Category: L1 Visa

L1 Visa

L1 Study Cases

US Immigration Advisor

L-1A status for an Executive extended for another two years

Getting a new office L1-A Visa petition approved for an executive or manager does not automatically mean that he or she will get an extension of another two years. It is not a matter of right to get your status extended and it is certainly not a ministerial act on the part of USCIS to approve the petition. At the time of filing, the petitioner must prove that it can clearly elevate the beneficiary to a managerial or executive position. This means that USCIS will look into whether the petitioner has hired the right people to relieve the beneficiary from performing non-qualifying duties. This is why personnel planning in the business plan for new office L-1 Visa petitions is critical. Aside from this, both the foreign entity and the petitioning US entity must continue to meet all other requirements. 

 APPROVAL OF ANOTHER L-1A PETITION AN EXECUTIVE FROM INDIA

 
We filed an extension of L-1A Visa status petition on behalf of an executive from India. We worked with the Petitioner in getting the new office petition approved and now we have successfully obtained approval of the extension of status petition for an additional period of two years.

The beneficiary is an executive of a digital outdoor marketing agency, specializing in advertising via digital screens set in high traffic public areas, such as retail stores. The Company outsources the content creation and focuses primarily on digital screen setup and sales activities. 

As a multinational executive or manager, you can be transferred to the U.S. for a maximum period of 7 years. If the U.S. company has not been operational for more than a year, the company is eligible to file a new office petition for the transfer of the executive or manager for one year. Extensions can be granted in increments of 2 years until the maximum period of 7 years has been reached. Within the 7 year period, it is possible for the beneficiary to transition to become a permanent resident of the U.S. through the EB-1C Visa petition for a multinational executive or manager. 

L-1 PETITION APPROVALS – L-1A EXECUTIVE FROM INDIA AND L-1B SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE EMPLOYEE FROM ARMENIA


The first approval is for a specialized knowledge employee from Armenia. His petition for intracompany transfer as a Cloud Architect has been approved for 3 years. He is the third beneficiary under the L-1 Visa program to be transferred to the US company. We had previously secured approvals for two executives of the same company.

The second approval is for an executive from India, a VP for Engineering for an organization that provides cloud governance platform that empowers enterprises to increase top-line revenues, improve bottom-line efficiencies, and gain a competitive edge through AI-powered real-time cloud governance on autopilot. The beneficiary has been given three years as well. We had also obtained prior L and H-1B approvals for the U.S. company. 

Looking for an US immigration lawyer? Request free consultation at Davies & Associates or find our closest location around the world. 

This article has been written by Verdie J. Atienza, Esq., Senior Immigration Attorney, Head of E-2 and L-1 Visas Practice Team at Davies & Associates, New York Office.

Verdie J. Atienza is a Senior Attorney in charge of the firm’s L-1 and E-2 visa practice. He is a dual qualified lawyer in New York and in the Philippines and is qualified to practice immigration law in any state in the United States. 

 

E-2 Visa approved for a Singaporean national during COVID-19

Alert – USCIS will conduct a second H-1B cap lottery for 2024

US Immigration Advisor

USCIS will conduct a second H-1B cap lottery for 2024

The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) announced last week that it will conduct a second H-1B cap registration lottery for the 2024 fiscal year. As the agency didn’t receive enough H-1B cap petitions to meet the statutory annual quota of 85,000 for the fiscal year, it is conducting the additional lottery. The initial lottery was conducted in March 2023; the agency had received 758,994 eligible H-1B cap registrations.

USCIS has not specified the number of additional registrations that it will select under the second lottery. Similar to the initial filing requirement, employers can submit the petition on behalf of the selected H-1B candidate during the 90-day period that the agency will designate (in the selection notice).

This article has been written by Zeenat Phophalia, Esq. Of Counsel, Davies & Associates, India Office.

Zeenat Phophalia is qualified to practice law in New York, United Kingdom and India. She practices in the area of U.S. immigration law with a focus on business immigration, and has represented corporate clients including large and medium sized companies and startups across sectors such as IT, consulting, consumer goods, manufacturing and telecommunications.

Looking for an US immigration lawyer? Request free consultation at Davies & Associates or find our closest location around the world.

Toàn cảnh buổi gặp gỡ và trao đổi về Visa L-1 và thuế Mỹ tại USIMI Group

Toàn cảnh buổi gặp gỡ và trao đổi về Visa L-1 và thuế Mỹ tại USIMI Group

US Immigration Advisor

Vào ngày 29/6/2023, CEO của hãng luật Davies & Cộng sự – Ông Mark Davies cùng với ông Tuấn La, CEO công ty Onekey đã có buổi gặp gỡ, trao đổi chuyên sâu cùng các nhà đầu tư tại Việt Nam quan tâm tới thị thực L-1.

Toàn cảnh buổi gặp gỡ và trao đổi về Visa L-1 và thuế Mỹ tại USIMI Group:

Trong buổi trao đổi, USIMI Group và ông Mark Davies đã chia sẻ về L1-visa:

Toàn cảnh buổi gặp gỡ và trao đổi về Visa L-1 và thuế Mỹ tại USIMI Group
Toàn cảnh buổi gặp gỡ và trao đổi về Visa L-1 và thuế Mỹ tại USIMI Group

“Đây là cách tốt nhất để sử dụng cho các nhà đầu tư muốn định cư tại Hoa Kỳ một cách nhanh chóng, chỉ trong vòng vài tháng”

Vậy L1 visa là gì? Mô hình đầu tư, việc làm nào thích hợp để kinh doanh tại Mỹ với L1 Visa? Điều kiện hồ sơ và cách thức tham gia Visa L-1 như thế nào? Hãy tham khảo thông tin chi tiết bên dưới:

Visa L1 là gì?

Thị thực L-1, hay còn được gọi là Visa L1, là một loại thị thực không di dân được sử dụng bởi các công ty để chuyển đổi nhân sự quản lý và điều hành từ các văn phòng liên kết, công ty con hoặc công ty mẹ ở nước ngoài đến làm việc tại văn phòng của công ty tại Mỹ.

Visa L1 thuộc nhóm visa làm việc của Mỹ và được xem như một loại visa không định cư (Non-Immigrant Visa), tương tự giấy phép lao động (Work Permit) ở Việt Nam.

Người được cấp visa L1 có quyền cư trú và làm việc hợp pháp tại Hoa Kỳ mà không cần phải có bất kỳ giấy phép lao động nào khác. Thời hạn tối đa của visa này là 7 năm.

Loại visa L1 chủ yếu dành cho doanh nhân và quản lý cấp cao của các công ty tại Việt Nam, những người có nhu cầu đến Mỹ để thực hiện các công việc kinh doanh và đầu tư, đồng thời mong muốn định cư lâu dài tại Mỹ.

Có bao nhiêu loại Visa L1?

Visa L1 bao gồm hai loại, phù hợp với hai đối tượng khác nhau:

  1. Visa L1-A là loại thị thực dành cho chủ doanh nghiệp tại Việt Nam và sở hữu công ty kinh doanh tại Mỹ, quản lý hoặc nhà điều hành cấp cao của công ty tại Việt Nam. Thời hạn của visa này có thể lên đến 7 năm.
  2. Visa L1-B là loại dành cho những chuyên viên có năng lực đặc biệt trong một ngành nghề cụ thể (Specialized Knowledge). Thời hạn của visa này cũng lên đến 7 năm.

Tại sao bạn nên lấy Visa L-1? Lời khuyên từ chuyên gia luật di trú của D&A:

Visa L1 có một số lợi ích đặc thù mà nhà đầu tư Việt Nam nên cân nhắc:

  • Đây là loại visa không có hạn ngạch tại Mỹ: không giống như một số loại thị thực khác, không có giới hạn số lượng thị thực được cấp hàng năm cho các quốc gia nhất định.
  • Thời gian xử lý nhanh: Thời gian xử lý trung bình từ 3-6 tháng. Bạn có thể sử dụng Yêu cầu Xử lý Đặc biệt bằng cách trả một khoản phí bổ sung là $ 2.500. Với quy trình xử lý đặc biệt, USCIS được yêu cầu trả lời cho đương đơn Visa L1 trong vòng 15 ngày làm việc.
  • Gia đình: Người có thị thực L1 được phép đưa vợ / chồng và con cái phụ thuộc của họ đến Hoa Kỳ theo thị thực L-2.
  • Quyền làm việc cho Vợ/Chồng: cho phép nộp đơn xin cấp phép làm việc khi họ vào Hoa Kỳ để làm việc cho bất kỳ chủ lao động nào tại Hoa Kỳ.
  • Lợi thế về thuế: Thị thực L1 là thị thực không di dân, nghĩa là không cung cấp quyền thường trú nhân (Thẻ xanh) cho người nộp đơn. Trong khi những người có Thẻ xanh có thể bị đánh thuế đối với thu nhập trên toàn thế giới, những người có thị thực không nhập cư nói chung thì không. (Tuy nhiên bạn vẫn nên tham khảo ý kiến của chuyên gia về thuế nếu bạn muốn đảm bảo rằng bạn sẽ không được coi là cư dân đóng thuế của Hoa Kỳ)
  • Chuyển đổi sang Thẻ xanh: có thể chuyển đổi sang Thẻ xanh thông qua loại thị thực L1A. Tiêu chí cho L1A rất giống với tiêu chí cho loại EB-1C, loại thị thực dành cho Nhà quản lý hoặc Giám đốc điều hành đa quốc gia, điều này giúp người có thị thực L1A trở thành thường trú nhân dễ dàng hơn. Loại L1 cũng được coi là thị thực có mục đích kép.

Đôi nét về USIMI Group:

Trong hơn 20 năm hoạt động, đội ngũ giàu kinh nghiệm cùng với đối tác, và cố vấn, luật sư giàu kinh nghiệm đã tham gia vào các Chương trình Đầu tư Định cư của chính phủ Mỹ. USIMI Group là một trong số ít trong ngành đã triển khai nhiều dự án đầu tư định cư uy tín và thành công. 

USIMI Group

Với kiến thức chuyên môn và kinh nghiệm EB-5, EB-3 và L-1 sâu rộng, USIMI-GROUP đã hoàn thiện hồ sơ nhanh chóng và đi đến thành công, tạo ra cơ hội đầu tư chất lượng.

Nhiệm vụ của USIMI Group là kết nối các nhà đầu tư với các dự án uy tín hàng đầu, nhằm đảm bảo cho Thẻ Xanh của cả gia đình nhà đầu tư.Website chính thức của USIMI Group: USIMI Group

USIMI Group

L1 Visa: Perspective from a US immigration & tax attorney

US Immigration Advisor

On June 29, 2023, CEO of law firm Davies & Associates – Mr. Mark Davies and Mr. Tuan La, CEO of Onekey law company, had an in-depth meeting and exchange with interested investors in Vietnam. to the L-1 visa.

Overview of the meeting and discussion about L-1 Visa and US tax at USIMI Group:

During the exchange, USIMI Group and Mr. Mark Davies shared about L1-visa:

“This is the best way to use for investors who want to immigrate to the US quickly, within just a few months”

So what is an L1 visa? Which investment and employment model is suitable for doing business in the US with an L1 Visa? What are the application conditions and how to join the L-1 Visa? Please refer to the details below:

What is an L1 Visa?

The L-1 visa, also known as the L1 Visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa used by companies to transfer management and executive personnel from affiliated offices, subsidiaries or overseas parent company to work at the company’s office in the US.

L1 visa belongs to the US work visa group and is considered a non-immigrant visa (Non-Immigrant Visa), similar to a work permit (Work Permit) in Vietnam.

L1 visa holders have the legal right to reside and work in the United States without the need for any other work permits. The maximum duration of this visa is 7 years.

The L1 visa category is mainly for businessmen and senior managers of companies in Vietnam, who have a need to come to the US to do business and invest, and want to settle in Vietnam for a long time. America.

How many types of L1 Visa are there?

  • Visa L1 includes two types, suitable for two different subjects:
  • L1-A visa is a type of visa for business owners in Vietnam and owning companies doing business in the US, managers or senior executives of the company in Vietnam. The duration of this visa can be up to 7 years.
  • The L1-B visa is for professionals with special ability in a specific industry (Specialized Knowledge). The duration of this visa is also up to 7 years.

Why should you get an L-1 Visa? Advice from D&A’s immigration law expert:

The L1 Visa has a number of specific benefits that Vietnamese investors should consider:

  • This is a quota-free visa in the US: unlike some other visas, there is no limit to the number of visas issued annually to certain countries.
  • Fast processing time: Average processing time is from 3-6 months. You may use Special Handling Requests by paying an additional fee of $2,500. With special processing, USCIS is required to respond to L1 Visa applicants within 15 business days.
  • Family: L1 visa holders are allowed to bring their spouse and dependent children to the United States on an L-2 visa.
  • Right to Work for a Spouse: allows an application for a work permit when they enter the United States to work for any U.S. employer.
  • Tax advantages: The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it does not provide permanent residency (Green Card) to the applicant. While Green Card holders can be taxed on worldwide income, non-immigrant visa holders generally are not. (However, you should still consult a tax professional if you want to ensure that you will not be considered a tax resident of the United States.)
  • Convert to Green Card: can convert to Green Card through L1A visa type. The criteria for the L1A are very similar to those for the EB-1C, the multinational Executive or Executive visa category, which makes it easier for L1A visa holders to become permanent residents. The L1 category is also considered a dual purpose visa.

About USIMI Group:

For more than 20 years of operation, the experienced team, along with experienced partners, advisors, and lawyers have participated in the US government’s Immigrant Investor Programs. USIMI Group is one of the few in the industry that has implemented many prestigious and successful settlement investment projects.

USIMI Group

With extensive expertise and experience in EB-5, EB-3 and L-1, USIMI-GROUP completed the application quickly and successfully, creating quality investment opportunities.

The mission of USIMI Group is to connect investors with leading prestigious projects, in order to ensure the Green Card of the whole investor family.

Official website of USIMI Group: https://usimigroup.com/

Serbia L1 Visa

L-1A VISA FOR AN EXECUTIVE FROM SERBIA

US Immigration Advisor

The Serbian company recently set up a US affiliate to expand operations in the US. The US affiliate then filed the new office L-1A petition for the executive. With a new office petition, the intracompany transferee gets one year of authorized stay to jumpstart the operations of the US company.

Click here for more information:

https://www.usimmigrationadvisor.com/l1-visas.html

Looking for an US immigration lawyer? Request free consultation at Davies & Associates or find our closest location around the world. 

This article has been written by Verdie J. Atienza, Esq., Senior Immigration Attorney, Head of E-2 and L-1 Visas Practice Team at Davies & Associates, New York Office.

Verdie J. Atienza is a Senior Attorney in charge of the firm’s L-1 and E-2 visa practice. He is a dual qualified lawyer in New York and in the Philippines and is qualified to practice immigration law in any state in the United States. 

 

Extension of L2 status for the spouse and child of an L1 Executive

US Immigration Advisor

Did you know that USCIS used to extend courtesy premium processing for the extension of status applications of dependents and applications for Employment Authorization Document concurrently filed with Form I-129? During the Trump administration, USCIS stopped extending courtesy premium processing for the applications of the dependents and this resulted in lengthy processing delays. Since January 25, 2023, USCIS resumed its practice of adjudicating L-2 applications for requests to extend status at the same time as the principal’s Form I-129 petition. This is based on a settlement agreement in Edakunni v. Mayorkas, a case pending in federal district court in Washington State. The change will be in effect for two years after the date of the settlement.

Looking for an US immigration lawyer? Request free consultation at Davies & Associates or find our closest location around the world. 

This article has been written by Verdie J. Atienza, Esq., Senior Immigration Attorney, Head of E-2 and L-1 Visas Practice Team at Davies & Associates, New York Office.

Verdie J. Atienza is a Senior Attorney in charge of the firm’s L-1 and E-2 visa practice. He is a dual qualified lawyer in New York and in the Philippines and is qualified to practice immigration law in any state in the United States. 

 

Immigration for Telecoms Professionals

The H-4 EAD as a Work Permit – What you Need to Know

US Immigration Advisor

U.S. employers use H-1B visas to employ foreign nationals in the U.S. in certain specialty occupations such as engineers, doctors, architects, software developers and so on. Dependents of an H-1B holder can accompany the H-1B worker to the U.S. on a H-4 visa. Under certain circumstances, spouses on a H-4 visa are permitted to work and often times, the eligible H-4 spouse may already have another employment visa such as the H1B Visa or L-1 and is faced with the question of whether to opt for the H4 work authorization (H-4 EAD) or H-1B Visa or L1 Visa. There is no definitive answer as to which work visa option is better since it depends largely on the individual’s specific circumstances. This article helps understand some of the requirements and nuances of the H4 EAD.

Eligibility and Advantages

An H-4 spouse may be eligible for an H-4 EAD only if: (i) the H–1B worker is the beneficiary of an approved I-140 petition (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker); or (ii) The H-1B worker has extended H-1B status beyond six years based on the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act (AC21). Under AC21, H-1B extension can be granted if the H-1B spouse has a labor certification or Form I-140 which is filed at least 365 days prior to the expiration of the sixth year limit of the H-1B, and remains pending (either labor certification or Form I-140 must not have been withdrawn, denied, or revoked).

Also, in order to be eligible for the EAD, the H4 spouse is required to maintain lawful status. Since the H-4 status is tied to the H-1B, it is essential that the H1B worker maintains lawful status as well. To engage in unlawful employment for example would tantamount to a violation of both H-1B as well as H-4 status.

Procedure

Eligible spouses as stated above can file Form I-765 along with requisite and supporting documentation to apply for the H-4 EAD. Processing of the application by the government takes up to 90 days; and the applicant can start working upon receipt of the EAD card. H-4 EAD allows unrestricted employment including self-employment and running one’s own business.

Eligible spouses as stated above can file Form I-765 along with requisite and supporting documentation to apply for the H-4 EAD. Processing of the application by the government takes up to 90 days; and the applicant can start working upon receipt of the EAD card. H-4 EAD allows unrestricted employment including self-employment and running one’s own business.

What are the advantages of an H-4 EAD?

Lower cost: The cost of applying for an H-4 EAD, in comparison with an H-1B is significantly lower. The government filing fee for H-4 EAD (Form I-765) is $410 whereas that for a H-1B is much higher.

No annual cap: Unlike the H-1B visa which comes with an annual quota (H-1B regular cap and H-1B master’s cap of 65,000 and 20,000 respectively), there is no quota or annual cap set for H-4 EADs.

No minimum wage requirement: H-4 EAD does not have a prevailing wage determination as in mandated under the H-1B program.

Unrestricted employment: The H-4 EAD comes with no restrictions on the nature of employment- unlike H-1B where an individual must be employed in certain ‘specialty occupations’ only. Employment on H-4 EAD can be full- time, part-time and the individual can be employed by multiple employers. Also, important to note here is that a H-4 EAD holder can work for an employer as well as run his or her own business.

More flexibility: H-4 EAD allows more flexibility in taking unpaid leave of absence or stopping employment, for example, between projects.

Less documentation: The documentation required in a H-4 EAD application is considerably less voluminous in comparison to what is required in an H-1B or L-1 application.

What are the Disadvantages of an H-4 EAD?

No Portability: Unlike the H-1B which provides portability meaning that an H-1B worker may begin working for a new H-1B employer as soon as the new employer files a petition, the H-4 EAD does not have any such provision. An individual can continue to work in the U.S. while his or her H-1B extension or transfer is pending even after the current H1B has expired as long as the H-1B extension or transfer petition is filed in a timely manner. In the case of H-1B extensions, a pending H-1B allows employment for up to 240 days past the expiration date of the current H-1B term. On the other hand, the H-4 EAD must be valid at all times without any breaks or gaps even if an H-4 EAD extension is pending. This requirement of maintaining continuous validity of H-4 EAD makes it difficult to ensure uninterrupted employment, especially since the H-4 EAD is linked to the spouse’s H-1B.

H-4 EAD tied to H-1B status: An H-1B worker is not dependent on his or her spouse to provide status and work authorization as H-4 spouses are. Therefore, the loss of H-1B status will result in immediate loss of H -4 status of his or her spouse. Hence, any unplanned or sudden termination of employment of H-1B worker may adversely affect employment of the H-4 EAD spouse as well.

Conclusion

Since the EAD is dependent on H-4 status which is tied to the spouse’s H-1B status, in the event that the H-1B spouse loses his or her job and is rendered out of status, there is a consequent loss of H-4 status and of the EAD linked to it. The upside of H-4 EAD is that it offers great employment flexibility- one can work full time, part time or even for multiple employers and most of all, it allows one to set up his or her own business.

While H-4 EAD can be a great option to work, H-1B would be a better employment visa option when one is looking for uninterrupted employment period in certain job positions.

Looking for an US immigration lawyer? Request free consultation at Davies & Associates or find our closest location around the world.

This article has been written by Zeenat Phophalia, Esq. Of Counsel, Davies & Associates, India Office.

Zeenat Phophalia is qualified to practice law in New York, United Kingdom and India. She practices in the area of U.S. immigration law with a focus on business immigration, and has represented corporate clients including large and medium sized companies and startups across sectors such as IT, consulting, consumer goods, manufacturing and telecommunications.

Reference Links

You can find more information about H-4 EAD on Davies & Associates website:

We can answer these questions for you:

  • How to get a work permit
  • What is a work permit

EB-5 Source of Funds for Italians Webinar

New Consular Fees for Non-Immigrant Visas

US Immigration Advisor

The US Department of State published a Final Rule on March 28 regarding an increase in fees for certain categories of non-immigrant visa applications. The fee increase will be effective May 30, 2023.

The consular fee for employment-based categories such as the H-1B, L-1, and O-1 will increase from $190 to $205, and for the E-1 trader and E-2 treaty investor visa categories, the fee will increase from $205 to $315.

Other consular fees are not affected by this rule, including the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors. Current fees will continue to apply until May 30.

Fee information can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, travel.state.gov, and on the websites of U.S. embassies and consulates

L1 Visa India

How to get L1 Visa for usa from india

US Immigration Advisor

To obtain an L1 visa to work in the United States, your employer outside the US must first have a qualifying relationship with a U.S.-based employer based on ownership and control. The qualifying relationship can be parent-subsidiary, affiliate or branch relationship. You must also prove qualifying employment, which means that you have to an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee of a multinational company for at least one full year in the past three years. Your employer must also file a petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Here are the general steps to apply for an L1 visa from India:

1. Check your eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the L1 visa category. You must have worked for a qualifying multinational company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.

2. Obtain a job offer: You must have a job offer from a U.S.-based employer with a qualifying relationship with your current employer.

3. File a petition: Your employer must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS on your behalf. This includes providing evidence of the qualifying relationship between the two companies, as well as your qualifications and job duties.

4. Attend an interview: Once the petition is approved, you will need to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. You will need to bring all relevant documentation, such as your passport, visa application, and supporting evidence.

5. Wait for a decision: After the interview, you will need to wait for a decision on your L1 visa application. If approved, you will receive your visa and be able to travel to the United States.

It’s important to note that the L1 visa application process can be complex and may require the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney.

L-1 Visa for Spouses

Can a spouse work on L1 Visa

US Immigration Advisor

Yes, the spouse of an L1 visa holder can work in the United States. An Employment Authorization Document used to be required, but USCIS has updated the guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address the documentation that certain E and L nonimmigrant spouses may use as evidence of employment authorization based on their nonimmigrant status.

On November 12, 2021, USCIS clarified that L spouses are now considered employment authorized based on their valid L nonimmigrant status. Since the November 2021 announcement, the Department of Homeland Security added new Class of Admission (COA) codes to distinguish between L spouses and children. As of January 30, 2022, USCIS and CBP began issuing Forms I-94 with L-2S code for L spouse. An unexpired Form I-94 reflecting one of these new codes is acceptable as evidence of employment authorization for spouses.

It’s important to note that the L1 visa holder’s spouse can only work in the United States for the duration of the L1 visa holder’s authorized stay in the United States.

To obtain an L1 visa to work in the United States, your employer outside the US must first have a qualifying relationship with a U.S.-based employer. This means that you must either be an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee of a multinational company that has a subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or parent company in the United States. Your employer must also file a petition on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).