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The Batrakova Law Office

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Portland, OR
The Batrakova Law Office

Your U.S. Immigration Lawyer Empowering Our Clients Since 2012

- Work with domestic and international businesses in developing appropriate strategies to facilitate the international transfer of skilled employees

- Provide immigration guidance to small and large investors

- Obtain non-immigrant status, permanent residence and naturalization status for foreign nationals

- Provide expert guidance on the issues of I-9 compliance

- Assist individual clients on the issues of permanent residence, naturalization, Consular Processing

09/01/2026

The Trump Administration is making a new attempt to impose a significant fee on certain H-1B filings. DHS has proposed a $103,265 fee for cap-subject H-1B petitions, including petitions under the advanced-degree exemption. Unlike the previously blocked $100,000 fee, this new proposal is being advanced through the federal rulemaking process and, as of today, is subject to a 30-day public comment period. Although the fee is not yet in effect, employers and potential H-1B visa holders should continue to track policy updates.

08/21/2026

USCIS Update: The Service has announced that the policy of USCIS Officers being encouraged to issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) before denying an application that documentarily insufficient has changed. USCIS may now deny certain immigration benefit requests without first giving applicants an opportunity to provide missing supporting evidence and documentation. Effective August 5, 2026, applicants should be prepared to establish eligibility and submit all required initial evidence at the time of filing.

08/14/2026

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible nationals of certain countries facing dangerous or extraordinary conditions. Because TPS designations and related immigration programs can change, staying informed about your current status, deadlines, and work authorization is essential.

Current statuses and important updates for these programs are listed below:

- 𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗩 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 (𝗖𝘂𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗛𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘇𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀)
TERMINATED
Deportation may be faced unless another legal immigration status is obtained.
- 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 (𝗨𝟰𝗨)
ACTIVE
Current beneficiaries may keep their status for the time being, but the program’s future is uncertain.
- 𝗔𝗳𝗴𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀
SUSPENDED
Beneficiaries should stay informed and watch for updates.
- 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻
TERMINATED
Valid until 08/04/2025.
- 𝗘𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿
ACTIVE
Work permits (EADs) are automatically extended until 03/09/2026.
- 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘀
TERMINATED
As of 02/09/2026, TPS protections and work authorization have ended.
- 𝗟𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗻
EXTENDED
Work permits (EADs) are automatically extended until 11/27/2026.
- 𝗡𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗹
TERMINATED
As of 02/09/2026, TPS protections and work authorization have ended.
- 𝗦𝘂𝗱𝗮𝗻
ACTIVE
Work permits (EADs) are automatically extended until 04/19/2026.

07/30/2026

USCIS has announced that it received enough petitions to meet both the congressionally mandated 65,000 H-1B regular cap and the 20,000 U.S. H-1B advanced degree exemption, for Fiscal Year 2027. USCIS will continue to accept and process H-1B petitions that are exempt from the annual cap, including qualifying cap-exempt petitions, extensions of stay, and changes of employment.

07/07/2026

Being selected in the H-1B cap lottery is an exciting step in receiving an H-1B visa, but maintaining your F-1 status is vital while your H-1B petition is pending.

Many H-1B beneficiaries are currently in F-1 status, and even small mistakes during this transition can affect their immigration status. Staying compliant with F-1 requirements is essential for a smooth transition to H-1B status.

Here are a few key items to keep track of while you wait:
File your H-1B petition while you are still on OPT, if possible;
Stay within the allowable OPT unemployment limits;
For STEM OPT: complete your required self-evaluations on time;
Restrict international travel while H-1B change of status is pending;
Coordinate with DSO for an updated Form I-20 showcasing cap-gap extension, if needed;
Inform DSO on any changes including employment, address, legal name, and periods of unemployment.

While everyone’s immigration situation is different, careful planning can help you avoid unnecessary complications during the transition period from F-1 to H-1B status.

06/18/2026

U.S. Department of State has proposed a new premium processing option for certain B-1/B-2 visitor visa applicants. Eligible applicants may pay a $750 fee to secure a visa interview appointment within 10 business days at participating Consular Posts around the world.
The program is scheduled to be available from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026, and will provide a great option for individuals with urgent business or travel needs, who normally face lengthy visa appointment wait times.

06/05/2026

USCIS has announced a significant policy change affecting many Adjustment of Status (AOS) applicants, individuals seeking permanent residence without leaving the U. S. Under the new policy, meeting all legal requirements for an AOS may no longer be enough on its own. USCIS officers will now evaluate both positive and negative factors in each case before deciding whether to approve an application. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to:

- Immigration history

- Family ties in the United States

- Length of lawful residence

- Employment history and contributions to the community

- Overall moral character

Importantly, USCIS may also ask applicants to explain why they are pursuing the AOS in the U. S. rather than applying for a green card through a U.S. consulate abroad. Officers may consider factors such as barriers to consular processing, ties to family overseas, and why an individual remained in the U.S. after a period of authorized stay expired. The policy applies to most family-based, employment-based, and diversity visa adjustment applications. The memo also notes that applicants in H-1B, L-1, and other dual-intent visa categories may continue pursuing permanent residence, but dual intent alone does not guarantee approval.

05/19/2026

This week DOS clarified exceptions to the Visa Bond Pilot Program for certain FIFA World Cup 2026 travelers. Some athletes, team personnel, support staff, and qualifying ticket holders may be exempt from visa bond requirements that can otherwise reach up to $15,000 for certain B-1/B-2 applicants. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, international travelers should plan ahead and stay informed about U.S. visa requirements.

03/17/2026

The Appointment Information System (AIS) is a streamlined platform currently used for scheduling nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interviews. While user-friendly, it requires careful profile management to avoid MRV fee loss, duplicate account lockouts, or interview-day issues.
AIS allows applicants to view appointment availability before paying the MRV fee. Availability is live and may reflect isolated cancellations rather than consistent openings. The MRV fee is valid for one year and is permanently tied to the profile used at payment, making accuracy at the outset critical.
Applicants should create one profile per applicant, using passport data exactly as listed on the biographic page. Please avoid duplicate profiles.
When adding dependents, use the “+ New Group” feature instead of creating separate accounts.
AIS allows three reschedules per MRV fee (only confirmed changes count).
DS-160 management is essential. If a new DS-160 is submitted, the confirmation number must be updated in AIS. Failure to update can result in denial of entry.

03/04/2026

The FY2027 employer registration for this year's H-1B cap (lottery) opens tomorrow and runs through March 19, 2026. Be sure to review key guidance and file timely. May the odds be ever in your favor this year!

Address

1155 SW Morrison Street , Ste. 200
Portland, OR
97205

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Website

http://www.batrakovalaw.com/

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