As we previously blogged about HERE, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has increased filing fees for most family-based and employment-based petitions starting today, April 1, 2024. Besides these fee adjustments, there are two (2) other important changes that take effect today:
Cap of 25 Beneficiaries on O-2/P-1S Petitions: Previously, there was no specified limit on the number of beneficiaries that could be included in an O-2 or P-1S petition (Read more about the O-2 visa HERE). However, starting April 1, 2024, USCIS will impose a cap of twenty-five (25) beneficiaries per O-2 or P-1S petition.
Transition from Calendar Days to Business Days for Premium Processing: On April 1, 2024, the premium processing timing will switch from calendar days to business days (Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays). For instance, the premium processing time for Form I-129 (used in H-1B, TN, P-1, E-3, and O-1 applications, for example) will change from 15 calendar days to 15 business days. Petitioners opting for premium processing should adjust their expectations accordingly and consider the impact of weekends and holidays on the processing timeline.
B&G recommends that all our clients stay informed and consult legal professionals for personalized guidance. Should you have any questions about these updates or any other U.S. inbound immigration matters, please do not hesitate to contact Blaker and Granet, LLP.
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