NSC Updates – 05/19/09
I-131 and I-765
With the exception of the I-765s for OPT for which there is a few weeks lag time all other I-131s and I-765s are being worked by the NSC as soon as they arrive at the center.
Screening of cases
Search
DOL Updates – 05/19/09
DOL persuades users to use the new iCERT
The old LCA system will be extended by DOL starting from May 14, 2009 to June 30, 2009. Hence DOL urges users to use the new iCERT during the transition period and to send a feedback on bugs by email.
Some of the new features implemented by DOL with the launch of the new system
Nebraska Service Center Pre Adjudication I-485 AOS
NSC has reported that they are trying to pre-adjudicate cases so when the priority dates become current, an approval notice is sent immediately.
NSC Updates – 05/26/09
I-140 backlog
USCIS has recently updated the number of petitions they have pending. The backlog for I-140 was 40,000 in October and now it is down to 10, 000.
I-485
USCIS has indicated that the EB-485 team at the NSC center is pre-adjudicating cases and will be ready to approve cases as soon as the priority date becomes current.
Filing an appeal
H-1 Quota Count as of May 22, 2009
USCIS states that as of May 22, 2009 it has received approximately 45,700 H-1B cap-subject cases. So, the cap is still not reached. Also, USCIS has received approximately 20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption. USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions.
Law Extends Non-Minister Special Immigrant Religious Worker Program
USCIS advises its customers that Public Law 111-9, signed by President Obama on March 20, 2009, extends the non-minister special immigrant religious worker program through Sept. 29, 2009. The program had expired on March 6, 2009.
USCIS Updates FY 2010 H-1B Count
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced information on the number of filings for H-1B petitions for the fiscal year 2010 program. USCIS has received approximately 45,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap.
Updated List of SEVP Approved Schools
ICE updated its list of Student and Exchange Visitor Program approved schools. Please visit the link below.
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/assets/certified-school-list-04-28-21…
Visa Bulletin May 2009
Visa Bulletin Archives
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Visa Bulletin May 2009
Number 8
Volume IX
Washington, D.C.
Green Card
Visa Bulletin for June 2009
Number 9
Volume IX
Washington, D.C.
A. STATUTORY NUMBERS
Agency
Green Card
Visa-Bulletin for June 2009
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly publication of the Bureau of Consular Affairs within the U.S. Department of State. The Bulletin provides information on immigration, visas, and refugee admissions as well as other topics.
USCIS Modifies Application for T Nonimmigrant Status
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has revised Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status (edition date 3/30/09). Previous editions of Form I-914 will be accepted for 30 days. The final date USCIS will accept previous editions of Form I-914 is June 6, 2009.
Guestbook Entry for RAM NARAYANAN, United States
Name
RAM NARAYANAN
Country
United States
State
CA
Guestbook Entry for Srinivas R Patelu, United States
Name
Srinivas R Patelu
Country
United States
State
Virginia
Labor Cert reopened and approved after case closed for over one year
We have recently been able to successfully reopen a labor certification and get the case approved after it had been closed because of what we feel were errors by two previous lawyers retained by employer. Our client had her case denied and closed over ONE YEAR ago. We were retained for a consultation and in-depth review. It appeared obvious that the employer and the employee were not at fault. It took some effort but the facts were compelling enough that USDOL reopened the case in the interest of justice. The case was approved last week. We truly appreciate the fairness shown by USDOL.
Green Card
From H-4 to F-1
Some questions from the community:
I have been on H-4 for almost 3 yrs now, and starting my MS in Spring 09 (on H4 status itself). But now I want to change to F-1 for personal reasons. I have the following doubts. request your clarification:
a. If I want to get my F-1 stamped from India, do I need to submit I-539 form also to the ISO of my school ?
No. An I-539 is used if you want to change status within USA.
b. How long should I be on F-1 before when I will be eligible to apply for OPT and work using the same?