Latest News

NSC Updates - 06/24/09

I-485 pending cases and procedure to expedite the name check

In cases where I-485 cases are still pending for FBI background checks and if the checks have been pending more than 180 days then there is a procedure to expedite the name check. Contacting the NSC’s congressional liaison and advising them when the name check is cleared will help unless there are no other reasons why the case is being held as sometimes the cases are held back for other security processing.

 

USCIS Announces to Resume Premium Processing Service for Form I-140

USCIS announced that effective June 29, 2009, it will resume Premium Processing Service for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(f)(2).

After an evaluation of its I-140 backlog reduction efforts and increased I-140 adjudicative efficiencies, USCIS has concluded that it is now able to provide Premium Process Service for this benefit.

USCIS Issues Guidance Memorandum on EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

USCIS issued a guidance memorandum that provides USCIS adjudication officers with instructions related to the timing of job creation and the meaning of “full-time” positions in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

The guidance memorandum update to the Adjudicator’s Field Manual (AFM), clarifies that for purposes of the Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur (Form I-526) adjudication and the job creation requirements, USCIS will consider the two-year period to begin six months after the adjudication of the Form I-526.
For details check the attachment.

CBP Issues Fact Sheet on Automatic Visa Revalidation

CBP issued Fact Sheet offering guidance on automatic revalidation for F-1, J-1 and M-1 nonimmigrants. Pursuant to 22 CFR 4 1.1 12 and 8 CFR 214.1 automatic revalidation applies to expired nonimmigrant visas of aliens who have been out of the U.S. for thirty days or less in contiguous territory (Canada and Mexico).

For Fact Sheet please check the attachment.

DOL FAQs on Suspension of H-2A Final Rule

The Suspension will be effective on June 29, 2009. As of that date, the regulations previously in effect as of January 2009, published in the May 29 Federal Register, will be in effect for a period of no more than 9 months. The Department has published concurrently the Adverse Effect Wage Rates and meal charges for 2009, to be used in conjunction with the reinstated regulations.

For the Final Suspension Notice as published in the Federal Register and for FAQs on the Final Suspension Notice, see the attachments.

 

TSC Update – 06/03/09

Internal procedure by which Motion to Re-open, Motion to Reconsider or Appeal is handled  

Presently at the USCIS TSC the officer that issued the denial generally adjudicates the MTR. But this system will slowly change. The denial of the MTR will be reviewed by a supervisor. An appeal filed under 8 C.F.R. § 103.3  will always be first considered as an MTR.
Be sure to submit the supporting documentation along with the I-290B. If the center considers its decision as correct it  will forward he appeal  to the AAO.