Breaking News

H-1B visa cap reached The new fiscal year wasn't even six days old when the H-1B visa cap was reached. This means that no more H-1B visas are available for 2005. Last year the popular work visas were all gone by spring, this year they are gone even earlier, at the beginning of fall. (The fiscal year starts October 1 and ends September 30 the following year.) A little consolation for all those who were still hoping for one - applications can be submitted again to USCIS by your employer starting April 1, 2005. Earliest employment start date, unfortunately, will only be October 1, 2005.

Alternatives: e.g. the H-2B that can be issued for a maximum period of 3 years, one year at a time. Or the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa that you can use to bridge the gap until you can be issued your H-1B (and apply for a change of status).

A little advice from our visa service: Make sure that your J-1 does not have a 24-months ban for H-visa. Or have an expert look into other options such as the O-category. Maybe you could even use an E-visa, in case you are considering self-employment alternatives.

So, don't worry, there's a (visa) solution for everyone.

Remember:

Admission ONLY with machine-readable passports We have reported several times that starting October 26, 2004, admission into the US will only be possible with machine-readable passports. Since this deadline is only a few days away, we would like to again remind all of you who do not yet have a suitable travel document of this new regulation. Please note that this applies to all travelers irrespective of their age, including children. In case you cannot obtain a passport before departure, you will have to apply for a visa, otherwise you will not be admitted into the US.

Green card holders from non-EU countries:

Get a transit visa for Great Britain! Are you holding a green card? Are you from one of the following countries such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burma, China, Columbia, Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, Nigeria or Ethiopia (not a complete list)? In that case you may need a visa for changing planes in Great Britain for flights to the US (Direct Airside Transit Visa). Otherwise you might be prevented from boarding the plane to the US. By the way, green card holders who have been issued their green cards on or after April 21, 1998, are excluded from this. Please note that this may apply to you even if you are already a permanent resident in a EU country.

Please ask you local British consulate whether these new regulations apply to your nationality and how you may obtain the necessary visa.

Do you have any questions concerning application processes at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or the US consulates? Or do you need individual consultation? Our experts of our visa and consular service offer fast and comfortable advice via our hotline. Or use our free contact form on our website.