Immigration
News & Updates
Check here for the latest news as it pertains to U.S. Immigration, the EB-3 process, and Alpha Global Biz

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ver the last year or two, there has been lots of talk about visa retrogression. While the Visa Bulletin issued by USCIS has made some advancements to their retrogression chart, the reality of long wait times due to retrogression remains a point of frustration for immigrant hopefuls. Not only is…

Alpha Global Biz offers an Argo Visa consultation as part of the services for EB3 unskilled immigration. This consultation is included in the Alpha Global costs, and connects clients with a former US consular officer through a face-to-face video call. The officer provides valuable insights and prepares applicants for their visa interviews,…

If you are a J-1 exchange visitor and wish to apply for an EB-3 visa, the rules of your J-1 visa will determine whether you can adjust your status or must apply abroad for consular processing. First, you must determine if the home residency requirement applies to you. The home…

Regardless of whether you are adjusting your status within the US or going through consular processing, early initiation is highly advantageous. For individuals adjusting status in the US, initiating the process promptly is crucial due to the requirement of maintaining a nonimmigrant visa status. Maintaining such a status can be…

There are hundreds of individuals and groups that are eager to take advantage of people looking to immigrate to the United States. At organizations like Alpha Global Biz, ethics matter. As the largest processor of EB-3 Unskilled visas, we can confidently identify what makes a Visa agency successful and worthwhile…

EB-3 Visas EB-3 visas are a better option for those in pursuit of fast processing, simple qualifications, and overall flexibility. The EB-3 visa category also offers a Green Card pathway, making it a great option for applicants personally seeking longevity and permanent immigration solutions for their dependents. Compared to other…

When one is considering their options to permanently immigrate to the U.S., the first two options they evaluate are often an employment based Green Card or a Family based Green Card. These two green card paths were created by the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990. If you don’t have…

Many international students begin to stress about their work options after graduation much before their American born counterparts. Why? Well, the common belief is that to stay in the United States after they graduate, international students must be sponsored for a job, either through OPT or through the H1B program.…

What to Expect as an EB3 Unskilled Worker You are a new Alpha Global Biz client – welcome! You are probably asking yourself, What can I expect as an EB-3 Unskilled Worker? First, some good news: you now have access to our entire support team. We will assist you through…

The terminology gets a little confusing here, so one of the key points to know is that the green card represents your visa, so how long it lasts is the same as a green card, because it’s a visa for permanent residence. The green card itself lasts for 10 years…

The process of immigrating to the United States is daunting. Navigating a highly complex foreign legal system with your future at stake can induce great levels of stress and anxiety. For this reason, many hopeful immigrants choose to go through an agency like Alpha Global Biz which provides support, connections,…

For many working in the USA on an EB3 Unskilled Visa, their prior education, work history, and hard work makes them prime candidates for promotion with their sponsoring employer. But the question often arises whether an EB3 Unskilled employee can accept promotion. Because, an EB3 worker is technically hired and…

You can apply for the EB-3 Unskilled Visa from any country. However, with Alpha Global Biz, you can apply from any country except China and India. Under American immigration laws, the number of permanent residences or “Green Cards” that can be issued per year is limited to only 140,000 for…

To determine eligibility, you must first ensure that you are not inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). There are numerous grounds of inadmissibility that can prevent a foreign national from gaining permission to enter or remain in the U.S. permanently. To determine your eligibility, register for an account,…

They do not affect your EB3 Unskilled Green Card process. This is because the B1/B2 category visas are business or tourism visas for those who do not intend to immigrate. Similarly, the F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the U.S. and study at…

Unauthorized Work Under the Immigration National Act (INA), an applicant will be barred from adjusting status if the applicant continues, accepts, engages, or has previously engaged in unauthorized employment prior to filing an application for an adjustment of status. INA 254(c)(2). This bar applies to all unauthorized work during the…

Often, potential visa applicants debate whether they should do an E-2 visa or an EB-3 unskilled visa. While both visas are popular, there are some differences. An E-2 visa is a treaty investor visa (based on economic agreements with the United States and a list of countries found here). The E-2…

This can be a confusing and complicated process but the Alpha Global Biz team is here to guide you throughout. We have various departments that will support you through the various stages of your EB3 process. To learn more on the EB3 process itself, please check out this blog. Sign Up…

Many employers have a difficult time finding applicants for certain unskilled and low skilled workers. The EB-3 Visa was meant to solve that. EB-3 refers to the fact that this visa category is the “3rd preference” of employment-based visas. Only a limited number of visas are available in each preference…

While it can be exciting to come study at university in the United States, many students end up wondering if there are any pathways available to stay in the USA after graduation. The EB-3 unskilled visa is a great option for students looking to adjust status and become a permanent…

Frequently asked questions by our Partner Employers Should we treat these EB3 employees differently than our typical US workers? No. Employees sponsored under the EB-3 Unskilled visa program are to be treated the same as any other U.S. worker at your organization. They have no special rights or privileges. What…

Process Timing Often immigrants considering EB3 for permanent migration to the United States are most concerned with timing: “How long will the process take?” There are several reasons to be concerned with timing, primarily in the case of dependents approaching the cut off age of 21 years old or the…

Being denied a US nonimmigrant visa, specifically under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), does not necessarily impact your ability to apply for an immigrant visa or the EB-3 Unskilled program. Here’s why: Different visa categories: Nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist visas (B-2) or temporary work visas…

If you are currently in the U.S. on a B status, it is unlikely that you will have enough time to start the Labor Certification process and complete the adjustment of status (AOS) from within the U.S. If you are not in the U.S. but have a B visa, an…

What is Consular Processing? What is Adjustment of Status? When pursuing a green card through the EB-3 Unskilled visa program, there are two main pathways: Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing. Adjustment of status is available to individuals who are already present in the United States under a nonimmigrant visa…

Although the EB3 visa has only three major categories (Professional, Skilled, and Unskilled), there are 23 total sub-categories under the EB3 visa. EW3 is the specific category for unskilled workers who are new arrivals. Other notable sub-categories include EW9 for spouses of EW3 holders, EW8 for unskilled workers adjusting status,…

Overview For most looking to emigrate to the United States, family and employment-based visas are the two primary options. Without family currently living in the United States, family-based immigration is not a practical possibility for many candidates. Employment-based visas offer more flexibility for those looking to establish life in the…

Waiting is difficult. Especially when it has to do with life altering matters. The EB3 process can be a long and difficult process requiring great patience. Certain pressure points can be especially difficult for employers and intending immigrants alike. Working with various governmental agencies that seem entirely indifferent to your…

There are four distinct groups of individuals who may be impacted by the retrogression of the EB-3 Unskilled (Other Workers) category. · Group 1: People who have LC approvals but I-485s have not been filed. o Filing I-485s before the retrogression takes place will allow the…

Can I adjust status via EB3 if I entered the United States without authorization? No. If you entered the U.S. without being inspected and admitted at an airport, or at a land border crossing station, you cannot adjust status (get a green card) from within the United States via the EB3…

All visas are at some level conditional. Your right to live in the US can be revoked at any time if you commit a serious enough crime. One particular scenario to avoid is committing workplace fraud, meaning that if an employer has sponsored your visa, that you are actually working…

We know how difficult it can be as you wait for your EB-3 case to be completed. Luckily, you can always check your case’s progress online to determine where in the process it is. Many of our clients find it useful to see what month’s applications are currently being processed…

For foreign nationals already in the United States, the EB3 process has two distinct phases: (1) Labor Certification; and (2) Employment-based visa / Adjustment of status. Labor Certification The Labor Certification phase is done through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and usually takes six to nine months from the…

No. You can search for employers who will sponsor immigrants for the EB-3 unskilled process through job databases, such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter. By doing so, you may be able to find an employer who is willing and able to sponsor you. But, because the process is highly detailed and…

The audit request and Request For Evidence (RFE) are normal parts of the immigration process and are no cause for fear. The story is a familiar one: You have planned for years on immigrating to the U.S. You have used up resources and spent months compiling documentation and completing forms…

EB3 Unskilled Visa jobs are all unskilled entry-level jobs. There is a variety of employers in different industries that can be part of the program. Common EB3 Unskilled jobs: Janitorial Services Manufacturing Construction Fast Food Dishwasher Production Helper Food Prep at a Restaurant Packaging Meat Processing and Packaging Alpha Global…

The EB3 Visa is often associated with immigration agencies and consultants, but can you do it alone? Technically yes, but practically no. To be eligible for the EB3 Unskilled Visa, you don’t need any particular degree requirements or job experience, but that doesn’t make this a simple or easy process…

So, when is the best time to start my application with Alpha Global Biz? Before you start you should ask yourself the most important question: Do I have the ability to afford the costs of the process? If yes, let’s move to the next few questions. Are you doing this…

While all immigrant visas are difficult to obtain given their limited numbers, some have less requirements than others. The EB-3 visa, in comparison to others, has less requirements. The United States makes approximately 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas available each fiscal year for aliens as well as their spouses and children…

EB-3 Qualifications Qualifications for the EB-3 unskilled visa category are minimal. You only need to be eligible to apply for a green card and be willing and able to work a full-time job that the United States Department of Labor has classified as unskilled. Eligible to apply for a green…

While Alpha Global Biz is committed to ensuring foreign nationals are placed with sponsors in need of labor, it cannot guarantee the issuance of a visa. Alpha Global Biz LLC is not a law firm and does not present itself as such. The hiring of any consultant, attorney, or employment…

Alpha Global EB-3 Unskilled Visa Employee FAQ PRE-HIRE FAQ’s 1. Do I need to contact my employer to notify them of approval of my Employment Authorization Document, I-140 petition, or I-485 Green Card? No. Alpha Global Biz serves as the point of contact for immigration issues and initial onboarding and…

Why EB3? Secondly, the EB based immigration programs are the most commonly used permanent migration programs in the US, other than family-based sponsorship. The US government established the EB3 program in 1990 when it passed the Immigration and Nationalization Act of 1990. Under the law, the government established 5 employment-based…

Guide to the Visa Bulletin and Retrogression Applying for a green card can be a long and difficult process. There can be long stretches of silence from the government, leaving an applicant wondering what is happening with their case and how much longer it will take. The State Department tries…

How to Get Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Key Steps for Visa Applicants Receiving work authorization from USCIS is a major milestone in the immigration process for many visa applicants. But like much of the immigration process, the way to obtain that elusive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can seem shrouded…

Many people seeking to immigrate are aware of immigration through family sponsorship or through highly skilled labor. However, many are unaware of the market and availability in unskilled labor. In the United States there is a great NEED for unskilled workers. This can be beneficial because it simplifies the process that is…

There is no such thing as an easy way to get a green card. However, some methods are more simple than others. The most common way to obtain a green card is through family members. The current wait for a spouse is about 23-32 months. For siblings, the wait is…

Having a Social Security Number Does Not Automatically Permit you to Work in the US Often, people in the US on non-immigrant visas, particularly F1 student visas, will obtain social security numbers through a University work program or Optional Professional Training (OPT). Many times, when these work permit programs expire,…

Would filing an I-140 void my B-1/B-2? No. filing the I-140 will not void your B/1/B-2 visa stamp or status. Would getting an I-140 approval void my B-1/B-2? No, obtaining an I-140 approval will not void your B/1/B-2 visa stamp or status. Can I enter the U.S. in B/1/B-2 status…

The most common ways to get a U.S. Green Card outside of the H1B lottery are the following: Family Sponsorship: You can be eligible to apply as an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen if you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, the unmarried child under the age of…

What happens once I get my Green Card? Gaining a Green Card can be a long, arduous path. When many clients of Alpha Global Biz obtain their Green Cards they feel a wave of emotions – relief, happiness, joy – but then other emotions arrive – anxiety and fear.…

Immigration has long been a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and consumer demand. The U.S. economy relies on immigrants to fill essential labor market gaps, particularly as the nation grapples with demographic and economic challenges. Understanding the EB-3 Visa Quota The current structure of…

Introduction to Consular Processing What is a visa? You need a valid visa to enter the U.S. With Alpha Global Biz you will be applying for an employment-based, EB-3 unskilled immigrant visa. What is the difference between non-immigrant and immigrant visas? A non-immigrant visa (such as an F-1 student visa or B-2…

Background The Visa Bulletin is issued every month by the Department of State. It shows which green card applications can be filed, and which filed applications are ready for green card issuance. Retrogression happens when there is an increase in demand, and the government must create a “cut-off” date for…

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued a temporary order to increase the automatic extension period for certain Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal applications. Please see below for an explanation of what this means, how it works, when the extension goes into effect, and why the government chose to…

EAD Holders Need to Report to Work Immediately Immigration attorneys and clients across the United States in all visa categories are reporting a surge of USCIS and Consular interview notices with short time frames for the interview. Our clients and others are reporting interview notices requiring them to interview within…

Why does USCIS constantly change their timelines and cause delays? USCIS’s timelines are constantly changing and foreign nationals across the board are seeing processing delays for various reasons. One of those reasons has been the sweeping changes as well as technical adjustments by the Trump Administration since 2017. The other…

On June 8, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on whether individuals could use their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to adjust status if they entered the country unlawfully. TPS is a temporary status given to eligible nationals of designated countries who are present in the United States. The status, afforded…

When COVID19 struck, it lead to a complete shutdown of international borders and, in many ways, the entire immigration process. USCIS officers who manage adjustment of status cases and Consular Officers who manage consular processing cases abroad could not go into work leading to a significant backlog of cases. U.S.…

We have been hopeful for what President Biden may do for immigrants as the new President of the United States. Last week, an immigration reform bill entered Congress. If this bill is passed, it would be a great win for immigration in the United States and the EB-3 Unskilled (Other…

How does the immigration plan affect non-immigrant visa holders, potential immigrants and “Dreamers? First, regarding the first provision of the outline dealing with border security, the White House is requesting $25 billion to build a “wall” and enhance border security. In reality, there are very few experts who believe the…

There’s Nothing Fair About the High-Skilled Fairness Act On July 10, the House quietly passed H.R. 1044, the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2019, a well-intentioned piece of bipartisan legislation aimed at resolving a legitimate problem: a decades-long backlog in the issuance of employment-based green cards for citizens…

Public Charge Update Last week, the Supreme Court announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can move forward with its final changes to the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The regulations are over 800 pages long and represent a vast expansion of the public charge ineligibility. SUMMARY/BOTTOM LINE: Do Not…

Dear Alpha Global Community, We understand that many of you have been closely watching the Visa Bulletin, and like us, you may have hoped for more forward movement in the EB-3 unskilled category for October 2024 due to the start of the new federal fiscal year. Unfortunately, this month’s bulletin…

The Biden Administration recently announced: “USCIS will increase the maximum validity period of initial and renewal Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to 5 years for certain noncitizens, including … applicants for … adjustment of status. The increased validity period will reduce the frequency with which noncitizens must file for to renew their…

Great news! Alpha Global is happy to announce that the EB-3 Unskilled category is eligible for green card filings in October 2022. USCIS confirmed that they will use the “Dates of Filing” Chart in the October 2022 Visa Bulletin, with a cutoff date of September 8, 2022. This cutoff date means that,…

On Tuesday, March 29th, the Biden Administration announced new efforts USCIS is taking aimed at addressing processing times and backlogs. As of February 2022, USCIS has a backlog of 9.5 million cases. EAD premium processing Premium processing, a paid service that speeds up the review and decision made on certain aspects…

Summary: Starting October 1, 2021, all applicants for green cards such as EB-3 unskilled will be required to obtain the full COVID-19 vaccination in order to get approval for their medical exam and obtain permanent residence, according to a new order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).…

Chris Richardson, Alpha Global Solution’s COO & General Counsel, has recently contributed to an Op-Ed published by The Hill titled, “Labor shortfall will become a labor crisis unless Biden acts on immigration”. Richardson discusses the impending labor crisis in the U.S. and highlights the importance of immigration in relieving this…

In his first week in office, President Joe Biden proposed a Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. Such a bill, in order to be enacted, would need to pass through Congress to become law. Unfortunately, due to the situation at the border, Congress is not taking up the bill as its become far…

COVID19 has taken the lives of over 540,000 Americans and over 27 million Americans suffered from COVID19. In April 2020, over 14 percent of the United States population was unemployed. It was the greatest surge in jobless in over 80 years. Even now nearly a year after the pandemic began, unemployment in the United…

Most people woke up this morning to learn that the United States government has shutdown do to a failure of Congress to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government. What does this mean? Certainly, the US government is not “shutdown” completely? It must have some money available to it…

The Trump administration announced a vast expansion of an immigration inadmissibility this week known as the “public charge.” The new rule, more than 800 pages long, creates stricter standards for applicants seeking legal permanent residency who use public benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps or housing assistance. In other words,…

As of May 31, a new rule requires everyone who is applying for a visa to travel to the United States to submit their social media information as part of their application. Because this change could affect an estimated 14 million visitors, and because it raises the specter of Big…

Dear valued Alpha Global clients: As you are all aware, President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week Wednesday limiting the issuance of immigration visas by U.S. Consulates and Embassies overseas for 60 days. The President states the order is needed to protect American jobs due to the coronavirus…

How the H-2B Visa Solves Seasonal Staffing Challenges for Hospitality Employers Finding and retaining a reliable workforce has become one of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and event venues across the U.S. are struggling with labor shortages, high turnover rates, and seasonal demand fluctuations—all of…

Religious Accommodation: Our partner employers take religious accommodation requests seriously. However, many employers operate as a 7-days-a-week company and cannot fulfill every accommodation request because this would create a substantial burden on their business. Under American law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) and by the government…

Navigating Trump’s 2025 Immigration Executive Orders: Implications for U.S.Employers of Foreign Nationals In January, President Donald Trump enacted a series of executive orders aimed at strengthening border security and intensifying the enforcement of existing immigration laws. These directives primarily target undocumented immigration, with measures such as enhanced border fortifications…

First and foremost, while the EB-3 program is a viable hiring option for an increasing number of U.S. organizations, it is not the answer for companies looking for a quick fix to filling unskilled jobs. The process can be a lengthy one, taking months and in some cases years from…

Alpha Global Biz does not function exclusively as an employment agency nor an immigration agency, but it does, however, possess qualities from both types of organizations. Alpha Global sits at the unique intersection of workforce development and immigration consultancy, supplying American business owners with an untapped labor pool of eligible…

Alpha Global is a unique company that provides legal expertise, immigrant perspective, and an extensive network to their clients. Alpha Global combines three major assets that make them the gold standard as specialists in the EB3 visa: 1. Expert Experience: The people who make up Alpha Global Biz represent hundreds…

This former client shares their story and immigration process with us. Read about their experience below: “My family and I are from Brazil, and we are Alpha Global clients. I’m here to share a bit of our story and hopefully encourage others who have a dream to fight for it.…

GREENVILLE, S.C. — November 04, 2021 — Alpha Global Biz, a tech-enabled, turnkey provider of employment-based immigration services to foreign nationals and employers whose solutions help resolve labor shortages across the United States, today announced that New York-based Astara Capital Partners, LLC, a middle-market private equity firm, has acquired a majority…

My husband and I did the EB3 visa process through consular processing. We had been trying to move to the US legally for several years. When we began researching on US immigration, we didn’t know anything about the EB3 visa. The only way we found to immigrate was through E2…

2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges, but for Alpha Global Biz, it was also a year of unprecedented achievements. Despite the closure of U.S. Embassies and Consulates due to the pandemic, visa retrogression which delayed the issuance of work permits and Green Cards for most of the year, and…

Alpha Global Biz Donates 1000 KN95 Masks to Greenville SC Public Transportation GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – Several non-profits and local businesses joined together to provide 1,000 masks to Greenlink. If you get on a bus, you will receive a mask while supplies last. Masks aren’t required, but they…

What a year 2022 has given all of us here at Alpha Global Biz, our foreign national clients, and our employer sponsors. It was a year of great successes and growth, but also a year of significant delays by the Department of Labor. The 2022 numbers speak for themselves……

At Alpha Global Biz, we believe community is more than individuals sharing a physical location. Community is developed by people pursuing their purpose, sharing common interests, and striving to accomplish goals. With intention and purpose, we receive support from supporters around the globe from individuals that believe in our work…

Effects of COVID-19 in the Immigration Process Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States suffered various setbacks with regard to the immigration process. At the on-set of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. enacted a travel ban on international visitors for over 30 countries. In addition to the travel bans,…

Alpha Global Biz places a great deal of energy and effort in being trustworthy. We are extremely transparent with all of our clients throughout the process. We will never guarantee you a Green Card, because that is not only impossible, but if anyone is guaranteeing Green Card approvals, that should be…

Tom Kilby joins Alpha Global Biz as Business Development Manager Greenville, SC– Alpha Global Biz announces the appointment of Tom Kilby as Business Development Manager. Kilby will be identifying opportunities with employers regionally and nationally experiencing labor shortages in entry-level positions that could be taking advantage of Alpha Global services.…

Alpha Global Biz announces the appointment of Christopher Richardson as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer. Richardson is a former U.S. Diplomat for the U.S. Department of State with experience in immigration law, consular affairs, foreign affairs, public diplomacy and strategic communication. He has served as American Citizen Services Chief,…

Every four years, the U.S. holds a presidential election, a cornerstone of American democracy. During this time, citizens head to the polls to cast their votes for the candidate they believe should lead the country. While the process can seem complex, understanding how the U.S. elects its president and what…

On January 21st, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as President. Below are some changes we can expect that might affect EB-3 Unskilled Visa applicants: End of all Employment-Based Visa In-Person Interviews (only in extreme circumstances): Prior to the Trump Administration, it was rare that for an EB-3…

Moving to the United States is a dream for many immigrants, offering the promise of new opportunities, diverse cultures, and a better quality of life. One of the most crucial factors to consider before making the move is the cost of living in your potential new home. From rent and…