USCIS Publishes Improved Forms in Easier-To-Use Format
USCIS published improved forms in easier-to-use formats and with new data collection technologies:
USCIS published improved forms in easier-to-use formats and with new data collection technologies:
USCIS has launched a new Form Improvements Initiative Web page which explains the types of improvements in the initiative, introduces recently published and upcoming forms, and links to each form’s landing Web page. You’ll also find information related to form improvement initiatives, including enhanced Web content (i.e., posting filing addresses and detailed fee information on form landing pages) and filing reminders.
AAO Processing Times as of February 1, 2013 |
|||
Time |
Case Type |
||
I - 129 CW |
CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker |
Current |
|
I - 129 F |
USCIS will conduct system maintenance on Thursday, Feb. 7, 11 p.m. to Friday, Feb. 8, 5 a.m. EST.
During this time, the following on-line tools will be unavailable:
For immediate change of address needs during the outage, we suggest you submit the form manually.
What is the SEVIS Form I-20?
Foreign exchange students will receive a Form I-20 from the DSO of the educational institution that accepted the student to study in the United States. That student must have a Form I-20 to apply for a visa, to enter the United States, and to apply for benefits.
Is a Form I-20 valid without a stamp?
Yes. A stamp is not required on the Form I-20. Some state and federal agencies require foreign students to present a Form I-20 to identify the end date for the student’s program. However, a stamp is not required for this purpose.
How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect work authorization?
A student should have no negative impact on off-campus employment if s/he has the USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document and a Form I-20.
How will an unstamped Form I-20 affect applying for state or federal benefits?
An unstamped Form I-20 should have no negative impact on applications for state or federal benefits, including driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards. USCIS is actively communicating with Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) to ensure their understanding that a Form I-20 does not require a stamp to be valid.
What is an endorsed Form I-20?
The Form I-20 is endorsed when it is signed by a DSO, which allows the student to travel internationally or apply for employment authorization.
How does USCIS ELIS handle the Forms I-20 and DS-2019?
USCIS will accept a photocopy or scanned electronic version of a valid Form I-20 or DS-2019. If USCIS needs to review the original document, USCIS will ask you to provide the original document. USCIS will adjudicate the request electronically. Although the student will receive the approval notice (Form I-797) through the mail, the scanned copy of the Form I-20 will not be stamped and returned. As of Aug. 10, 2012, U.S.
The Department of Labor has posted new FAQs for the H-2A program. Topics include signatures, job preferences, and fees. These FAQs are available here.
On January 8, 2013, the Department published a notice in the Federal Register establishing new 2013 prevailing wage rates for certain occupations processed under H-2A special procedures, including for sheepherding/goatherding and open range production of livestock occupations which became effective immediately. See, 78 FR 1260 (Jan. 8, 2013). The Department is hereby updating prevailing wage rates for these occupations that must be offered and paid in certain states effective as of January 8, 2013.
My interview was scheduled on 09/21/2012, went into the USCIS office 20 mins before appointment. I waited ~40 min after the appointment time passed and was interviewed by an officer. The officer was polite. I was asked almost all questions on my submitted N-400 and then wrote/read English sentence. After answering 6 civic questions correctly, I was told I passed the interview.
I finally had my oath ceremony today at Cadman Plaza US District Court, Brooklyn.
Hi Everyone,It's been a while, but I felt the need to share my naturalization time line and interview experience. My recipet notice was received and/or dated approximately May 16th 2012 and I received a preliminary interview notice letter advising that I should bring to my interview my state issued ID card and certified copies of my arrest. I am not sure when I received the actual interview letter, but maybe three weeks before my interview date which was sceduled for June 21st, 2012 at 3opm at Federal Plaza.
Number 54
Volume IX
Washington, D.C.
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
you wish to appear as an attorney or accredited representative ("representative") before USCIS for an applicant who has already filed his/her benefit request in USCIS ELIS, you must take the following steps:
The Department of Labor has posted new FAQs for the H-2A program. Topics include custom combine activities, housing inspections, filing an application, rates of pay, reimbursable costs, surety bonds, and recruitment.
These FAQs are available here.
On February 11, 2013, USCIS published a revised Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, with an edition date of 1/03/2013. USCIS will accept older editions for 60 days. Beginning April 12, 2013, USCIS will only accept the 1/03/2013 edition.
There is now a single filing address for this form. Customers filing Form N-470 must now mail them to the Dallas Lockbox facility. The new centralized filing location will streamline intake functions, enhancing customer service and improving operational efficiency.
My passport is getting expired shortly and I need to renew it as my visa has the maiden name. I wish to change the last name in visa. What is the procedure to change the last name?
As far as I know, you will have to apply for a visa again. To change the name on a U.S. visa that has already been issued requires a new application. But if you carry your old passport (which has the old visa), with the new passport and your marriage certificate, you should be allowed entry.
Hi, It was an immense pleasure and fortune to have sought advice from Rajiv Sir and I am looking forward to transfer my case to them for conversion of my category from EB3 To EB2. Mr.Rajiv has definitely got a sound base of knowledge combined with skills realted to immigration issues.I am so hopeful and optimistic about my case as I know I will be in right & trusted hands.Thanks for your sincere advice.
USCIS celebrates Presidents’ Day by welcoming thousands of new citizens in special naturalization ceremonies across the nation.
For the list of highlighted ceremonies please click here
On February 28, 2013, USCIS will disable the alternative legacy online filing channel for Form I-539 and offer customers the option to:
Following the launch of our paperless electronic immigration system, USCIS ELIS, we offered customers three ways to file the Form I-539. Since then, USCIS has improved USCIS ELIS and consolidated its filing methods.
What a relief to finally get our GC approved!! Rajiv and his team have been absolutely fabulous - a special shout out to Heather and to Mark who have helped to me to maintain some sanity throughout this process!! Thanks everyone!!!