Policy Updates

The policy change increases the cost of the optional expedited service for Pakistani applicants. The impact is primarily financial, as EB-1 visa numbers are generally available for Pakistan.

Applicants from Pakistan are frequently subject to additional security clearances; the new policy will likely institutionalize more frequent and deeper background checks. This may result in unpredictable delays for professors and researchers.

Pakistani nationals in the EB-1B category are currently under 'Rest of World' priority dates. The policy change only affects the cost of the initial filing and subsequent processing fees.

The court order on the DHS fee rule impacts the cost of sponsoring Pakistani talent in research roles. Applicants should coordinate with their legal counsel to confirm the current fee amounts required by USCIS.

The mandatory electronic payment system ensures that Pakistani researchers have their petitions receipted without the delays inherent in physical check processing. This is a universal update affecting all Pakistani EB-1B filings.

Pakistani nationals will find the petition process more accessible through electronic payment options. This administrative update has no bearing on security screening or visa processing times.

Pakistani applicants must provide clear, authentic evidence of their international recognition. USCIS will use this enforcement framework to penalize any attempts to use falsified research papers or exaggerated citation counts.

Pakistani applicants already undergo rigorous security checks; this policy adds an ideological layer that could extend administrative processing (221g) times. Researchers may find it harder to overcome the burden of proof regarding their political views.

The policy update provides Pakistani families with a more favorable method for calculating a child's age under CSPA. This is particularly beneficial during periods of high demand where 'Final Action Dates' may lag behind 'Dates for Filing'.

Pakistani researchers and professors are subject to the new fee schedule for Form I-140. This is a general policy change with no specific country-based restrictions or additional delays.

The guidance provides a clear framework for how USCIS must disclose negative evidence to Pakistani petitioners. This ensures that applicants have the chance to provide explanations or evidence to overcome potential grounds for denial.

Pakistani applicants sometimes face extended administrative processing or security clearances; indefinite I-693 validity ensures their medicals remain valid even if these checks take several years.

Pakistani applicants will benefit from the simplified I-693 requirements. Since EB-1B is usually current for Pakistan, this waiver directly contributes to a more streamlined path to obtaining a green card without the need for additional vaccination proof.

Pakistani researchers must adhere to the new USCIS filing locations for Form I-140. While the change is procedural, it is essential for maintaining efficient processing times for high-skilled applicants from Pakistan.

Pakistani nationals adjusting status in the U.S. will have their Jan. 9 appointments moved to a later date. This does not impact the priority date or visa availability for this category.

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.