Guestbook Entry for Sethuraman Sankaranarayanan, United States
Name
Sethuraman Sankaranarayanan
Country
United States
State
NJ
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Guestbook Entry for Anil Kowatra, United States
Name
Anil Kowatra
Country
United States
State
MD
Comment
Thanks to Rajiv and his efficient & prompt legal team for excellent dedicated service. My GC process was started in April 1999 and completed on Jan 23, 2001. The whole process went thru smoothly without any complication. I highly recommend this group to anyone who has immigration related issues.
Guestbook Entry for Venkat, United States
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Venkat
Country
United States
State
NY
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Rajiv, Leila, Diane, Suman and Fidelina have done an excellent job. They're all very responsible and cooperative.
Guestbook Entry for Pratik Sheth, United States
Name
Pratik Sheth
Country
United States
State
NC
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very proffesional firm quick resposnse from Rajiv Khanna all the time
Visa Bulletin For August 2021
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
For more on the visa bulletin click the link below:
Can Student Visa Holders Apply for a Green Card?
This article was submitted to and published in The Economic Times.
Link to Rajiv's Author Page in The Economic Times.
08 July 2021: Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Discussion Topics, Thursday, July 08, 2021:
FAQ: I-140 Employment Authorization (EAD) in Compelling Circumstances || Criminal Charges in Immigration - Domestic Violence Laws and Risk in Applying for I-485
I-140 Employment Authorization (EAD) in Compelling Circumstances
Question details
I had applied for the compelling circumstances EAD as i140 beneficiary when I lost my H1 job past July from info. thru these calls and our discussion. I found a new H1 job eventually in the grace period that H1 got approved later in Dec 2020.
Now after long wait, USCIS sent me biometrics appt. letter to go to ASC for fingerprints for this EAD. My question-
- Since it appears USCIS wants to proceed with this compelling EAD despite the fact they have approved H1 in Dec. itself, should I go for biometrics to get this EAD?
- If yes, is it fine to work elsewhere using that EAD(may be part time) while maintaining my H1 status thru current H1 job, or I got to pick one of the two? leaving my current H1 job will make me ineligible for i485 filing (in case my priority date may become current in another year) as that EAD is no H1 status right?
- Or should I not go for this EAD/biometrics at this point at all? do I need to inform USCIS anything?
FAQ Transcript
In my opinion withdraw your Compelling Circumstances EAD. I think it's both inappropriate and useless for you as far as I can tell. More...
Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, this is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
Criminal Charges in Immigration - Domestic Violence Laws and Risk in Applying for I-485
Question details
I had a domestic violence charge that got dismissed in pre-trial.
Soon after the incident occurred my attorney asked me to get 4-5 anger management classes as that would increase the chances of my case getting dismissed but said the court never asked/mandated the classes.
And he also said the prosecutor elected to dismiss the case due to lack of evidence and because he was satisfied that I completed anger management counseling sessions.
I've a few questions around this:
1) When I apply for I-485, will this situation be treated as Conviction by Immig Officer thouse the case was dismissed in pre-trial?
2) Can I be deported for this when I file for I-485? Am I risking by applying for I-485?
3) The court did not give a separate disposition letter (disposition is in the Criminal Complaint itself). We drafted a letter explaining the charges against me and the outcome of the case and took stamp, seal along with Clerk's signature from the court.
When I file my 485 will this letter be enough as a proof to the Immig Officer that my case was dismissed?
Or do I need to submit the entire docket?
FAQ Transcript
I would like your case to be assessed by a local immigration lawyer who does deportation cases, they usually know this area of the law fairly well. More...
Note: Where transcribed from audio/video, this is a verbatim transcript of the referenced audio/video media delivered as oral communication, and, therefore, may not conform to written grammatical or syntactical form.
Visa Bulletin For August 2021
Number 56
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Applicants for Change of Status to F-1 Student No Longer Need to Submit Subsequent Applications to ‘Bridge the Gap’
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending.
F-1 students no longer need to file bridge petitions - USCIS policy change on COS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today new policy guidance that eliminates the need for individuals who have applied for a change of status (COS) to F-1 student to apply to change or extend their nonimmigrant status while their initial F-1 COS application is pending.
Filing Location Updates for Certain Forms I-131
On July 22, USCIS adjusted the addresses for certain applicants filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. USCIS has not changed any filing locations but have refined attention lines and ZIP codes to improve internal processes at the lockboxes. This address update affects:
22 July 2021: Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Green Card
Discussion Topics, Thursday, July 22, 2021:
F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students obtain settlement in Li v USCIS case
The following settlement was reached in Li v. USCIS in favor of the OPT and STEM OPT applicant students suffering from delays and rejections:
USCIS Conducts Second Random Selection from Previously Submitted FY 2022 H-1B Cap Registrations
In March 2021, USCIS conducted an initial random selection on properly submitted electronic registrations for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 H-1B cap, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption.
Visa Bulletin For August 2024
Number 92
Volume X
Washington, D.C
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS FOR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT VISAS
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers during August for: “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
PERM Processing Times (as of 07/01/2024)
| Processing Queue | Priority Date |
|---|---|
| Analyst Review | June 2023 |
| Audit Review | December 2022 |
| Reconsideration Request to the CO | September 2023 |
Agency
Green Card
Immigration Law
Rajiv's Comments in the News - America’s SC: Courts need not defer to federal agency decisions – it’s a mixed bag for the Indian diaspora
Published by: The Times of India: July 04, 2024
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/111484076.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
New Policy Guidance on Noncompliance with EB-5 Regional Center Program
Release Date
USCIS is issuing policy guidance on new provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that cover consequences for noncompliance with the EB-5 Regional Center program.
USCIS Form Update: G-1055, Fee Schedule
USCIS recently updated the following USCIS form:
Eligibility for 1-year H-1B extension under 365-day rule based on PERM filed on November 1, 2023
Question details
My PERM was filed on November 1, 2023, and my current visa expires on October 10, 2024. Am I eligible to apply for a one-year extension based on the 356-day rule? If so, is July a good month to apply for a one-year extension?
OR do I need to travel back to my Country and apply for an extension after 1st November 2024?
FAQ Transcript
H-1B extensions beyond 6 years are possible through an approved I-140 or a PERM labor certification pending for 1 year. For PERM-based extensions, you can apply before the 1-year mark, but the extension only becomes effective after a full year. For example, if your PERM was filed on November 1, 2023, and your current H-1B expires in October 2024, you could apply for an extension in July 2024. However, the extension would only be effective from November 1, 2024. You may need to leave the country temporarily if there's a gap between your current H-1B expiration and the extension's effective date.
My sincere thanks to Rajiv Khanna's team, particularly Diane Lombardo for their efficient service. I was really impressed by their clear, concise and prompt responses to my queries at all times. I strongly recommend them for any immigration related services.