Shaffer Immigration Law PLLC

10/15/2026

Worried About Losing Your H-1B? The O-1 Visa Might Be Your Plan B (or Better)

Worried about losing your H-1B? You may still have strong immigration options. This post explores how the O-1 visa can serve as a powerful alternative for professionals with notable achievements in tech, business, research, and the arts. Learn why more talented individuals are turning to the O-1 as....

09/12/2026

Green card appointments are resuming! One of our cases in France was originally scheduled for August 2026, when the cancellations began. The interview has now been rescheduled for September, 2026.

This is a positive sign, although scheduling may continue to vary by embassy and consulate. Applicants should monitor their email, spam folder, and online appointment account closely.

Read our latest update: https://www.shafferimmigrationlaw.com/post/us-immigrant-visa-appointments-resume-after-worldwide-cancellations

09/08/2026

O-1 Visa Approval for Arts-Based Education Researcher! We recently secured an O-1A approval for an arts-based education researcher whose interdisciplinary work combines education research, music and performance, philosophy, museum education, and arts-based research methods. Notably, we were able to establish four criteria without relying on a high citation count. If you are a researcher, academic, or other professional interested in applying for an O-1 visa, contact us to discuss your case. Read more about this success story:

01/06/2026

As we welcome 2026, we’re reminded that every new year brings new opportunities, and for many, that means pursuing the dream of a better future in a new country.

At Shaffer Immigration Law, we’re proud to help individuals and families navigate the complex immigration system with care, clarity, and compassion.

Whether you're starting a visa application, seeking permanent residency, or preparing for naturalization, let this year be the one you move closer to your goal.

📅 Book a consultation today and take your next step forward.

🔗 https://www.shafferimmigrationlaw.com/contact

12/30/2025

🎉 We’re Honored! Best of 2025 – Immigration Attorneys in Washington, DC 🏆

We are proud to share that Shaffer Immigration Law has been recognized as one of the “Best of 2025” Immigration Attorneys in Washington, DC by BusinessRate!

This award highlights the hard work, dedication, and trust our clients place in us every day. Thank you to our amazing clients and community for your continued support — we wouldn’t be here without you.

📲 Contact us to start your immigration journey today!
🔗 https://www.shafferimmigrationlaw.com/contact

12/11/2025

The new Trump Gold Card program is here, but what does it actually mean for prospective immigrants? 🇺🇸

A newly unveiled immigrant visa option now allows individuals of extraordinary or exceptional ability to pursue a green card through a significant financial gift to the Department of Commerce. The process still requires a full immigration filing, starting with the new Form I-140G, followed by standard consular processing and the DS-260, just like other green card applicants.

In our latest blog, we break down:

🔹 Who qualifies for the Gold Card
🔹 The required financial contributions
🔹 The evidence USCIS demands (including lawful source of funds)
🔹 The corporate vs. self-petition differences
🔹 What happens after I-140G approval
🔹 Common pitfalls to avoid

If you or your organization is considering a Gold Card petition, understanding the process is essential, and we can help.

👉 Read the full breakdown here: https://www.shafferimmigrationlaw.com/post/trump-gold-card-i140g-eligibility-green-card-process
📩 Have questions? Send us a message to schedule a consultation.

Learn how the 2025 Trump Gold Card Program works, who qualifies, the I-140G petition requirements, financial thresholds, and the steps to obtain U.S. permanent residence.

11/23/2025

FIFA Visa: What World Cup Fans Need to Know:

Planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S.? There’s no special “FIFA visa,” but a new priority appointment system may help certain ticket holders get faster interviews. Your visa approval still depends on meeting all standard requirements—and our immigration law firm offers perso...

10/13/2025

Citizenship approved! We helped Ryan and Chris from the early days of their marriage case, to removing conditions on the green card, and now all the way through to a successful citizenship application. It’s always rewarding getting to work with clients over years through their entire process.

09/25/2025

9/11 memorial walk with the men and women of Kingston Springs Volunteer Fire Department and Pegram Fire Department. I'm proud to serve with such a great department and professional firefighters.

08/21/2025

✅ Can You Reuse Your Opened Immigration Medical Exam (Form I-693) If USCIS Rejects Your Case?

Good news—sometimes, yes! If USCIS rejects your application for reasons like missing fees, incorrect payment, or missing pages, you may be able to reuse your opened medical exam instead of paying for a brand-new one.

👉 Important distinction:

A rejection means your package was sent back because USCIS couldn’t accept it (no fee is taken, nothing is on record).

A denial means your case was reviewed and found ineligible. Medical exams cannot be reused after a denial.

🔎 When can you reuse your exam?
You may reuse your Form I-693 if:
The entire exam package is returned to you.
The original envelope is returned (even if opened by USCIS).
The rejection notice states that reuse is allowed.

📦 How to resubmit:
Send the original I-693 form signed by the civil surgeon.
Include the original envelope.
Attach the USCIS rejection notice.
Add any supporting documents originally included.
Refile with your corrected application.

💡 Why it matters: Medical exams are costly and time-sensitive. Reusing yours can save time, money, and avoid delays in your case.

📌 Our advice: Always keep your rejection notice and returned package, and follow instructions carefully.

Need help figuring out if your exam can be reused? We can guide you step-by-step to make sure your next filing is accepted.

👉 Set up a consultation with us today.

Disclaimer: This post is attorney advertising and for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique.

If USCIS rejects your case in the mail room and returns your opened Form I-693 with a notice saying it can be reused, you may resubmit it. Send the original exam, the destroyed envelope it came in, a copy of the rejection notice, and all original supporting documents from the civil surgeon with your...