DOL Resource Page on H-2A and H-2B Forms Update

The Office of Management and Budget has approved the Department's request to extend the ETA Form 9142, Appendices A.2 and B.1 and associated instructions which were previously set to expire on April 30, 2012. The new expiration date for these forms is October 31, 2012.

As of the date of this announcement, future H-2A applications should be filed using the extended ETA Form 9142 and Appendix A.2 which reflect the October 31, 2012 expiration date.

"Lab to Market" Seminars to Encourage Fulbright Foreign Students to Address Global Challenges

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will host the first of two "From Lab to Market" Enrichment Seminars for Fulbright foreign students in Cambridge, Massachusetts, May 15-19. The seminar will bring together 66 Fulbrighters from 45 countries who are pursuing graduate studies in science and technology fields at American colleges and universities, and will focus on how public health advances can be translated into accessible, global technologies.

USC sponsoring mother's GC

Question details

I am a US citizen and I am filling up forms for my mother's GC. She is currently in US on a visitor's Visa. There are a few issues
1. My last name and my Mom's last name is a bit different - thanks to my school which goofed it up. They are phonetically similar though. Will it cause any issues when applying?
2. I am trying to get a non-availability of Birth certificate from India. But I am running into brick walls. How important will it be in the GC application process?
3. After I file the GC papers will my Mom be able to stay beyond her current I-94 dates.

1. Names are phonetically spelled. So, I do not think this is any problem.
2. VERY important.
3. Yes.

Returning to US from India, after a gap of 3 years

Question details

My mother is a green card holder (based on me as an US citizen) and has been living in India for last 3 years as she was working in India and just got retired. She is planning to return to US permanently now. We did not know reentry permit requirements before. Does she need to apply for Returning Resident Visa? If it affects adversely what are other common reasons that can be given as an excuse for long outside US stay?

She should apply for RR (also known as SB-1) visa. Lose the idea of an "excuse." Nothing but the truth. My GUESS is, you are better off surrendering her green card and reapplying.

F-2 to H-4 Visa

Question details

I am on F-2 visa and it is valid up to 1 July 2012. My wife already filed H-1B in Apr 1st week.I am also planning to file my H-1B. So can I directly apply H-1B or fist apply H-4 and then after apply H-1B. How will it work?

If you are subject to H-1 quota, to get status within USA, you must maintain status till September 30. So, it appears you may have to apply for H-4 as well as H-1. Your lawyers can help you figure out the timing. Applying for H-4 now should not be an issue. But move quickly. You can file for H-4 online. Fairly easy.

Family Based F4 GC

Question details

Currently on my third year of H1B visa. If my sibling were to begin a family based F4 GC petition for me now, and the priority date is 12 years away, is there any way for me to continue to stay in the US until the GC is approved after I have used up my 6 years maximum of H1B? Are there any extensions possible based on the pending GC application? Or do I have to go back to India after the 6 years of H1B and wait there until the GC is approved?
Also, I should add that the above scenario is assuming that I don't have an employer-sponsored GC petition.

Unfortunately, the law does not permit you to wait the 12 years in USA just because you have a GC pending. No H-1B extensions are available on this basis. You will have to wait outside USA. Of course, you can come back on H-1 once you have reset the time by staying outside for one year. By the way, it is permissible for a person to apply for green cards through multiple categories simultaneously.

The United States and Canada Announce Plans to Increase NEXUS Benefits

(Tuesday, May 08, 2012)

Washington— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today they are delivering on key commitments under the U.S.-Canada Beyond the Border Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness—increasing benefits to NEXUS members, streamlining the NEXUS membership renewal process and launching a plan to increase NEXUS membership. ( NEXUS Program )