SOCORRO! Preciso viajar! Preciso trabalhar!
Angelica Rice • April 6, 2023
Posso fazer algo para agilizar o processamento da minha autorização de viagem ou cartão EAD?
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A resposta para a pergunta acima é, dependendo das circunstâncias, sim!
A imigração (USCIS) estabeleceu critérios muito claros para quando uma solicitação para agilizar uma solicitação de permissão de viagem pendente pode ser feita. Esses critérios incluem:
- Perda financeira grave para uma empresa ou pessoa, desde que a necessidade da ação urgente não seja resultado da falha do peticionário ou requerente em:
- Aplicar para a solicitação do benefício dentro do prazo estipulado; ou
- Responder a quaisquer pedidos de provas adicionais dentro do prazo estipulado;
Uma empresa pode demonstrar que sofreria uma perda financeira severa se corresse o risco de falir, perder um contrato crítico ou ter que demitir outros funcionários. Por exemplo, um consultório médico pode sofrer graves perdas financeiras se uma pendência na autorização de trabalho de um médico resultar no consultório demitindo seus assistentes médicos.
A perda do emprego pode ser suficiente para estabelecer uma perda financeira grave para uma pessoa, dependendo das circunstâncias individuais. Por exemplo, a incapacidade de viajar a trabalho, que resultaria na perda do emprego, pode justificar uma agilização na autorização. A necessidade de obtenção de autorização de trabalho por si só, sem a comprovação de outros fatores determinantes, não justifica a agilização. Além disso, perdas financeiras severas também podem ser estabelecidas onde a falha na agilização resultaria na perda de benefícios ou serviços públicos críticos.
- Emergências e razões humanitárias urgentes;
No contexto de uma solicitação de agilização, as razões humanitárias são aquelas relacionadas ao bem-estar humano. Os exemplos podem incluir, mas não estão limitados a, doença, deficiência, condições de vida extremas, morte na família ou uma necessidade crítica de viajar para obter tratamento médico em um período limitado de tempo. Uma emergência pode incluir uma necessidade urgente de agilizar a autorização de emprego para profissionais de saúde durante uma emergência nacional, como a pandemia de COVID-19.
- Organização sem fins lucrativos (conforme designado pelo Departamento de Receita Federal americano) cuja solicitação visa promover os interesses culturais ou sociais dos Estados Unidos;
Uma organização sem fins lucrativos que busca agilizar a solicitação de benefício de um beneficiário, deve demonstrar uma necessidade urgente de agilizar o caso com base na função específica do beneficiário em promover interesses culturais ou sociais dentro da organização (em oposição ao papel da organização em promover interesses sociais ou culturais). Os exemplos podem incluir um profissional médico requerido com urgência para pesquisa médica relacionada a um interesse social específico dos EUA (como a pandemia de COVID-19 ou outra pesquisa ou projeto socialmente impactante) ou um professor universitário requerido com urgência para participar de um programa cultural específico e iminente. Outro exemplo é uma organização religiosa que precisa urgentemente dos serviços específicos e habilidades de um beneficiário para continuar um programa vital de alcance social.
- Interesses do governo dos EUA (casos identificados como urgentes por agências federais, como Departamento de Defesa dos EUA, Departamento do Trabalho dos EUA, Conselho Nacional de Relações Trabalhistas, Comissão para a Igualdade de Oportunidades de Emprego, Departamento de Justiça dos EUA, Departamento de Estado dos EUA, Departamento de Segurança Interna dos EUA, ou outros interesses de segurança pública ou de segurança nacional); ou
Os interesses do governo dos EUA podem incluir, mas não estão limitados a, casos identificados como urgentes por outras agências governamentais, incluindo agências trabalhistas e de emprego, e segurança pública ou interesses de segurança nacional.
- Anular erro da USCIS.
Nem todas as circunstâncias que se enquadram em uma dessas categorias resultarão em processamento acelerado; solicitações agilizadas são discricionárias, altamente subjetivas e nunca garantidas.
Agilização de processos são iniciadas ligando para o centro de contato da USCIS e fornecendo o número do recibo do seu caso e os motivos da solicitação. O tempo de processamento aproximado para uma agilização de solicitação é de 7 a 10 dias úteis. Quando você liga para solicitar a agilização do processamento, o setor de atendimento ao cliente da USCIS cria e encaminha uma solicitação de serviço para o escritório com jurisdição sobre sua solicitação ou petição. Depois de receber a solicitação de serviço, o escritório de revisão pode solicitar documentação adicional para dar suporte a agilização do processo. Uma decisão sobre uma agilização de solicitação não é uma aprovação ou negação da solicitação de benefício subjacente. A decisão de agilização simplesmente informa ao solicitante se a USCIS aceitará o pedido de benefício desatualizado e emitirá uma decisão (aprovação ou negação) mais rapidamente do que o tempo normal de processamento.
Este blog não se destina a ser um aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de uma relação cliente-advogado. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração, antes de agir baseado em qualquer informação lida neste blog.
For many of our clients, premium processing has long felt less like a luxury and more like a necessity. Whether it's an artist with a tour date, a startup founder with investors waiting, or an executive whose H-1B extension is tied to a project deadline, the ability to get a USCIS decision in fifteen business days has been a cornerstone of business and entertainment immigration planning. But 2026 has brought meaningful changes. On March 1, 2026, USCIS implemented a new round of premium processing fee increases under the biennial inflation adjustment authorized by the USCIS Stabilization Act. With fees now climbing across every eligible form, employers, foreign nationals, and their counsel are asking a fair question: at these prices, is premium processing still worth it? The short answer is: often yes but no longer always. Here is what has changed, what hasn't, and how to think strategically about your filings this year. What Premium Processing Actually Buys You Premium processing is an optional, fee-based service that obligates USCIS to take action on a qualifying petition or application within a defined window. "Action" does not necessarily mean approval USCIS may issue an approval, a denial, a Request for Evidence (RFE), a Notice of Intent to Deny, or open an investigation. But it must do something within the guaranteed timeframe, or refund the premium fee. The current adjudication windows are: 15 business days for most Form I-129 nonimmigrant petitions (including H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, TN, and E-3) and most Form I-140 employment-based immigrant petitions 45 business days for Form I-140 petitions in the EB-1C (multinational executive/manager) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) categories 30 business days for eligible Form I-539 change-of-status applications and Form I-765 applications for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT employment authorization When USCIS issues an RFE, the clock pauses and restarts only when the agency receives the response, a detail that surprises many petitioners and is worth planning around. The 2026 Fee Increases at a Glance The Department of Homeland Security's final rule, published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2026, raised premium processing fees by an average of roughly 5.7 percent based on inflation between June 2023 and June 2025. Any Form I-907 postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the updated fee, or USCIS will reject the filing outright.
Navigating the immigration landscape as a professional athlete can feel as demanding as a championship final, but understanding the P-1A visa can help you to plan ahead and successfully petition USCIS when the time comes to apply. For individual athletes like surfers, Rodeo cowboys, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, the P-1A serves as the primary gateway to competing in the United States. While it is often compared to the O-1 visa, the P-1A has a distinct threshold that is more easily accessible than the O-1; rather than proving "extraordinary ability," you must demonstrate "international recognition". This means your achievements must be renowned or leading in more than one country, showcasing a level of skill that is substantially above the ordinary. For those competing in individual sports, the spotlight is entirely on your personal accolades and standing rather than a team or league’s reputation as in the case of a team sport athlete. You must show that you are personally well-known within your sport across multiple countries, and that the U.S. events you intend to enter typically draw other internationally recognized participants. One of the most significant advantages for the solo competitor is the duration of stay, as individual athletes can often secure a P-1 visa for an initial period of up to five years, which can eventually be extended to a total of ten. This stands in stark contrast to team athletes, who are generally limited to the duration of a specific season or contract with a team. If you are looking to be proactive about your future eligibility, you should treat your career milestones as a collection of evidence for the "Two-Out-of-Seven" rule used by USCIS. To qualify, you must provide evidence satisfying at least two of the following seven criteria: Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league. Evidence of participation in an international competition with a national team. Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition. A written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or the governing body of the sport detailing your international recognition. A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert. Evidence that you or your team is ranked, if the sport has international rankings. Evidence that you or your team has received a significant honor or award in the sport. Building your resume with these specific benchmarks in mind is essential. Here are some suggestions to help an individual sport athlete to meet these criteria and successfully qualify for a P-1A visa: First, you should actively seek opportunities to represent your national team or strive for high international rankings , as these are concrete proof of your standing. If you are working with an immigration attorney, make sure they have a clear understanding of your sport, how its governing body determines rankings, and the significance of your accomplishments- successfully showing USCIS why your rankings or results indicate you are performing at an elite and internationally recognized level is key to a successful outcome. Beyond the trophies, your professional network plays a crucial role ; cultivating relationships with recognized experts or sports media members who can provide written statements will significantly strengthen your future petition. Major media articles that discuss your accomplishments or explain the significance of competitions or rankings you feature in, can also have a strong positive impact on your case. As you prepare, remember that every petition also requires a formal consultation letter from an appropriate labor organization , if one exists that covers your sport. A good immigration attorney will help you to identify the appropriate labor organization and engage with them on your behalf to secure the consultation letter you need. Generally, they will want to see the same evidence that USCIS will be evaluating, and they may need some time to review your petition prior to issuing you a consultation letter. Finally, you will also need a written contract with an employer or agent within the United States, and a detailed itinerary of the events where you will perform . Your immigration attorney can also help you to structure your contract with your agent or employer, and guide you in creating an itinerary based on the events or competitions you will participate in. While every individual sport is different, USCIS will want to see that you have set up a structure that will pay you a living wage to perform your sport, and that you have planned out an itinerary of competitions or events in sufficient detail that covers the entire period of time for which you are requesting the P-1A visa. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., we are experienced in helping talented individuals who are accomplished in many different sports to continue their careers here in the United States. If you are such an athlete interested in competing here, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss your case.
If you have a pending asylum application in the United States, you will now be required to pay an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) in order to keep your application pending. Understanding this new fee and why it is important could be the difference between maintaining your pending asylum application and facing removal from the country . If your asylum application has been pending for more than one year, you will be required to pay an annual fee of $102 . The good news is that this fee is charged per asylum application, not per person. This means a family applying together on a single Form I-589 will only pay $102 total. However, it is important to know that there are no fee waivers available for this annual payment. It is crucial to take this fee seriously because the consequences for missing your payment are severe . If you receive a notification from USCIS that your fee is due, you will be given exactly 30 days to pay it. If you fail to pay by the deadline, the government may enforce the following penalties: Rejection of your Application: USCIS will reject your pending asylum application. Loss of Work Authorization: Any pending applications for employment authorization (Form I-765) based on your asylum case will be denied. Furthermore, if you already have an approved work permit, you will lose your work authorization immediately. Risk of Deportation: If you do not have an underlying legal status in the U.S., USCIS may initiate your removal (deportation) from the United States. Because of the severe consequences of failure to pay the fee within 30 days, it is vitally important to update your address with USCIS. This ensures you will actually receive the payment notice and can pay it on time without jeopardizing your case. How to Pay: Paying your fee promptly is the best way to protect your asylum status and work authorization. You can easily check if your fee is due and make your payment online by visiting: https://my.uscis.gov/accounts/annual-asylum-fee/start/overview To submit your payment, you will need two important pieces of information: Your A-Number (Alien Registration Number). The receipt number from your asylum application receipt notice. Once you enter this information, you will see a blue “Pay and submit” button. You can pay securely using a credit card, debit card, or a transfer from a U.S. bank account. Always make sure to save a copy of your receipt to ensure you have evidence of payment. Staying informed and keeping up with the Annual Asylum Fee is an essential part of the asylum process in 2026. Watch your mail for notifications, keep your address updated, and pay your fee as soon as it is due to ensure your case stays on track.
