DOL Publishes Updated Factsheet for Quarter 3 FY 2013
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification has posted updated program factsheets containing the Quarter 3 FY 2013 selected statistics for the Permanent Labor Certification Program,
Expedited Appointments for Applicants
Question details
In terms of scheduling an interview, are there any special considerations in consideration of an expedited appointment?
According to the State Department they will typically grant expedited appointments to applicants who wish to go for funerals, family visits in medical emergencies, emergency medical treatment, the start of a school term, or important business travel. All requests are submitted through a form on the website. The center responds to all requests within 24 hours.
USCIS Form Improvements Initiative
Easy-to-Use Formats: We are publishing many of our forms in a 2-column, Adobe fillable format. When completed electronically, this format restricts incorrect entries and provides informational pop-up boxes to assist customers.
User-Friendly Look and Feel: We have improved several of our naturalization forms to include clear and comprehensive instructions in plain language.
Applicant Accompanied by a Third Party for an Interview
Question details
May a third party (spouse, sponsor, etc.) accompany an applicant to an interview for a Nonimmigrant or Immigrant Visa?
The State Department says that on the Immigrant Visa side, the petitioner may accompany the beneficiary if a petitioner is in the Consulate city at the time of the interview. The interviewing officer will speak to the petitioner only if he/she determines it is necessary to assess the case. Applicants under 17 years old MUST be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian on the Nonimmigrant Visa side.
PERM Processing Times (as of 07/1/2013)
PERM Processing Times (as of July 1, 2013)
| Processing Queue | Priority Dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Month | Year | |
| Analyst Reviews | ||
Green Card
Immigration Law
USCIS Releases Employee Tentative Nonconfirmation Email Notification (TNC)
A Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC) is issued if there is a record mismatch that needs to be resolved before the employee can be confirmed as work authorized. On July 1, 2013, E-Verify announced a new customer service enhancement that will allow email notification to employees of a TNC at the same time it notifies the employer.
Bangkok’s Local Policy on Issuing B Visas
Question details
1. Describe Bangkok’s local policy on issuing B visas.
2. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudications for pregnant mothers who wish to give birth in the U.S.?
3. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudication for dependent parents?
4. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudication for domestic employees?
5. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudication for cohabitating partners of NIV (nonimmigrant visa applicant) or USC (U.S. citizen)?
1. Bangkok does not have any “policy” on evaluating B-1/B2 visa applications other than the approaches outlined in 9 FAM. Each case is treated individually and is decided based on the personal interview.
H-1B Amendment
Question details
My work location had changed and my employer had filed an H-1B amendment. Now I am moving back to the original location, which was filed in the first H-1B petition. Is there anything that needs to be done?
All H-1Bs are employment, employer and location specific. Therefore, it is necessary that an H-1B amendment be filed with USCIS if there is any change of location.
USCIS Redesigns Special Certificate of Naturalization and Certificates of Citizenship
On Aug. 5, USCIS will start issuing redesigned certificates including:
- Form N-578, Special Certificate of Naturalization;
- Form N-645, Certificate of Citizenship (Posthumous);
- Form N-645A, Certificate of Citizenship (Posthumous).
The redesigned certificates feature state-of-the-art technology to deter counterfeiting, prevent tampering, and allow for quick and accurate authentication.
H-1 to H-4
Question details
My spouse and I work for the same IT company. My spouse who is on H-1B visa is already in the US and my H-1B is under process, hoping to get it stamped latest by October 13th. I plan to quit my current job after stamping is over(may be in Oct13) and join my spouse on dependent visa (H-4).
1) When I apply for H-4, will my H-1B be valid or my company will cancel my H-1B?
2) Assuming H-1B still remains valid after my H-4, can I apply for change of status to H-1 later and search for jobs while on H-4?
3) How long does it take for change of status from H-4 to H-1?
1. H-1 cancellation (revocation) is not automatic, but the company would have to be extremely ill-informed not to revoke the H-1. They must.
2. You can revert back to H-1 from H-4. You will not be subject to quota.
3. The same time as a new H-1. Apply premium if in a hurry.