Re-entry with B-1 Visa

Question details

I am a UK resident and currently have a B1 visa with 7 years to run. When I enter the US via LAX they always stamp my passport and issue the I-94 card for 12 months. We always leave before the date given. Question - do we have to go back to the UK (our country of origin) or could we go to Canada for a week and then re-enter the US?

You can go to a third country, but your entry back into USA can be declined if CBP believes you are spending more time in USA than you should. Typically, B visas are for brief visits (may be six months or less in a 12-24 month period).

J-1 extension beyond 5 years

Question details

My J-1 at Cornell Psychology Department expired on Aug 31 2011 after 5 years. Currently I'm spending my grace period. I'm exempt from the 2 years rule. I was wondering if it could be further extended. If not, would it be possible for my department to issue a new DS-2019 (J1) instead? I have only been working here for about a year and have been at a different university before.

Extension is possible only if the program rules permit it. The worst case scenario in extension or new 2019 as I see it can be only that you have to go get a new via stamp.

Father filing an I-130

Question details

My US citizen father is filing an I-130 for me; will my husband automatically be accepted at the same time as me if I get accepted?

Your father does not have to file a separate application for your husband. In the various papers you get from the consulate and the National Visa Center, you can indicate that he is getting his green card with you.

USCIS Announces Exhaustion Of U Visa Quota For FY2011

Released Sept. 19, 2011

WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to provide relief to victims of crimes, has for the second straight year approved 10,000 petitions for U nonimmigrant status, also referred to as the U-visa.

On an annual basis, 10,000 U-visas are set aside for victims of crime who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse and are willing to help law enforcement authorities investigate or prosecute crime.