Evaluation of Foreign Degrees for Green Cards

Question details

What is USCIS’s policy on using evaluations of foreign degrees for Green Card purposes?

USCIS has verified that the education evaluation system that it regularly uses to evaluate the equivalency of foreign degrees to a US degree is the AACRAO EDGE database (edge.aacrao.org/). While alternate education evaluations can be submitted to USCIS, they must be documented with evidence as to why the alternate evaluation should be considered instead of the EDGE evaluation.

Request Number in the visa appointment site - Explanation from State Department

Question details

When using the new visa appointment site, what should my client list in the mandatory field that asks for the "Request Number"?

When a visa applicant sets up a user account in the appointment system, an 8-digit identifying number is assigned to the applicant. When logged into the appointment system, this "Request Number" appears in white against a red background in the upper right hand corner of the screen in parentheses after the applicant's e-mail address:

USCIS Reminds Individuals Affected by Hurricane Sandy of Temporary Immigration Relief Measures

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds customers affected by Hurricane Sandy of certain U.S. immigration benefits or relief that may be available to them.
USCIS understands that a natural disaster can affect an individual’s ability to maintain lawful immigration status or obtain certain other immigration benefits. Eligible individuals may request or apply for temporary relief measures, including:

DHS Issues Information On How To File Complaints Against Its Agencies, Including USCIS And ICE

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has many avenues for the public to make complaints involving DHS employees or programs, alleged violations of civil rights and civil liberties, immigration filing, travel redress, and other types of grievances. This guide brings together information about these avenues.

Please check attachment.

State Dept. Final Rule Repealing Regulations on Consular Role in Marriages

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 209 (Monday, October 29, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65477-65478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26554]

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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

22 CFR Part 52

[Public Notice 8074]

RIN 1400-AD27

Repeal of Regulations on Marriages

AGENCY: Department of State.

ACTION: Final rule.

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2014 H-1B Quota

Question details

I will be completing my Bachelor's Degree in August 2013. Am I eligible to apply to submit my petition on April 1, 2013, for the 2014 H-1B quota?

All requirements towards the Bachelor’s Degree must have been met at the time of submitting the H-1B petition to USCIS.

Time Frame for H-1B petition

Question details

If I do not file my petition using premium processing, how long will it be before I receive a decision from USCIS?

For an H-1B petition filed not using premium processing, it can take from two to six months before a decision is received from USCIS.

Premium Processing for R-1

Question details

Will I be able to file my R-1 petition using premium processing?

Premium Processing will be permitted only for those petitioners who have previously completed a successful on-site inspection at the location where the beneficiary will be employed.

USCIS Creates Controversy Over Tenant-Occupancy Economic Model

 

USCIS created a new controversy in the EB-5 immigrant investor world when it released a memorandum on February 17, 2012, concerning what it calls the “tenant-occupancy” economic methodology. On May 8, 2012, USCIS provided guidance on what deference it would give prior EB-5 adjudications that involved tenant-occupancy issues:

Please click here for the Guidance