permits and combo card processing times have significantly improved, with some approvals now issued in just weeks or even days.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has generated a wave of headlines, many of them overstated. While the law introduces new fees in select areas of the immigration system and massive funding for immigration enforcement, the vast majority of applicants will not be affected. In fact, for individuals going through the legal immigration process, including employment-based and family-based pathways, this bill changes nothing about your eligibility, your application process, or your ch

The U.S. Department of State has recently updated the Visa Reciprocity Schedule for Pakistan to reflect that police certificates, referred to as “Character Certificates,” are now considered available for visa applicants. While U.S. embassies and consulates have previously not required police certificates from Pakistan, this update signals a potential change in policy that immigrant visa applicants should take seriously.

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a new executive order that restricts visa issuance and travel to the United States for people from 19 countries. If you, your family, or your employees are from one of these countries, or if you're applying for a visa, you may be wondering what this means for you. Here’s a breakdown of the new rules, who’s affected, and what you can do now to protect your immigration plans.

Understanding the Recent Changes and Their Impact on EB-1A Applicants

In this guide, we'll walk you through verifying the authenticity and credibility of your prospective immigration attorney.

Shaffer Immigration Law PLLC recently received an intriguing approval of an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Green Card for an Indian...

Shaffer Immigration Law PLLC recently received approval for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) Green Card for a Russian fashion...

We are excited to share news about a recently secured EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) approval for a remarkable client, a Network Engine

The journey towards obtaining a green card through marriage can be both exciting and complex. The adjustment of status (AOS) process...

COVID-19 vaccine no longer required for travel to the United States on a non-immigrant visa beginning May 12, 2023...

Read about our recent NIW approval for a real estate developer.

Different options for getting a marriage-based green card in 2023.