New Department of State Visa Extension Program
The Department of State will soon allow H-1B and L-1 visas to be renewed by mail
(rather than the applicant having to go to an American consulate abroad to seek a new
visa stamp). (A similar program existed many years ago,). H-1B and L-1 applicants will
still need a valid USCIS approved petition. The program is expected to begin this year.
It is hoped the system will be extended for E-2, O-1 and other visas.

New Program to Issue ADIT Stamps by Mail
USCIS recently announced that they are working on a new program to issue Alien
Documentation, Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) (green card temporary)
stamps by mail. Under this new program, applicants will receive an ADIT stamp, with
their picture on Form I-94, valid for one year. At present this program is only in Boston,
but we expect it to roll out nationwide (timing to be determined). ADIT stamps issued
through this program will be valid for one year.

The expectation is that the new form of ID will be eligible for use for Form I-9
(employment eligibility) purposes. However, we have not seen clear instructions on this
from USCIS.

Lawler & Lawler is keeping a close eye on both of these new programs, and we will post
any new information to our website as it becomes available.