Policy Updates

As a non-VWP country, Pakistan's EB-1C applicants will be subject to the maximum extent of CHRI access permitted by law. This likely results in more stringent security clearances that could delay the final adjudication of adjustment of status applications.

The fee hike increases the cost for Pakistani citizens utilizing the EB-1C category. Since the category is current for Pakistan, the impact is primarily on the cost of corporate relocation services.

The policy update mandates a deeper look into how multinational companies are structured, which will likely increase the scrutiny on Pakistani firms establishing U.S. branches. This will result in longer processing times and higher documentation requirements.

Pakistani applicants will experience the same fee hike as other global applicants. The change is purely financial and does not alter the eligibility or priority date availability for Pakistani nationals.

The stay on the fee rule ensures that the cost of filing Form I-140 remains at previous levels for the time being. This is beneficial for Pakistani applicants who may be sensitive to the rising costs of U.S. immigration procedures.

This administrative update requires US-based petitioners for Pakistani managers to utilize electronic payment portals. It does not change the underlying eligibility or visa availability for Pakistani nationals.

The fraud investigation has led to increased focus on whether the U.S. entity has the financial ability to support a managerial position. Pakistani applicants should expect more requests for tax returns, bank statements, and lease agreements.

Petitions from Pakistan often undergo additional administrative processing; the addition of special agents will likely formalize and intensify the investigation into corporate structures and executive backgrounds to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements.

Pakistani petitioners will benefit from the transition to electronic funds, which minimizes the risk of filing delays caused by physical check delivery or processing. This ensures a smoother start to the EB-1C adjudication process.

Due to heightened security protocols, Pakistani EB-1C applicants already face scrutiny. This policy adds a layer of fraud-detection regarding the actual managerial duties performed abroad and the financial standing of the Pakistani entity.

Historical security concerns combined with this new policy will likely result in longer processing times for Pakistani executives. Vetting will focus heavily on past public statements and organizational affiliations.

For Pakistani applicants, EB-1 is generally current. The policy change serves as an insurance policy, ensuring that the CSPA age is locked in as early as possible once the Dates for Filing chart allows an application.

Pakistani applicants are subject to the new fee schedule for Form I-140. As the EB-1 category is generally current for Pakistan, the impact is restricted to the increased cost of the initial filing without additional wait-time complications.

This update ensures that petitioners are not blindsided by denials based on information they were never given the opportunity to address or correct.

While Pakistan does not currently face EB-1 retrogression, the indefinite validity provides peace of mind against any future processing slowdowns or administrative hurdles.

Pakistani nationals applying for EB-1C status will no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination during their medical exam. This streamlines the Adjustment of Status process and reduces the cost and time associated with the civil surgeon's visit.

Pakistani executives and managers must adhere to the new USCIS filing locations for Form I-140. While there is no specific backlog for Pakistan in this category, following the new protocols is essential for timely processing.

Pakistani nationals with pending I-485 applications will experience a slight delay in their path to permanent residency. The closure impacts the scheduling of mandatory biometrics and interviews required for EB-1C adjudication.

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.