Policy Updates

The policy change raises the cost of expedited service for Colombian nationals. As EB-1 is current for Colombia, the impact is limited to the increased expense of the optional premium service.

While not a high-backlog country, Colombian researchers will still be impacted by the universal increase in background check depth. This will likely extend the time required for final visa issuance.

Colombian nationals pursuing the EB-1B visa will be subject to the new FY 2026 fee schedule. This is a standard adjustment that does not affect visa availability or processing priority.

The court's decision on the fee rule stay directly affects the filing process for Colombian nationals. Ensuring the correct fee is paid is essential for the timely processing of their outstanding professor or researcher petitions.

Colombian nationals filing for EB-1B status will benefit from the increased speed and reliability of electronic payment receipting. This update standardizes the process across all USCIS service centers.

By allowing electronic funds, USCIS reduces the risk of payment-related rejections for Colombian EB-1B filings. This is a general operational improvement with no impact on visa quotas.

Colombian applicants must ensure that their permanent job offers and research credentials meet the strict EB-1B criteria. The policy highlights that any misrepresentation of these facts will lead to denial and potential permanent bars from entering the U.S.

Colombian researchers must now account for the anti-Americanism criteria in their applications. While not a high-risk group, the policy introduces a new subjective element to their adjudication.

Colombian researchers can now utilize the 'Dates for Filing' chart to secure their children's derivative status earlier in the process. This policy shift prioritizes family unity by providing a more lenient age calculation methodology.

Colombian applicants are affected by the uniform increase in I-140 filing fees. The impact is limited to the increased cost of the immigration benefit application.

This update ensures that Colombian applicants are notified of any derogatory information that may impact their EB-1B petition. This procedural step is vital for ensuring that all evidence is properly considered before a final adjudication.

Colombian applicants are protected from the risk of their medical exams expiring during the time it takes for USCIS to process their adjustment of status applications.

Colombian nationals seeking to adjust status via the EB-1B category will no longer need to demonstrate COVID-19 vaccination. This change simplifies the medical exam and helps maintain the relatively fast processing times enjoyed by applicants from this region.

Colombian nationals must ensure their employers are aware of the new filing locations for Form I-140. This update is part of a broader effort to standardize filing procedures and does not impact the per-country cap for Colombia.

Colombian nationals will see a minor shift in their green card processing timeline due to the office closure. Normal operations and rescheduling are expected to follow immediately.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-1 Rest of World (2023-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-1 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability to Current in the 2023-10 bulletin. Applicants in this category can now file or have their cases adjudicated without priority date restrictions.