USCIS Updates Policy Guidance for International Students and Businesses
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) update 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 residency while pursuing permanent residency, and new options for F-1 STEM students to work with startups during their Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions.
US passport processing times return to pre-pandemic levels
US passport processing times have increased significantly decreases, reaching their highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This improvement means a faster route to international travel for U.S. passport holders. As of December 18, 2023, the new passport processing times are 6-8 weeks for routine service, down from the previous 7-10 weeks. For expedited service, processing times are reduced to 2-3 weeks, compared to 3-5 weeks previously.
H-1B renewal pilot program to begin in January
A new pilot program, which will allow H-1B work visa holders to renew their visas in the United States, rather than having to travel to their home countries, is expected to go live in January. While this change may make the renewal process easier for H-1B visa holders themselves, the program will exclude their dependents, meaning spouses and children will still need to travel for visa renewal.
Texas signs new border security bills
Texas Governor Greg Abbott sign three border security bills into state law to deter migrant crossings across the Texas-Mexico border. One bill would make illegal immigration a state crime and give Texas law enforcement the power to arrest any undocumented immigrant within state borders. Immigration advocates say the bill is unconstitutional and that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government.