Author: FarAwayJobs
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new policy guidance that significantly changes how officers exercise discretion when reviewing immigration benefit requests. The updates, effective immediately, place a sharp focus on applicants’ past conduct, including social media activity, and make it clear that anti-American or antisemitic behavior will be treated as a serious negative factor. What Has Changed About This Policy? The USCIS Policy Manual has been updated to address a few different areas: Discretionary Decisions: Officers must now weigh evidence of anti-American activity, antisemitism, or support for terrorist organizations more heavily when considering applications. Social Media Vetting: USCIS…
6 Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in Greece? We recently caught up with Taylor from Rowan University, who did a study abroad program in the mythological city of Athens during the spring semester. Discover how Taylor’s experience with AIFS Abroad helped her expand her academic perspective and make meaningful friendships abroad! College student Taylor shares a day in her life studying abroad in Athens, Greece Choosing Where to Study Abroad With so many amazing study abroad destinations offered by AIFS Abroad, it can be hard to choose just one location! Here’s why Taylor chose to study abroad in Athens: “I…
Sponsoring a foreign worker through the PERM labor certification process can be a crucial step toward permanent residency in the United States. But when that foreign worker is related to the business owner or someone in a position of authority, the case becomes far more complicated. Filing a PERM for a family member isn’t illegal, but it carries heightened scrutiny, audit risk, and potential denial if not appropriately handled. Here’s what U.S. employers need to know before moving forward. What Is PERM and Why Does Relationship Matter? PERM, short for Program Electronic Review Management, is the U.S. Department of Labor’s…
12 Spain is a beautiful country home to diverse cultures and landscapes—from beachside cities in Catalonia like Barcelona to Andalusian communities nestled among the Sierra Nevada Mountains like Granada. Study abroad programs in Spain offer something for everybody, regardless of your personal and academic preferences. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad offers study abroad programs across Spain, including Barcelona, Salamanca, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and Granada, so you can choose a city and program that best fits your needs and enjoy an unforgettable global education experience. Want to learn more about what it’s really like to study abroad in Spain? Hear from six college students who did a study…
At Berardi Immigration Law, we’re passionate about helping extraordinary talent find their stage, even when the path is anything but straightforward. Today, we’re sharing two inspiring O-1B success stories featuring Ukrainian dancers whose journeys to the U.S. were shaped by war, resilience, and unwavering determination. Story 1: Ukrainian Dancer Finds Safety & Opportunity, Without Leaving the U.S. From Humanitarian Parole to O-1B Status One of our clients, a talented Ukrainian dancer, originally entered the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) humanitarian parole program. As conditions in Ukraine continued to worsen, he applied for and received Temporary Protected Status…
22 While Western European study abroad destinations are incredibly popular, Central and Eastern Europe deserve just as much attention for the one-of-a-kind (and often overlooked) experiences they offer. These regions boast unique cultural traditions, jaw-dropping landscapes, and convenient access to the rest of the continent. Studying abroad in a Central and Eastern European country can also open doors to various industries and specialized fields, making it a strong choice for academic growth and professional development. Below, we’ll go over some of the top countries in Central and Eastern Europe to study abroad. Discover four top Central and Eastern European study…
If you’re eyeing the U.S. job market through the lens of an H‑1B visa, you’ve probably heard the buzz: the Trump administration is eyeing a major overhaul of the H‑1B visa allocation process. What’s Actually Changing About H-1B Visas? On August 8, 2025, the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) gave a nod to a proposed rule shift away from the traditional lottery system toward a wage-based selection model for H‑1B visas. The punchline? The higher the salary offered, the better your odds of being granted a permit. This turns the once-randomized chance into what critics are…
17 International education experiences like study abroad and exchange programs offer students incredible opportunities to advance their degree and gain global experience while they explore a new culture. Though both types of programs allow students to go to another country and study at a foreign university, there are key differences in how study abroad and exchange programs approach academics, student support, and cultural experiences. Learning what sets these programs apart will help you decide which path is best suited to your academic and personal preferences—so let’s dive in! Choose your international education experience—discover the differences between study abroad and exchange…
7 Studying abroad is an experience of personal and academic growth like no other—allowing you to earn credits toward your degree while you explore a new corner of the world and immerse yourself in an exciting culture. The benefits of studying abroad are numerous, but there are many factors to consider and questions to answer, such as, “When is the right time to study abroad?” Below, we’ll guide you through this question and help you decide when a study abroad program is best for you. Now’s the time to map out your study abroad adventure—read on to learn about your…
5 Shaped by generations of rich musical, literary, and artistic heritage, the Czech Republic offers an inspiring backdrop for your study abroad experience. It’s also home to a strong academic tradition going back centuries, thanks to renowned institutions like Charles University, one of the oldest universities in the world. With AIFS Abroad, you can study abroad in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, earn academic credit at a respected university, and grow your international network in one unforgettable experience. Ready to learn more about what it’s really like to study abroad in the Czech Republic? Hear from four college…